Tips for Water Workouts

By: Kamen Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Some people go as far as to confuse the water intake with people's intention to loose weight. But the fact is that the essential place of water in one's diet extends to everyone whether they want to loose weight, gain weight or stay at the same weight. This is true for many reasons, apart from the most famous one: that 60-70% of the human body is being composed of water.

Since exercise, breathing, and any other human function, leads to sweat and water being extracted from the human body, people should plan ahead and replenish the lost water quantities regularly. This is essential if people do not wish to experience the dangerous state of dehydration. As a result, because our mere existence is directly related and affected by our water intake-this being the most important element of the human body-we have to drink as much water as necessary to keep our physical state healthy and be capable of performing any type of action.

People should start paying attention to their water intake 2-3 hours before getting to the gym or begin jogging. In addition, drinking at least 2-3 cups of water during the exercise routine is considered a must, as well as consuming another cup immediately before the start of the exercise. Without this extra water before and during the exercise the body becomes dehydrated and muscles will not work as effectively as they should. This means that a less water-based workout will not produce the same results as one that is.

Thus, once the exercising starts, people have to continue drinking water frequently. Keeping a bottle of water near the treadmill or on the floor beside your weight lifting machine, acts as a reminder that water has to enter your system for it to work perfectly and be at its best state. A good rule of thumb is to drink one cup of water every 15-20 minutes of physical workout.

6 Tips for Water-Friendly Workouts:

1. Although aqua workouts are considered one of the gentlest, please consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
2. Make sure the body part you want to exercise is fully submerged.
3. Any exercises should be slow and gentle under the water.
4. Complete each exercise to its full range of motion.
5. Stop immediately if you experience any pain.
6. Start with 5 repetitions and gradually move up to 8 and then 10 – once you feel comfortable.

If you are a water workout novice, and are looking to add a new challenge to your aqua workout routines, try incorporating some free-standing cardio equipment – such as:

Aqua floats – These easily strap onto various parts of the body – the upper arms, ankles, waist and wrist - and keep the body buoyant in the water. The most popular float used in water aerobics classes is the flotation belt. These are used for exercising in deep water because they keep your body afloat and in proper alignment during your workout.

Kick boards – These also support your weight so you can perform lower body exercises in the water.

Swim fins – Although these are typically used for scuba diving and snorkeling, shorter swim fins are used for adding resistance (or webbed feet) to your water workout.