Don’t let snow and chilly temperatures keep you from your exercise program. Instead, take your workout to an indoor pool. Water offers a natural form of resistance that’s easy on the joints. Regularly performing a variety of exercises in the pool will keep your muscles strong and ready for your favorite spring activities. “It’s a very challenging workout, but in a completely different way,” says Bruce Camp, group fitness and yoga studio manager at Life Time in Minnetonka. Here are a couple of options:
1. SQUAT JUMP
Benefits: Strengthens your legs while giving your heart and lungs a workout.
A. Squat down as far as you’re able to while keeping your knees over your toes. Your head and shoulders should be above water the entire time.
B. Push through your heels to jump explosively off the pool floor. Your upper body will pop out of the water.
C. Land softly and repeat.
2. UPPER BODY PUSH-PULL
Benefits: Works your chest, back, shoulders, arms and legs.
A. Step one foot forward into a lunge. Your front foot should be fl at on the floor and your head and neck should be above water. Bend your elbows out to the sides and bring both hands next to your chest so your palms face forward.
B. Actively push your palms forward until your arms are straight and then actively pull them back to your chest. Repeat.
C. To make this move harder, increase your pace or add more resistance using hand paddles or light dumbbells. Alternate your lead leg with each round.
A great way to stay fi t and have fun with others is to join Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s Silver&Fit program, available to Medicare members.