How to Use Water Exercise Equipment

If a dull water workout is drowning your fitness goals, this guide will up the fun factor with some floating favorites.

Author:
Howcast
Updated:
Nov 7, 2018
Original:
Feb 3, 2011

Instructions

Step 1: Target legs and arms separately Target your legs and arms separately for a more intense workout by using a kickboard to get a good leg workout and then a pull float to focus on those arms.
TIP: Rotate your body from side to side as you kick and swim to work your core.
Step 2: Increase drag Increase the water's drag with webbed gloves for your hands and scuba fins for your feet. These will make your muscles work harder and add a real kick to your cardio routine.
Step 3: Use a floating belt Use a floating belt, or better, a pool noodle, to help keep your head above water so you can spend more time focusing on each exercise rather than worrying about going under.
Step 4: Incorporate buoys Incorporate buoys, like foam dumbbells and bars, to work your arms. Use the resistance of the water to push the dumbbells down and then resist letting them float back up.
Step 5: Wear cool shoes Protect your feet from a textured pool floor or small rocks in a lake with a pair of water shoes. This will also aid your balance and traction when you workout.
TIP: Water shoes will weigh your legs down, keeping your body vertical as well as increasing the drag as you kick.
Step 6: Practice correct form Practice correct form as you use your exercise equipment and monitor your exertion level as you work. With a little practice, you'll be able to elevate your routine to the next level.
FACT: While early diesel-powered submarines could stay submerged for only a few days, today's nuclear-powered submarines can stay underwater for months at a time.