What better way to stay active and escape the summer heat than by taking up one of these water exercises.
Pool swimming
Good for strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Sign up for lessons to learn to swim or stroke correction.
Check out Go Swim or EffortlessSwimming on YouTube – both have excellent swim drill coaching. Join a swim squad or swim intervals with a friend to build up aerobic fitness.
Ocean swimming
Absorb the negative ions of the sea which have been credited with benefits from relieving depression to boosting brain power. Looking for a challenge? Enter an ocean swim race. Visit www.oceanswim.co.nz for events around New Zealand and preparation tips.
Stand up paddle boarding
Great for balance, isometric leg strength, core stability and upper body strength.
Kayaking
The best oblique workout. New to kayaking? Hire one with a rudder to stay straight and focus on technique.
Snorkelling
Finning is great for legs, while snorkelling helps relieve stress, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Aqua aerobics
Expertvillage has heaps of water-based exercises online, which are great low-impact, complete body workouts. And if you’re a Pilates fan, give Poolates a go.
Water polo
If you have a backyard pool, have a game of water polo or water volleyball. It’s good for strength, power and cardiovascular fitness.
Surfing
Great for cardiovascular fitness, and shoulder, back, leg and core strength. Check the Net for your nearest surf school, or try body boarding. No board? Go body surfing. It’s a top core workout.
For more fitness tips pick up the January issue of Good Health..
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