Burn Those Calories…The Aqua Aero Way!

When it comes to fads in fitness, you might be thinking, "Oh no! Here we go again. What crazy moves am I going to have to do this time?" But if you’re really looking for a good all-around form of aerobic exercise to give you the total body workout you need, give aqua aerobics a try! This form of exercise is really making waves in the fitness arena. Why? Because it’s so effective! Let me tempt you a little bit. With aqua aerobics, you burn twice the calories doing aerobic activity in the water than you would out of the water and it’s half as tiring! Check out these stats (Based on a 30-minute workout):

Land walking: 135 calories vs. Deep water walking: 264 calories

Jogging on land: 240 calories vs. Deep water jogging: 340 calories

Although aqua aerobics provides a totally non-impact workout, it is effective in enhancing cardio-respiratory fitness and muscle strength. So jump into the water and lets get started!

Karate Kicking
Stand with arms extended to the side, shoulder level, or with hands on your waist. Lift right leg in front of you, bending your knee so that it forms a 90-degree angle. As you do this, bend your left supporting leg slightly to prepare you to jump slightly—kicking your left leg up to extend in front of you, while support transfers to the right leg as it touches the pool floor. This exercise works the front (quads) and back (hamstrings) of the thighs. Do 10 reps then repeat starting with left leg.

Running
Dash with a little splash! Run from one end of the pool to the other. This is no piece of cake—the water provides extra resistance for that extra burn! With each lap you make, try increasing speed or lifting knees higher as you run. Think Baywatch!

Punching
Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart. Position closed fists by your hips. Fists should be facing upward. At this point, elbows are facing back but try squeezing your elbows together slightly so you feel your triceps working. Extend one arm forward to shoulder level, fists facing down, while the other is still resting on your hip. Alternate punches 20 times. Increase punching speed to increase intensity.

Bicycle Kicking
With back facing the edge of the pool, lift your arms to hold on for support. Lean back a little and tilt the pelvis forward slightly. As you would on a bicycle, rotate legs in a circular motion forward and back. Do 20 rotations, increasing speed for increased intensity.

Pendulum Swinging
Stand with arms extended to the side, shoulder level. Lift right leg slightly and swing it to cross over your left supporting leg to work the inner thighs. Swing it towards your right, lifting the leg away from the body while keeping the hips square to work your outer thigh. Aim to form a 90-degree angle. Do 10 reps, then repeat with left leg.

Do exercises in neck-level deep water.

Remember, any aerobic activity in the water can do wonders for your body! So don’t be shy and get creative with your workout! Just keep in mind the muscle groups that you’re working on for each exercise to be sure that they are targeted properly. In no time you’ll be strutting in your bikini out of the pool for everyone to see!