Deep Water Exercise Routines

Exercise should be a part of everyone's life. It is important for your health and mental well being. There are many forms of exercise. Some people like to exercise in the swimming pool, swimming laps, doing water aerobics or engaging in deep water exercise routines. Getting exercise in the water is easier on the body, especially the joints and muscles. Exercising in the water is great for people with different medical conditions, including the elderly and pregnant women.

Warm-up

• As with any exercise program, it is recommended that you do a warm-up routine before embarking on your full workout in the water. Warm-ups should include at least 5 minutes of stretching and warming your muscles before your main workout. These are typically done on land, gently stretching the muscles of your upper and lower body.

  Sitting on the ground, spread your legs apart in a "V," and reach toward your toes on your left foot, then on your right. You should let your back relax and stretch out as well. Your shoulders and arms need a good stretch too, so stretch your arms away from your body as far as they will reach, letting gravity pull them out. You can end this stretch with a leg hug, by pulling one leg at a time up to your body and hugging it.

  Another good stretch before getting into the water is to stand with your legs apart in a V-shape, then gently bend over your left foot, then your right. Let your back relax as it bends over each knee and leg. This will also help to stretch and relax the lower back and the backs of the legs.

Deep Water Exercise Routines

• Deep water exercising means that you are exercising in water that comes up to about the neck area. Deep water exercising is considered a no-impact exercise routine that is easy on all parts of the body. In a deep water routine, you can run in place, jog, tread water, do sit-ups, work on kickboxing moves, do jumping jacks and much more. If you need to, you can hold on to a flotation device if you do not feel stable during the workout.

  Some people prefer to do a water aerobics program, which also can be done in deeper water. This type of workout usually includes music to dance to. You do dance moves in the water which also can burn a lot of calories. If you need, this exercise program can start in more shallow waters if you are a beginner, then as you feel more comfortable you can work your way up to dancing in deeper waters.

  The key with deep water exercise routines is that you want to get all the parts of your body moving. Deep water exercise routines are geared for that. You can use your arms and legs simultaneously, and because you are working against the water, you are burning more calories with the water's resistance. The water creates a drag force when doing a deep water workout. This means that your limbs are working against the water.

  Many athletes prefer to do deep water exercise routines because of the high-intensity workouts they get, as well as they are safe for their muscles and joints. Deep water workouts are also prescribed for patients with arthritis, asthma, obesity and others. Deep water workouts even allow athletes to work on their game. You can do soccer kicks, kickboxing and even cross-country skiing moves, all under the water.