Water exercises, also known as aqua exercises, have taken the fitness world by storm.
With the rise in popularity of aqua exercises, people of all ages and fitness levels can now take advantage of the numerous benefits that come with working out in water. One of the most significant benefits of aqua exercises is that they provide low-impact workouts, making them ideal for people with joint problems.
Additionally, water exercises are an excellent way to enhance balance, endurance, and overall body strength. In this article, we discuss the top six aqua exercises that can help you achieve a stronger core.
1. Planks
Planking is a great way to strengthen your core, but did you know you can do it in water too? To perform a plank, you need to get into a push-up position with your hands resting on the edge of the pool, ensuring that your shoulders are directly above your elbows. Keep your feet together and straighten your body to form a straight line from head to toe. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds while maintaining steady breaths.
2. Jogging
Jogging inside a pool is a great way to engage your core, as it requires your body to work harder to keep you afloat. You can try jogging in shallow water, gradually increasing the depth to increase resistance.
Start with jogging in place and move forward gradually as your body adapts to the movement.
3. Flutter Kicks
Flutter kicks are a fantastic way to strengthen your core, targeting your abs, and lower back. Get into the pool, holding the side of the pool while floating on your stomach.
Straighten your legs, bringing them together, and move them up and down quickly, ensuring that your toes do not break the surface of the water. Try doing this exercise for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat several times.
4. Reverse Crunches
Reverse crunches offer an excellent way to work your lower abs. To perform reverse crunches in water, you need a pool noodle to help you keep your balance. Put the pool noodle behind your back, holding both ends with your hands.
Then, place your elbows on the edge of the pool’s deck while keeping your feet up and in front of your body. Bring your knees towards your chest, and then extend your legs out, ensuring that they do not touch the bottom of the pool. Repeat this movement to strengthen your core and tone your abs.
5. Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches are an effective way to tone your abs, burn fat, and increase core strength. You can perform bicycle crunches in water using floaties or pool noodles to help you keep your balance.
Get into the water, holding the pool noodle in front of your chest with both hands. Push your legs out to where the water is at chest level, then pull your left leg in towards your chest while twisting your body and bringing your right elbow to meet your left knee.
Do the same movement with your right leg and left elbow to complete one cycle.
6. Water Aerobics
Water aerobics are an excellent way to get a full-body workout while improving balance, endurance, and core strength. Simple exercises such as jumping jacks, leg lifts, and leg swings can help you engage your core and achieve a stronger midsection.
Water aerobics is perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal way to work out in the water.
Conclusion
Aqua exercises offer an excellent alternative to traditional gym workouts, providing countless benefits such as low-impact workouts, full-body resistance, and better balance.
Incorporating these six exercises into your aquatic workout routine will help you achieve a stronger and more toned core. Performing these exercises correctly and consistently will ensure that you experience all the benefits of water sports and improve your overall health.