There’s nothing like fun in the sun and water! Did you know that swimmers have half the risk of an early death compared to the “couch potato”? Furthermore, swimming is a very low impact exercise that saves your joints, and superior to many activities that only work specific muscle groups. What can beat this? You’re having fun in the refreshing water outdoors while working out your entire body, and no impact on the joints?
The benefits to your well-being are boundless from swimming, or any activity in the water. If you are one of the many sufferers of an old sports injury, or have any form/s of arthritis, your chronic condition will actually be improved. That’s not all. Your mental state also will either improve positively, or stay highly positive. A chain reaction of body/mind enhancements will take place. By becoming active in any water-centered activity, your anxiety level will drop, along with any depression. You’ll discover that you’re in a good mood that stays with you throughout the day. Careful! These water sports are addictive, and may just last you a lifetime!
Water sports to try:
Swimming
This is probably the best overall body workout that you’ll ever experience. By using all four limbs to tread water, you can burn at least 450 calories per half-hour. It’s low impact, so it’s easy on all your joints while giving you a complete body workout.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Renting a canoe or kayak is a great way to experience the great outdoors as you travel along a stream or river. Researchers say you’ll burn up to 200 calories in only a half hour as you give your core muscles and upper body a workout. This will strengthen and shape your shoulders and arms.
Sailing
To have fun on the water while you burn over 200 calories per hour, try sailing a small craft. Some popular little sailboats are Hobby Cat, Laser and Sunfish. Learn the basic rules of boating before you hit the waves. Bon voyage!
Paddle-Boarding
This the latest craze in water sports. Stand-up paddle-boarding for only a half hour is like jogging several miles, and is a complete body workout. It’s a fun way to consume over 120 calories in just 30 minutes if you’re on smooth water.
Surfing or Boogie Boarding
Hey, Surf’s Up Divas and Dudes! If you can find the right locale, surfing is a total workout of the upper body while you challenge the water, and stroke your arms to reach the right wave. Once you’ve reached the right wave, you must get on the legs for the ride. It’s a lower body workout at that point. Every half hour surfing burns 125 calories or more, and with choppy waves, you’ll burn considerably more! Boogie Boarding is also a blast, and a bit easier for the beginner, get a great pair of fins and a slick bottom Boogie Board and have a great day in the waves. Your arms and legs get a fantastic workout!
Wakeboarding or Water-skiing
When you’re wakeboarding or water-skiing you’ll work your entire body ultimately. You’ll demand a lot from your arms as you raise your body for standing during the ride. You’ll require core strength along with skill to ride the skis or wakeboard. Once you’re on your feet for a short time, you’ll feel the demand upon your legs, also. It’s a way to get a workout all over, and not even notice it while you’re having so much fun. In just a half hour you will burn about 245 calories.
Deep Water Running
Also known as Aqua Jogging, is not only a great way to burn 470 calories per hour, but an excellent very low-impact exercise. It’s also beneficial therapy if you’re recovering from certain injuries. Consult your physician first if you are considering this water exercise after an injury, however. Deep water running can also be fun for those who don’t swim. To successfully DWR, you will need a water resistant Jog Belt which straps around your waist. In water deep enough so you can’t touch, run as if you were running on ground. Try to focus on your form, don’t lean too forward or hunch. Don’t paddle with your hands, and most of all, have fun!
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
What an exciting way to view fish and Mother Nature underwater! While you’re visiting the coral and the many varieties of fish you will burn over 300 calories per hour. Snorkeling is an inexpensive and great activity. Scuba diving is for the more advanced, Scuba equipment is a little more pricey, and you will need to get a diving certificate before venturing out into open waters. PADI and SSI are both great programs that are accepted worldwide.
Water Volleyball
Take your volleyball to a new dimension with this sport in the water! The resistance by the water as you play will provide a splendid workout with no sweat or sand to contend with. In only one hour, you’ll burn over 300 calories enjoying water volleyball!
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