A picture-perfect day in Miami often includes spending time in a backyard pool. The stillness and calm experienced relaxing in the water help to lessen the stresses of everyday life. Pools can also boost mental health as a fun, joint-friendly form of exercise. According to the US Government’s Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), physical activity is good for the body and mind alike. While you’re in a swimming pool, you can get a good workout that makes the lazy times in the pool that much more rewarding. There’s no need for a trainer or special equipment to maintain that coveted Miami health. A survey conducted by Lending Tree found an average of three out of ten homes in Miami already have this great piece of exercise equipment ready to use just outside their back door.
Warm-up and Total Body Exercises
As with any exercise regimen, it’s important to warm up your muscles before strenuous exercise. In a pool, this is simplified because of the overall resistance the water provides every movement. Water workouts are also more comfortable for individuals with joint pain or chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and fibromyalgia.
A simple walk around the pool in chest high water can help improve stamina, muscle tone and flexibility while burning more calories than you would on land (according to the Arthritis Foundation). Once you’ve warmed up, there are a variety of basic movements that can provide a total-body workout.
- Raising the knees high while walking and swinging the arms through the water is a good basic workout.
- Simply spreading your fingers to push against the water can increase the intensity of any movement.
- Jumping jacks are a fun calisthenic that may be difficult on dry land. The buoyancy of the water provides a buffer for joints that otherwise could be injured.
- Standing and kicking the legs as high as possible while swinging the opposite arm can improve balance and the flexibility of back and leg muscles.
Pool Exercise Safety
While working toward better mental and physical health in Miami, it’s equally important to practice safety in any workout.
- Avoid working out in any pool heated above 90 ˚F (32 ˚C).
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after an exercise session. Sufficient hydration can help prevent cramps, which can be painful and even life-threatening.
- If you’re not a strong swimmer, use a flotation device such as a floatation vest or buoyancy belt.
- Start slowly with short regimens. The fun factor of being in a pool can mask the workout your muscles are getting. Better to start slowly than overdo it and wake up to overly sore muscles the next day.
If you already have or are planning to have a pool installed at your Miami home, contact the experts at Somar Pools. They can help you in the service, construction, repair or remodeling of your pool to create your ideal workout and fun center for both your mental and physical well-being.