Water Workout Options: Aqua Hybrids and SUP Fitness
The water is a great place to get an amazing workout even if you’re not the best swimmer. There is even one type of water workout that may be the best for 100% of people wanting to improve cardio, strength, flexibility, and health. Here’s 3 tips to help you get started plus a bonus tip that will help you avoid foot issues.
1. Choose The Best Water Workout for Your Goals
Exercising in the pool can be fun and gentle or it can be an intense fat blasting workout. Your water workout can include cardio and stretch or just cardio and strength or pilates and yoga flow. The type of water workout you do should be based on your goals and your fitness level. It should also be a structured pool fitness routine that is time efficient yet fun! One of the best to try that is a great fit for most people is the Weightloss Pool Workout by MorMovement. It’s a well rounded routine that targets metabolism, strength, cardio, and mobility too. You don’t even need the webbed gloves!
2: Get The Right Pool Gear & Setup
Once you figure out what type of water workout is right for you, be sure to get the right gear for your needs. Maybe you want to get into some hybrid pool mat workout like the ones I’ve filmed with my clients in the video here. You’ll need a pool mat and a way to anchor in the center of your pool. If you’re mostly interested in improving your cardio and strength then consider getting a pair of aqua bells, some webbed gloves, a push plate or ankle fins to boost results. The options for pool workout gear will amaze you and while my pool yoga mat can be found on amazon, all the other really great aqua gear is on specialty sites like swim outlet.
Here’s the pool mat I’ve been using with clients. Its easier to balance but does not include a paddle or fins.
Here is another SUP workout I filmed at the lake. To check out all the SUP workouts I’ve filmed at various locations check out my Outdoors Fitness Playlist here.
3: Be Organized & Have A Plan
The best way to get amazing results from your water workouts in the pool or on the lake or ocean is to treat your aqua workout like you do all your other workouts. Schedule it in, have your gear ready to go and have a plan or routine that you’ll be following. The Liquid Pilates routine from FitMotivation is a great one to try. They also offer other aqua classes online if you need more variety in your water workout routine.
Of course if you’re going to a class the routine will be taken care of for you BUT be sure to reserve your spot. If training solo at a public pool with your own routine then be sure to reserve a lane which isn’t always easy in the hot summer months. If you are training in your pool at home you’ll want to have a time that is convenient with minimal distractions. If you’re training on a lake or ocean be sure to find a low traffic spot where you will not be interrupted too much.
Bonus Tip: Wear Water Shoes & Sun Protection
Water shoes are one of those things that may seem optional but if you start training weekly in the water you’ll quickly realize that your feet need protection and support. You’ll have better grip, fewer foot cramps, and no chaffing or abrasions from the pool bottom or a rough entry spot at the lake or ocean. If you’re not into tons of sun damage you should also consider sun protection in the form of a hat, sunglasses, sunblock and SPF clothing. The added bonus of wearing protective clothing is that it adds weight which makes your workout more challenging!
