Water is one of the best places to work out during the dog days of summer. Not only is it guaranteed to be cool, even when the weather isn’t, it’s a great substitute for the gym. With a density about 800 times greater than air, water adds intensity to everyday movement. Compared to running, the energy cost of swimming is about four times greater over the same distance.
Elite swimmers have perfected their technique to eliminate as much drag as possible, swimming more efficiently than someone whose strokes are less polished. Hence, the reason so many people find swimming laps exhausting. But there’s more ways to work out in the water than doing laps.
Aqua fitness uses the viscosity of the water to its benefit, moving purposely to add resistance to every movement. The same goes for water running, which offers a tough workout without the impact stress of pounding the pavement. To help explore new ways to move in the water when it’s too hot to move on land, here are three summer-friendly water workouts.
