Get Fit at the Pool

Summer may not officially be here yet, but it certainly feels like it. Long, sunny days can motivate you to visit a local park, work in the garden or invite family and friends over for a cookout. But don't let the change in season change your fitness schedule.

You might think people get more exercise during summer, but that's not always the case. For some, summer is a fitness slow down. "Everybody wants to be out in the weather and they don't want to be inside like they were all winter," explains Benji Radach, corporate trainer for L.A. Boxing. Even if your gym routine has gone to the wayside, summer opens up a whole new world of fitness opportunities.

While it's important to maintain a consistent exercise routine, you can also slip some additional fitness moves in while enjoying favorite summer activities. Try these poolside exercise tips from the fitness gurus at L.A. Boxing:

• Leg lifts. Catching a few rays next to the pool? Instead of just lying still, try some alternating leg lifts. Hold each leg for about 10 seconds to tone your thighs and lower abs.
• Pool walk. Of course swimming laps is a perfect way to get some exercise, but you're not limited to that. Do some simple laps of walking around the pool.
  
• Weight it out. When you head to the pool, you probably tote a bag with sunscreen, sunglasses and other summer goodies. Pack some light weights in your bag as well, then do arm curls while relaxing in your chair.
• Poolside dips. Those tricep muscles are difficult to keep toned. Why not cool off while working your triceps? Sit on the edge of the pool in the shallow end and proceed to lower yourself into the pool. After standing in the pool, pull yourself back up to the edge. Repeat for about 10 counts.
• Diving board pull-ups. Grab the edge of the board as if it were a pull up bar. Pull yourself up and hold for about five seconds before lowering yourself back in the water. (Be sure to watch out for divers!)

Radach also recommends sticking to a good diet during the summer. When you're taking care of your health nutritionally, you're more likely to stick to your fitness routine.