Fitness From the Pro

Have you ever thought about doing some abdominal exercises in the water? Sometimes this is the perfect place to start training your abs when the abdominal muscles are weak.  You will need equipment for flotation like the noodle or aqua dumbbells.  I think the noodle would be easier, because you can place it around your back under your armpits.

Basic Abdominal Crunch (with noodle):

• Lay on your back (supine) and extend your legs out in front.
• Pull your navel into your spine.
• Keep the legs together and pull your knees to your chest.
• Exhale as you are pulling your legs toward you.
• Be mindful of keeping your shins parallel to the pool floor.
• Inhale and extend the legs out.
• Repeat about 15-20 times.

Oblique Twist (with noodle) and Crunch:

• Execute the Abdominal Crunch, except keep the knees into your chest.
• Roll the knees from side to side, in this tight position.
• To add on, hold knees to one side, and do a little side crunch, bringing your chest to your knees and exhale.
• This is a small move.
• Do about 10-12 repetitions on one side, then do the other side.

Abdominal exercises in the water is a great place to begin if you have weaker abs!