Move Well
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Why a water workout could work wonders You may think of the swimming pool as a nice place to gently swim a few laps, but have you ever considered that you could get a full, energetic workout there?

For people who have been injured recently, have problems with their joints or may be carrying a few extra pounds, exercising in water could be the perfect solution - and don't think it's going to be easy!

Working out in the water may have acquired something of a reputation as being for older people, but most fitness experts insist that this should not be the case, as it can offer benefits for everyone, young and not-so-young.

In fact, it can provide a great environment for low-impact cardio training, whether you're normally a runner, a cyclist or someone who just likes a light workout in the gym.

According to Psychologies magazine, a range of different options have sprung up in the UK just lately (a quick internet search will bring them up in your area), including the humorously-titled 'Poolates'. There is also aqua yoga, aqua combat and aqua jogging, meaning nobody should be stuck for something that suits them.

Even if you can't find any classes right now, you could try incorporating your own aqua exercises into an ordinary swim - how about trying power walking in the water, running laps or doing lunges and jumping jacks? As long as you find a quiet area of the pool, this should really allow you to make the most of the water resistance to tone up your muscles.

However, if you do embrace a water workout, remember the onus is on you to burn those calories.

It can be easy to accidentally 'cheat' because the water moves you so easily - in fact, Psychologies reports that a woman weighing 9st 4lb on land will weigh less than a stone in water, so make sure you keep pushing against it for the best results. You could even use water weights to assist you.

Why not head to your nearest pool and find out if you can get a workout in the water?