Swimming – Individual Activities

Swimming is a sport that can be practiced in many ways. Swimming is often a better exercise option than running or biking because it’s a low-impact activity, so it’s better for the joints and bones of young and old, as well as everyone else.

However, swimming laps can be boring, and most of the time the pool is not available for a full game of water polo. So what can you do in the water that is a fun way to burn calories and lose weight?

Water aerobics are popular because they burn the same number of calories as step aerobics without the impact. You can exercise your legs and core while holding on to the edge of the pool. Try to do crunches by bringing your legs up to your chest using only your abdominal muscles (don’t forget to keep your knees together). You can also work your thighs and glutes by holding the wall and kicking up and back one leg at a time. Many gyms offer aerobics classes, which are great because you have a group of friends to work out with!

Walking. Believe it or not, walking in a pool is tricky business. Due to buoyancy, your body wants to float; don’t let it Walk the short way through the shallow end, swinging your arms in the breaststroke motion. When you get to the other end, turn around and do it again, but this time with a lunge. Make sure your feet make solid contact with the bottom of the pool. 3 more short laps of this and you’ll feel it in your legs and core.

Diving for treasure. Pool games aren’t just for kids! Throw corks, pennies, or whatever you can find into the deep end of the pool. Starting at the shallow end, swim up, pick up an item, and return it to the shallow end. See how many you can collect in 5 minutes, always swimming back to the shallow end between dives. You can use the same shot each time, or change it up to practice multiple shots at once.