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Pool Circuit Workout
Last night, I pulled out my swim suit and headed to the aquatic center for my first “workout” back at school. The indoor pool’s “Free Swim” hours started at 7pm, and it had been cold, gray, and rainy all day. I was so excited about going swimming all day, until 7pm rolled around when the sun had set, the wind kicked up and it started to drizzle. By then, the idea of shedding my comfy sweatshirt and jumping into the water had lost its glamour.
But I had my mind set on getting in a decent workout, and planned the following circuit:
The cool thing about circuits is you can go at your own pace. And in my case, I took it pretty leisure. But I can report that my arms are indeed feeling a little sore and I LOVE IT! Haven’t felt soreness in weeks, and call me a freak but it feels good : )
Now, I was expecting the pool to be pretty empty, considering it was rainy and cold, and a school night. I was wrong, and I’m pretty sure I made a fool of myself. First of all, swimming is NOT my strong suit. In a triathlon, I’d be at a complete disadvantage from
the start because I don’t like to get water in my eyes and I can hold my breath for approximately 4.2 seconds. But aside from my lack of technique, I was the only one to come in a hot pink bikini. My fellow night-swimmers were clad in Speedo one-pieces with professional-looking swim caps/nose clips/goggles. They looked like they were going to the Olympics, while I looked like I was going to the beach.
Also – is there such thing as lane etiquette? I’m pretty sure I need a lesson… Badly. I started out in my own lane, but as the pool filled up, two guy swimmers asked to share the lane. I had just assumed that pool lanes were treated like driving – always stay on the right side. So when I reached one end of the pool and turned around, I naturally moved to the right side each time. After awkwardly zig-zagging back and forth for several laps, the two guys got out and moved to the next lane. I then noticed that the other swimmers were sticking to one side of their lane. Rookie Mistake!
Swimming was definitely a good way to work the legs and arms without pounding or pressure, and I’m excited to build up some strength in the pool for the next few weeks (while learning my lane etiquette in the process.)
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Aqua-Jogging: Refreshing Summer Work Out
Summer vacation is winding down, time to soak up the sun. On this 100+ degree day, I was grateful to have my friend Bre’s pool to cool off in (last week Bre & I made these cookies). If you have a pool, this will be the easiest workouts to accomplish. I’d imagine you’d be swimming anyways; why not get some cardio in?!
The pool session began with leisure swimming and tanning. I came prepared!
AQUA JOGGING: maintaining a jogging position and motion while staying afloat in water with or without a floatation device. It’s a low impact alternative that reduces stress on joints.
Your legs will be moving like you are pedaling a bicycle, while you pump your arms back and forth, keeping your back tall and abs engaged. It truly is a full body workout and is an excellent interval exercise. While your legs and arms will be moving quickly, your body will not travel through the water that fast. It’s about effort, not speed.
This looks more intimidating than it really is. The easy swims are your recovery in between sets of aqua jogging, and you will notice it is 50% of the previous interval’s length of time.
The effectiveness of the workout comes from the intensity of your jogging motion; rapid arm and leg movement will bring your heart rate right up!
*Think of the 5 minute intervals as your 3 mile running pace effort.
The 3 minute intervals = 1 mile running effort.
1 minute intervals = all out sprint. Gain as much ground as you can!
BONUS: you can’t tell you’re breaking a sweat when you’re in the water!
Of course we had to take advantage of the weather and soak up some sun in the backyard. We even had company from Bre’s puppy Levi!
Stay cool! Tomorrow stronglikemycoffee.wordpress.com becomes stronglikemycoffee.com. Thanks for reading and sharing! :) Pin it on Pinterest!
