HGTV.comHGTV.com

Water Aerobics 101

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-722 -- More Projects »
Fitness guru Vivian Mercado explains how to use a pool as your gym and increase your cardiovascular endurance with water aerobics.
PHOTO

Figure A

  • As with any good exercise routine, begin with a warm-up and stretches to get the blood flowing. Try jogging in place for a few minutes, then stretch out calf muscles (figure A).

  • For the aerobic portion, jump forward and backward for an interval, then side to side. Finish by jumping up and down in the water.
PHOTO

Figure B
PHOTO

Figure C
PHOTO

Figure D
PHOTO

Figure E
  • Next, jog in place, moving hands through the water to increase the workload.

  • Do jumping jacks. Jump to open position, then bring legs together, crossing your feet.

  • After the aerobics, use equipment for toning muscles: For the chest and arms, push a kickboard through the water (figure B). Use water bottles like dumbbells to work the upper arm (figure C). For the stomach, hold a beach ball in front of you and try to push it under water by leaning forward (figure D).

  • Cool down with a power walk through the water.

  • Finish the workout with a full-body stretch (figure E).
    • Guests
    Vivian Mercado
    Fitness Expert, Aquatic Exercise Association
    E-mail: vivian.mercado@hotmail.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-722
    •Celebrate With Flowers
    •Water Aerobics 101
    •Cleaning Appliances
    •Smart Solution of the Day
    HGTV.com
    Services Popular Content About
    Our Sister Sites

    Comparison Shop for Home Decor & Garden Tools at Shopzilla & BizRate

    UpMyStreet and uSwitch.com provide UK comparison services.

    © 2008 Scripps Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.