When you’re out looking at pools to buy, the last thing on your mind is your cardiovascular health. As you look at page after page of pools for sale, you’re thinking more about games of chicken, diving in the deep end and relaxing on a hot summer day. In reality, an investment in a new pool is also an investment in your health.
Owning a pool puts an entire gym in your backyard that offers you the opportunity to burn fat, tone muscles and improve your heart health. In this post, we are going to look at some of the best fat-burning and toning exercises you can do in your new pool. After all, what’s the point in buying a pool if you aren’t going to work on that swimsuit bod?
K-Tread:
Swim in the deep end of your pool and tread water, making small circles with your hands cupped. Lift your right leg straight out in front of you, to hip level, keeping the toes on both feet pointed straight in the process. Hold this position for five seconds, and repeat with the opposite leg. Continue alternating legs, with five-second holds, for 30 seconds before resting. This exercise targets your arms, back, chest, abs, butt and hamstrings.
Otter Roll:
Every pool owner has an inflatable beach ball, or they should. If you do, it’s the perfect tool to assist you in this fat-burning exercise. Hug the beach ball close to your chest and float on your back with both legs extended, keeping your feet together. Roll toward your left side and over the top of the ball, using your entire body to make the full revolution. Take a breath, and roll back the opposite direction. Continue alternating the direction of your roll for 30 seconds.
Ball Lever:
Keep that beach ball handy, because you’re about to take your exercise up a notch. In this exercise, hold the beach ball out above your head as you float your body face down in the water. Pull the ball down underneath the water in front of you until you reach your thighs. As you pull the ball down, try to draw it toward your thighs as fast as you can while maintaining an arch on your motion. Continue doing the lever for 30 seconds before taking a rest. This exercise targets your shoulders, back, triceps and abs.
Pike Scull:
Last but not least, you’re going to focus on your abs, hips and arms. Standing in the shallow end of your pool, simultaneously sit back in the water and start treading with your hands by your sides. Lift both legs together so that you fold at the hips at a 90-degree angle. Your body should form a wide V, with your head and toes just above the water line. Maintain this position by moving your cupped hands in small circles and propel your body down the length of the pool with hip thrusts. Continue for 30 seconds, or until you reach the other end of the pool.
Pools are a great source of entertainment and relaxation at your house. However, buying a pool also presents you with an opportunity to improve your overall health if you put in a few minutes of activity each day.