Summer is the perfect time to get in shape and shed those extra pounds that have been holding you back. If you have calories to burn, there is no need to spend hours running in the blazing heat. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to work out in the swimming pool. The water will keep you cool and help you bump up your calorie burn instantly. Here are 7 ways to use swimming to lose weight.
Just the repetitive act of swimming laps from one end of the pool to the other can held you shed weight. The average woman will burn around 500 calories in one hour by swimming laps at a fast pace. That’s actually more calories than you would burn running!
Treading water is another big fat burner you can do in the pool. Head out to the deep in and then just start kicking your legs and moving your arms to keep your head above water. Make it into a game and see how long you can last. The resistance of the water makes this great for sharing your muscles and you will also be using your core to stay upright. Your heart rate will climb from the combined activity and you will hit a good fat burn within minutes!
The pool offers natural resistance to your body so you can use it to tone your problem areas. If you want to slim your thighs and shape your backside, try doing lunges across the shallow end of the pool. Go from one wall to the next in deep walking lunges. Hold each lunge for about 5 seconds before stepping into the next.
Throw a party and invite your friends to come play a round of volleyball in the water. Hit the deep end and you will be swimming, jumping, treading water, and working your body out in no time. Plus pool volleyball is so fun that you won’t even notice you are exercising. The only hint will be when you are a little sore in the morning!
If you thrive on competition, take your pool exercise routine to the next level with a friendly race. Invite your friends or your family to join you. Use a timer and have a race to see who can do 20 laps the fastest. Mix it up by doing different strokes. Do races using the butterfly stroke, back stroke, and freestyle.
For those who are already in pretty good condition, you can amp up your swimming routine with a weighted bathing suit. By adding extra weight, you will have more resistance and your calorie burn will increase. This is perfect for those who need to shed those last 5-10 pounds.
If you don’t have a pool at home, enroll in a class at your local hospital or fitness center. Most of the time, you can find a water aerobics class where you will work out in the pool. Even if you are feeling a little insecure about stepping out in a bathing suit, you will enjoy this class. Water aerobics are often the recommended activity for morbidly obese patients. It’s easier on the joints and fun! You probably won’t be the only one feeling weird in a bathing suit so just go for it.
These are just 7 ways to use swimming to lose weight, but there are many more creative workouts you can do in the pool. Take a plunge and burn some calories this summer. You will be moving into a smaller bathing suit in no time at all. What is your favorite water workout?
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