Summer is the perfect time to get outside and be active, and to jump into any body of water you can find, whether that be a pool, a river, the ocean, or a pond.
Swimming and paddling are not only refreshing but also a low-impact way to stay healthy. The pull of gravity is less felt in water and the water offers more resistance, allowing for vigorous exercise without putting strain on bones and joints.
This summer, consider picking up a paddle or putting on your goggles, as we’ve rounded up some of our favorite water exercises from the last few years.
1. Make lap swimming your workout.
There’s nothing wrong with just getting in the water and swimming until you’re tired, but if you have regular access to a pool, you could actually benefit from taking your swimming to the next level.
A great way to get started is to learn the basics of swim training, like how to get the most out of your stroke and the importance of intervals. In this article, we’ll break down some basic terminology (what’s the difference between a 1×200 and a 4×50) and suggest some simple workouts to get you started.
2. Paddle a kayak.
Kayaking is a great core and upper body workout on the water, plus it allows you to experience countless hidden natural wonders you’d never find without a boat.
But to paddle properly without tiring your arms, you need to move your legs and torso as you paddle. This takes some practice, and serious kayakers spend a lifetime mastering the forward stroke. This article will teach you the basics.
3. Try some pool exercises.
Swimming is not for everyone. Some people find it boring, others too tiring. We just sink.
If that’s how you feel, or if you’re just looking for a great low-impact workout, pool exercises are worth considering. Some are geared toward seniors or people recovering from injuries, while others are tough enough to wear down any athlete.
In this article, we’ll give you some resources to find a class and introduce one workout you can try the next time you hit your local pool.
4. Stand on the paddle board.
Stand up paddling (SUP) has grown steadily in popularity over the past few decades. What was once just a little-known way to use an old surfboard has now become a sport in its own right.
Paddleboarding gives you a unique perspective from the water as you explore lakes and rivers. It’s also great exercise. Unlike kayaking, where you sit in the boat, stand-up paddle requires you to move your legs quickly to balance and move the board.
It takes some practice to get the hang of it, so be prepared to fall in the water a few times. This guide will help you get started.
5. Go outside and swim.
If you’re an experienced swimmer looking to change up your routine, or you simply hate the taste of chlorine, try your hand at open water swimming. Swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, calm rivers, and oceans offers a variety of new experiences and challenges.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips to help you break away from the norm and forge your own path.
6. Go surfing in the city.
Just because you live in a big city doesn’t mean you can’t spend your summer days riding the waves. While the most famous surfing spots might be Maui or Southern California, urban areas like New York and Boston are also great places to learn to surf. The waves are small enough that you’re OK, and some are accessible by public transportation.
In this article, we’ll share some resources and inspiration for you to become an urban surfer.
