6 Water Workouts to Try This Summer

    

 Summer is the perfect season to embrace the outdoors and stay active. It’s also an ideal time to dive into pools, rivers, oceans, ponds, or any other available body of water.

Swimming and paddling are not only refreshing but also provide excellent low-impact fitness opportunities. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact of gravity, while its resistance helps you work out hard without putting stress on your bones and joints.

This summer, why not try some water-based activities? Here are a few of our favorite water workouts from recent years.

1. Turn lap swimming into a workout.

While it's great to get into the water and swim until you're tired, there are significant benefits to enhancing your routine if you have regular access to a lap pool. Consider stepping up your swimming game for even greater rewards.

2. Paddle a kayak.

Kayaking offers an excellent core and upper body workout while allowing you to explore hidden natural wonders that are often inaccessible by foot.

To kayak effectively without overworking your arms, you need to engage your legs and core with each paddle stroke. It requires practice, and dedicated kayakers spend years perfecting their technique. In this article, we provide you with the essential basics to get started.

3. Try a pool exercise routine.

Not everyone enjoys swimming laps—some find it boring, others too tiring, and some simply struggle to stay afloat. If that sounds like you, or if you're looking for a great low-impact workout, consider pool exercises. These routines range from gentle exercises for older adults and those recovering from injuries to intense workouts that can challenge even the fittest athletes.

In this article, we provide resources for finding classes and share a workout you can try during your next visit to the pool.

4. Stand up on a paddleboard.

Stand-up paddling (or SUPing) has surged in popularity over the past couple of decades. What started as a novel use for old surfboards has evolved into a sport of its own. Paddleboarding offers a unique perspective above the water’s surface, allowing you to explore lakes and rivers while enjoying a fantastic workout. Unlike kayaking, where you remain seated, SUPing requires constant engagement of your legs for balance and maneuvering.

It takes some practice to master the technique, so be prepared to take a few falls into the water. This guide will help you get started with stand-up paddling.

5. Get outside and swim.

For experienced swimmers seeking variety or those who dislike the taste of chlorine, open water swimming is a great option. Whether you choose a lake, a gentle river, or the ocean, swimming in natural bodies of water provides a range of new experiences and challenges.

In this article, we offer tips to help you venture beyond the confines of buoyed lanes and enjoy the freedom of open water swimming.

6. Go surfing — in town.

Living in a big city doesn’t mean you can’t spend a summer day catching waves. While famous surf spots are often found in places like Maui or Southern California, many urban areas, including New York and Boston, also offer great opportunities to learn the sport. The waves in these areas are typically small and forgiving, and some spots are even accessible by public transit.