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Exercises for weight loss in the pool

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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For effective weight loss, the most suitable exercises for weight loss are now considered to be those done in the pool.

Swimming, unlike aerobics, relieves the spine, and such physical activity takes place with minimal stress on the joints. Fitness or aerobics put a huge strain on the spine, and the more excess weight, the greater the strain. Therefore, swimming will help not only to lose extra pounds, but also to improve health.

For maximum efficiency, it is good to exercise according to a personal plan prepared by an experienced instructor. With the right selection of exercises, you can get a visible effect from the exercises, as well as make your figure more attractive, improve your health, and increase your performance.

Regular visits to the pool will help get rid of nervous and physical overstrain, improve blood circulation. Just a month of classes (2-3 times a week) will noticeably improve your figure, muscles will become more flexible and toned. During swimming, a water massage occurs, which is as gentle and effective as possible.

Half an hour of swimming in the pool will burn about 500 calories. The workout should last at least half an hour, after 2 weeks of such a load, the duration of the classes can be increased by another 30 minutes.

In the pool, you should start with a short five-minute warm-up (arbitrary movements in the water), then use inflatable rings or a ball to repeat different swimming styles. After five-minute sessions, you should take a two-minute break. The time of the swim, as well as the distance, should be gradually increased. At the end of the workout, you should gradually reduce the load, finishing the session with walking in the water.

Swimming pool exercises show good results, so this type of weight loss exercises is becoming increasingly popular. When using different swimming styles, almost all muscles are involved - the crawl style helps to strengthen the buttocks and biceps, the breaststroke - helps to effectively get rid of cellulite, strengthening the inner and outer thighs.

Now some fitness centers offer training in the pool with an experienced trainer. However, for various reasons, not everyone can attend individual classes. But independent training can also show good results, the main thing is to follow the basic principles of training.

To train your arms, you will need a small ball. You need to enter the water up to your collarbone, holding the ball in front of you, describe a figure eight, during the exercise, the main thing is not to raise your arms above your chest, watch your breathing. This exercise should be done 10-15 times in two approaches.

To strengthen the leg muscles, large cross steps are taken underwater. The back should be straight, the arms should be moved vigorously, the toes should be pulled. In water, it will not be possible to make movements quickly, and the load on the muscles will be distributed evenly. The exercise should be done until tension appears in the muscles.

Jumping in water. Squatting slightly, you need to push off with force, your arms should hang down along your body. You need to jump as high as possible, trying to spread your legs as much as possible. Repeat the exercise 10 times in three approaches.

Stretching exercises should be performed standing sideways near the side, leaning on it with one hand, legs together. Bend toward the side, throwing your arm over your head. The exercise is done 10 times for each arm.

It is important to remember that any training should be combined with a certain diet.

A set of exercises for weight loss in the pool

Any set of exercises should begin with a warm-up.

Before you start doing weight loss exercises in the pool, you need to get used to the water, then do a few warm-up exercises for your muscles, after which you can move on to the workout.

The set of exercises may include additional materials: balls, dumbbells, etc.

There are special weighting sets for training - bracelets for hands or feet, in which metal plates, gloves, etc. are fixed. You can also use special fins for feet or hands, although these devices are not suitable for beginners. All additional devices are usually included in the set of exercises when it is necessary to complicate the training, increase the load.

At the initial stage, exercises may consist of training the shoulder girdle (will help make the chest, neck, arms toned and beautiful), leg muscles, buttocks (will help reduce the appearance of cellulite). Such exercises will help increase the overall tone of the body, strengthen the immune system. Water exercises are especially useful for women's health - classes in the pool, affecting the organs in the pelvis and the body as a whole, reduce the likelihood of developing many women's diseases, in particular ovarian dysfunction, diseases of the appendages, and also alleviate the course of premenstrual syndrome.

Typically, instructors create initial sets of exercises according to the following plan:

  • breathing exercises;
  • warm-up;
  • basic exercises (up to 10 minutes);
  • swimming technique.

For intensive training, exercises are performed in approximately the following order:

  • warm-up;
  • basic exercises (up to 30 minutes);
  • exercises with additional loads (up to 15 minutes);
  • strength training, scuba diving;
  • final set of exercises.

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Abdominal exercises in the pool

There are quite a few pool exercises that will help strengthen your abdominal muscles. These exercises are great for people with weak abdominal muscles, poor circulation, women in the postpartum period, or those with some spinal problems. The abdominal muscles are one of the most important muscle groups because they protect the internal organs from damage. The abdominal muscles are the least flexible, so it is recommended to do the exercise at least twice a week:

  • at depth (where your feet don't touch the bottom), while in a vertical position, push off with your feet and turn over onto your back, then push off again and lie down on your stomach in the water. When doing the exercise to lose weight in the pool, it's important to make sure your feet are raised above the surface of the water. You need to repeat ten times without a break.
  • At a depth where your feet do not touch the bottom, you need to raise your legs at an angle of 900 to your torso (the “corner” exercise), then return to the starting position.
  • at depth, from the “corner” position, perform horizontal (crossing legs) and vertical (alternating kicks on the water) “scissors”.
  • At depth, lean your hands on the side and lie on your stomach, lower your straight legs to the bottom, then return to the starting position.
  • Also lying on your stomach at the side of the railing, as in the previous exercise, alternately pull your bent knees up to your chest, then return to the starting point.

Abdominal exercises in the pool

A toned abs is every woman's dream. Pool weight loss exercises will help make your tummy flatter:

  • the water level up to the chest, jump while simultaneously turning the body (about three minutes). When doing the exercise, you need to try to jump higher, turn more strongly, so that the oblique abdominal muscles work, and the waist becomes thinner.
  • Stretch your arms forward, quickly pull your knees up to your chest and then slowly lower them. Perform the exercise for about three minutes.
  • at a shallow depth, rest your hands on the bottom, squeeze the ball between your outstretched legs and lower it under the water (about two to three minutes).
  • sit on the bottom at a shallow depth. Raise your straight legs up, touch your toes with your hands and lower them slowly.
  • arms to the sides (depth up to the shoulders), lift the leg and perform circular movements from the side, front and back (try to keep the leg at the maximum height). The exercise should be performed at a moderate pace to feel the resistance of the water (about three minutes for each leg).

Pool exercises for buttocks

For the exercises you will need a support, which can be the side of the pool:

  • You need to hold onto the side of the pool with one hand, and perform ten swings forward and backward with the leg located near the wall of the pool, then change position and repeat the movements with the other leg.
  • holding onto the support with both hands (facing it), simultaneously move both legs back, trying to raise them to the maximum height - repeat 10 times.
  • Turn your back to the support, holding on with both hands, and move your legs alternately to create splashes.
  • holding on to a support (sideways) with one hand, walk, trying to lift your knees high; running in water with your knees raised as high as possible also tightens your buttocks quite well.

Exercises for weight loss in the pool will tone all the muscles of the body, you can do it even if you don’t know how to swim. Water exercises tone all the muscles, help to cope with the fear of water and normalize the body’s functioning as a whole.

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Swimming exercises in the pool

Swimming is considered an excellent way to lose extra pounds. During swimming, the load on the joints is reduced by almost three times, at the same time, due to the resistance of the water, the muscles are strengthened. Swimming is especially useful for the back, as it helps improve posture and reduce sprains. Weight loss exercises in the pool should not be limited to sluggish splashing in the water. In order for the fat to start going away, you need to not just swim, but alternate styles and intensities, which will keep the muscles in good shape and start the fat burning process in the body.

The most intense, and at the same time difficult and hard, swimming style is butterfly. If you have the appropriate physical training, you should swim this style for about 6 minutes, then you can switch to another style. The crawl style is the best in terms of energy expenditure and movement technique. You need to swim crawl for 20 to 30 minutes daily. If you are very tired, you can alternate styles (crawl, breaststroke, backstroke and crawl again). The breaststroke style requires full dedication and a lot of work, but during training in this style, you should pay attention to the correct work of the arms and legs. This style is quite technically difficult and often requires the help of an instructor in mastering this swimming technique.

Aqua aerobic exercises in the pool

Aqua aerobics is a special set of exercises in water. There are several programs: from basic ones, based on simple movements in water, to advanced ones, with complex gymnastic elements. Usually, exercises for weight loss in the pool are accompanied by music.

As a rule, exercises are performed at a shallow depth (waist or chest), but there are a number of exercises that need to be performed at great depth. For convenience, various devices are used (boards, aqua-discs, noodles, etc.), which help to stay on the water.

The resistance of water during exercise effectively develops muscles. The set of exercises is designed in such a way that all muscles are involved. When doing aqua aerobics, the main load falls on the lower part of the body.

The following types of exercises are widely used in classes:

  • ski step - take wide steps one after the other without long pauses, and at the same time make a small swing with the opposite arm (right arm, left leg and vice versa).
  • lunge - push your leg out in front of you and reach your toe with the opposite hand, return to the starting point without pausing, then repeat the exercise with the other leg.
  • float - pull your knees to your chest without pushing off with your legs, and press down hard with your hands (palms down). During the exercise, you need to keep your shoulders above the water level and your body in a vertical position.

The first aqua aerobics classes focus primarily on the correct body position in the water, breathing techniques, and some movements. As skills are acquired, the load increases

Pool exercises for legs

Like most other aqua aerobic exercises, leg exercises are performed in water at shoulder level:

  • cross step (left leg – right hand). The exercise must be performed as energetically as possible.
  • jumps - knees are half bent, arms are lowered, you need to push off as hard as possible, while stretching your arms upward.
  • stretching - the exercise is performed at the side, holding it with one hand. Bend to the side opposite the side, throwing your free hand behind your head.

Exercises for weight loss in the pool must be performed vigorously, trying to overcome the resistance of the water.

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Water exercises in the pool

Weight loss exercises in the pool are more practical and effective, compared to other physical activities. Exercises in water allow you to reduce the load on your joints and spine several times. In addition, during aqua aerobics classes, the possibility of injury is practically excluded.

Water exercises are great for those who are contraindicated to exercise (for example, with varicose veins). When doing exercises, the resistance of the water promotes good muscle work, which in turn leads to the destruction of subcutaneous fat.

The most effective exercises in water are running, jumping with turns, abdominal exercises, turns, leg (arm) swings.

Dumbbell exercises in the pool

Dumbbells have been used in aqua aerobics exercises for a long time. Now you can find dumbbells for aqua aerobics of various shapes and sizes. Most dumbbells are made of lightweight natural materials that are easy to float, such as cork. Foam dumbbells are also very popular, as they increase water resistance several times. Some manufacturers make dumbbells with removable discs, which allows you to increase or decrease the resistance force as needed.

Exercises for weight loss in the pool can be performed almost the same as in a regular gym. For example, at a depth of up to shoulder level, you can swing your arms to the sides or lift dumbbells, trying to touch your shoulder, bending your arm at the elbow joint

You need to work with dumbbells in the pool quickly so that the load is optimal. Exercises with dumbbells in water are more effective than in the gym, in addition, such loads such types of loads are maximally safe.

To get the most out of your workout, you need to alternate dumbbell exercises with classic aqua aerobics exercises.

Noodle exercises in the pool

Noodles are special gymnastics sticks. They are made of special lightweight materials that increase water resistance when immersed in water. With the help of noodles, an adult can easily stay afloat, so exercises for losing weight in the pool are included in aqua aerobics classes:

  • ladder - for this exercise, in addition to the noodle, you will need a regular ladder, which is available in almost all pools. Lying in the water on your stomach, hold on to one of the lower steps of the ladder with your foot or feet. Stretch your arms with the noodle in front of you, then forcefully lower it under the water and hold this position for 20-30 seconds and return to the original position. When doing the exercise, you should control your breathing.
  • anchor - lie down facing the water, place the noodle under your stomach, hold onto the side or ladder with your hands (body is completely straight), then lower your legs perpendicular to the body and return to the original position.
  • diver - during the exercise you will need to hold your breath underwater for a short time. The exercise is performed at a depth of up to the chin level, take the noodle in your hands so that there is about 50 cm between your hands.

Bend forward, forcefully submerging the noodle under the water, while simultaneously moving one leg back (it should look like a “swallow” - the back and leg are in one line), then return to the starting position and repeat the exercise with the other leg (10 times for each leg).

  • Squat turns – the exercise is performed standing in water up to the chest. Place your feet slightly wider than your shoulders, hold the noodle in your hands at a distance of 50 cm between your hands. Bend your knees (keep your head above the water), press on the noodle and pull it to your knees, then when returning to the original position, make a turn (when the noodle emerges, the body should turn along with the arms and then return to the starting point), then repeat the exercise with a turn in the other direction – repeat 10 turns in each direction.
  • lunges – the exercise is performed in water up to the chest. Place your hands on the ends of the noodle, which needs to be slightly bent so that it resembles the letter “U”, and hold it at chest level. Submerge the noodle in the water, then lunge forward with one leg and pass it over the resulting arc, the other leg remains straight, then return to the original position and repeat the exercise with the other leg (repeat 15 times for each leg).

Anti-cellulite exercises in the pool

Slimming exercises in the pool can also help solve the problem of cellulite. Exercises in water not only help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but also improve the health of the entire body. Swimming helps normalize metabolism, which helps in eliminating the "orange peel":

  • running in water – water level up to chest or waist. At the beginning, you need to do a warm-up run for about 3 minutes, then the intensity of the workout can be increased. For maximum effect, it is recommended to run in water for at least 15-20 minutes.
  • turns - standing near a support and holding onto it with your hands, perform a twist with the lower half of your body (it is important to ensure that your shoulders do not move).
  • scissors - stand with your back to the support, hold onto the support with your arms bent at the elbows and make cross movements with your legs.
  • kicks - stand facing the support, hold onto it with your hands and lie down on the water, parallel to the bottom and vigorously move your legs up and down.

Swimming takes the leading position in the fight against cellulite. Regular swimming will not only help tighten and make problem areas more attractive, but also improve overall health.

Effective Fitball Exercises for Weight Loss

A fitball is a special gymnastic ball that allows you to keep your muscles toned and get rid of extra pounds quite quickly. Exercises with a ball are quite effective, and these types of physical activity are the safest compared to others. A fitball is recommended even for pregnant women, patients with spinal problems, and the elderly. People with varicose veins can also exercise on a fitball, since the load on the legs during exercise is minimal. The uniqueness of this ball is that you need to maintain balance during exercise, which strengthens all muscle groups and exercises the vestibular apparatus, while even those muscle groups that remain unused during other exercises work.

Exercises for weight loss in the pool include exercises not with a fitball, but with a regular ball, which has regular dimensions; a fitball is usually used for exercises in the gym.

Gymnastic balls come in different sizes (from 45 to 95 cm in diameter). To choose the perfect ball for your workout, you need to sit on it and see what angle your knees form - the ideal angle is 900.

Exercises on a fitball help to strengthen all muscle groups, since the ball is not stable, as a result, the muscles will be tense throughout the entire session. Such exercises help to effectively combat fat deposits on the abdomen, buttocks and other parts of the body.

Also, a special set of exercises has been developed for exercising on a fitball, aimed at training a certain group of muscles. Exercises with a fitball are especially good for strengthening the hips and abs. In addition, exercises on such a ball contribute to good posture and strengthening the skeletal muscles. With regular training of the gluteal muscles, after a while you can almost completely get rid of cellulite.

Before training, you need to do a little warm-up to warm up your muscles (step in place with a ball in your hands (regular and high hip), 10 to 20 squats with a ball in front of you).

The following exercises will help you tighten your abdominal and thigh muscles:

  • lying on your back, fix the ball between your feet (legs extended). Holding the ball, raise and lower your legs;
  • lying on your back, fix the ball between your thighs and squeeze the ball as much as possible, then relax the muscles;
  • standing straight, squeeze the ball between your thighs and squeeze your muscles hard for about a minute, you need to do 2-3 approaches, after each exercise, without changing position, you need to do 25-30 jumps.
  • put your left foot on the ball, take a stable position, stretch your arms forward. Keeping your balance, you need to do 20 squats, then you need to change your leg. In total, you need to do 2-3 approaches.

To strengthen the abs:

  • Lie on your back on the ball, place your feet on the floor at a 900 angle, throw your arms behind your head, and do 30 crunches in three sets.
  • Lie down on the floor, put your feet on the fitball, bend your knees at a 900 angle. Do 20 crunches, trying not to lose the ball (2-3 sets).

To strengthen the buttocks:

  • lying on your back, bend your legs at the knees and place them on the ball, raise your pelvis and squeeze your buttocks as much as possible at the highest point;
  • Lie down on the ball with your stomach down, legs and arms at the bottom. Slowly raise your straight legs, then return them to the starting position.

The most effective exercises are those with continuous movement, for example, you can do jumping jacks while sitting on a fitball, starting with a small rise above the ball and ending with a full rise. It is good to do this exercise for about two minutes without stopping.

Reviews of fitball exercises for weight loss

Reviews of exercises for weight loss on a fitball indicate the high effectiveness of the exercises. With the help of such unusual exercises, you can not only diversify your workouts, but also get a huge amount of positive emotions.

Currently, there are different types of fitballs - with pimples, with handles for holding, etc. It should be noted that if you have cellulite, you should not give preference to an ordinary gymnastic ball. Exercises on balls with a rough surface will allow you to get the expected effect painlessly and quite quickly.

For swimming lessons (for example, when describing a figure eight), small balls are usually used.

Weight loss exercises in the pool combined with training on a fitball show an effective and fairly quick result. Water treatments help relieve tension, tighten muscles, in addition, water makes a soft but very effective massage and helps to achieve an ideal shape. Exercises on a fitball help to strengthen all muscles, improve posture, help to remove extra pounds.

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