When you think of water exercises, you might picture an elderly swim class equipped with swim caps and all. However, never underestimate the power of water. In fact, some of the most famous and strongest athletes in the world regularly exercise in the water. Cross training has recently become a popular form of exercise. The purpose is to improve overall importance, and high-impact, high-energy exercises are used to strengthen the entire body.
There are highly beneficial cross training exercises you can perform in the comfort of your own personal swim spa.
Why exercise in a swim spa?
Water offers several benefits for physical exercise. First is increased flexibility. In the water, since the effect of gravity is lessened, the body has a wider range of motion, allowing you to perform more movements. Second, is resistance. Resistance is great for those who want to be stronger, more powerful and better overall. Resistance is like lifting more weight without even trying.
What comes from added resistance? Increased calorie burn. It may be less hot, and the body may feel more buoyant under water, but with increased resistance your body actually has to work even harder. The reason it feels ‘easier’ is because exercises in the water are low impact, which is better for your body overall. Low impact exercises are easier on your joints and bones, since you are only supporting approximately 90% of your body weight instead of 100% out of water.
If you want to target all areas of the body, try these three cross training exercises to target the lower body, core, and upper body.
Tick-tock-hop- Lower body
For this exercise quickly jump from side to side while keeping your feet together. For the best results bend your knees as much as you can before jumping. This allows you to get the most out of the workout. Professionals recommend keeping it up for at least 1 minute without stopping at first then build up to 2 minutes.
Water plank- Core
Did you know you can even do planks in the water? Planks are the ideal core strengthener. For planks in the water you will need a pool noodle. Hold the noodle vertically in both hands. Press it down into the water towards the floor and lean forward until your body is on an incline and your head is just above water. Hold this position as long as you can. The goal of this exercise it to hold it between 1-2 minutes.
Fly backs- Upper body
Fly backs are a great exercise for your chest, back and arms. To do a fly back, start in a lunge position with your right knee bent and your left leg behind you. Arms should be straight out in front of you at chest height with your palms touching. Move arms out to the side of your body, keeping them straight throughout, then return them to the starting position. This is one rep. Do 2-4 sets of anywhere from 10-15 reps, switching your legs on every set.
Sound hard enough? Now you can practice for cross training without breaking (too much) of a sweet in the water. If you don’t have a swim spa, maybe it’s time to think about owning one!
Investing in a swim spa or hot tub can improve your overall quality of life. Life has many challenges, so reaping the benefits of a swim spa is something to think about. With so many options available, a great place to start would be to visit your local swim spa or hot tub retailer.
As a luxury brand hot tub and swim spa retailer, Paradise Spas and Outdoor Living can help make your aquatic lifestyle come true. If you live in the Austin, TX area stop by and browse our wide selection of swim spas and hot tubs by Master Spas. Swim spas are affordable, we work within your budget and conserve space. It is exercising taken to the next level. Having your own swim spa is like having your own trainer because there are so many exercises to do on your own, against the current!
Call Paradise Spas today and learn more about incorporating fitness, reducing stress and relaxing with a swim spa. Don’t forget to ask about the Michael Phelps Signature Series and the H2X swim spas, they are worth it!