Summertime Screams for Water Workouts
By Donna Stark
Wow! Can you believe another summer season is just weeks away? Where did all of the time go? It seems like just when you got your winter exercises down to a routine, it was time to switch it all up again. Now, instead of focusing on stationary bikes and treadmills, you can look to the great outdoors for inspiration. And one of the best and most logical exercises to do during the summer involves heading to a nearby pool, lake, or beach. Because nothing pairs with the sun better than a body of water, and water exercises are the perfect way to get your workout in during the warmer months.
Water Exercises for Summer
If you are looking for a low-impact exercise to add to your fitness routine this summer, look no further than your pool or the sandy beach down the road. In addition to getting your tan on, hanging out in the water is also a great way to increase your fitness and improve your overall health and wellness. Here are some of the benefits that water exercise can offer.
- Lowers the risk of injury - Water exercise is a great option if you are at all concerned about the impact on your joints. Because you are floating, the stress and strain that are typically present with other exercises is significantly decreased, and as a result, the risk of injury is lowered.
- Provides increased resistance - Unlike other workouts, there is a lot more resistance to push against when you are working out in water. This extra resistance can help you build strength, tone your muscles, and increase your endurance.
- Allows control - You can increase the intensity of your water exercises as much or as little as you want, and you can do so quite easily. It doesn't take much to try new strokes or different exercises, or to simply increase the length of time you spend working out in the water.
- Offers total body support - The support that is offered to the key parts of your body, such as the spine and joints, is what makes water exercises ideal. By exercising in water, you don't have to worry about the weight of your body bearing down on your spine, hip, or knees. You can confidently and safely work out knowing that you are doing your body some good.
Don't Forget the Sunscreen!
Before you leave for your workout, make sure you remember to apply sunscreen and double-check the safety notices if you are heading to open water. And just because you are hanging out in the water, that doesn't mean you don't need to drink some water before, during, and after your workout! Staying properly hydrated throughout all of your activities will help you enjoy your summer workouts so much more!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minn.