WATER WELLNESS

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Five exercises you can do poolside – and in the pool – to get in shape for summer

THESE exercises take only a few minutes, require no outside equipment and are easy.

Here are five exercises from Herbalife Nutrition you can do poolside – and in the pool!

Push-ups

These can be done next to the pool, the old-fashioned way.

Get down on your hands and knees. Keep your arms shoulderwidth apart and straighten your legs out behind you.

Slowly lower your body to the ground, hold it, and then push up.

For a cooler take on this movement, get into the pool and swim to the edge.

Place your hands on the rim of the pool, then lift your body out of the water. Hold for a few seconds and release.

SWIMMING is one of the best full-body workouts you can do. | ANDREA PIACQUADIO Pexels

Lunges

For a quick leg workout, try doing lunges around the pool.

If you need a refresher on lunge technique, remember to take a big step forward and, as you do, lower your back leg’s knee to the ground.

Continue doing these “walking lunges” until you’ve done an outside lap of the pool. When you’re finished, jump in the water to rinse off.

Swimming

Swimming is arguably one of the best full-body workouts out there.

Not only does it improve your cardio, but the resistance of the water helps build muscle strength.

All you need to do is choose your favourite stroke and do a lap or two to get the blood pumping.

Jumping jacks

This one is fun, simple and bound to get that heart rate going. Simply jump and, as you do, kick your legs out and swing your hands above your head.

To increase the resistance, why not try this exercise in the pool?

You may not be as fast as you are on dry land, but it will help tone your muscles due to the water resistance.

Jumping jacks for joy!

High knees

If you’re looking to squeeze in a quick cardio workout, look no further. Essentially, you’ll be running on the spot, but lifting those knees as high as you can while doing so.

If you’re up for the challenge, try this exercise in the water. It may seem easy, but you’ll soon start to feel the burn.

These poolside summer workouts promote endurance, strength and flexibility. And if they're done in the water, you can increase resistance while taking the strain off uneasy joints.

GET ready for your poolside workout.