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Our physical abilities are one of the main limitations on our progress towards male fitness...
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Pool Workout
School is out and the weather is hot and humid. It's time for a cool and invigorating pool workout. Now is a great time to begin an aquatic exercise program. Aquatic exercise is easy on your joints, since your body only weights one sixth of what is does on land. But don't limit yourself to just swimming laps or treading water, there are a multitude of exercises you can do.
Water walking should be done in chest high water to just below the level the shoulders. Walk forward and backward varying your step length - some long steps, some short ones. You can do this in a circle and when you reverse direction, you feel the resistance of the water coming toward you. Various arm motions can also be included such as walking while doing biceps curls or triceps kickbacks, big arm swings forward and back, side straight arms lifts - for your shoulders and rowing motions.
Standing exercises in chest high water include legs lifts to the front, side and back with a straight leg and a bent knee. Big leg swings can be done by swinging the leg all the way forward and then directly back. Plie or straddle jumps are another great leg toning exercise.
Kickboards and noodles are very inexpensive swim aids, helping you remain buoyant while performing various exercises. Stride the noodle between your legs and bicycle in the deep water or cross country ski on it. A popular pool toy is a set of aquatic dumbbells. While wearing an aqua jogger, flotation vest and running in deep water you can do arm exercises using the aquatic dumbbells. Biceps, triceps and shoulder work can be done during your cardio session. Blast out some music and jog and get in shape. Your legs might not feel it while you are doing your workout but I guarantee you will feel the difference when you get out of the pool.
Don't let the summer heat and humidity get you off track with your exercise. Try adding variety or cross training to your program with aquatic exercise. Also think "early morning" if and when you go for land based outdoor exercise to avoid high temperatures. And lastly drink a lot of water. Proper hydration is especially important for your safety and comfort.
