Core exercises are an important part of an overall fitness routine, leading to improved balance and stability. They also help train the muscles in your pelvis, hips, lower back and abdomen to work in tandem. Water exercise is an ideal low-impact activity to improve core strength. While exercising, the natural properties of water take pressure off your joints and muscles for less pain and better results.
Start with water walking
If you are just beginning with water exercise, get started with water walking. Simply walk across the pool and swing your arms as you do when walking on land. If you have access to a swim spa, that’s even better. Walk back and forth against the current. You can easily adjust the water flow to increase or decrease the desired intensity.
Aquatic plow for core strength
This SwimEx exercise video is a step-by-step tutorial on how to perform the aquatic plow, a great exercise that improves core strength.
For even more resistance, add a kickboard as you walk through the water. It’s a great cardiovascular exercise that can be easily incorporated into any aquatic workout. See how to use a kickboard to engage the abdominal muscles. The push-and-pull style exercises also encourage proper posture and stabilization.
~ Authored by Liz Lecomte