Pool noodles aren’t just for child play. Join Claire Barker-Hemings for Noodle ABCs, a fun and challenging 20-minute pool noodle workout designed to train your ABCs - agility, balance and coordination. As the student in this video, I can assure you that this workout will challenge you on many levels.
Noodles are simply the most versatile and affordable equipment you can have on hand for water exercise. You can float on them, stand on them, sit on them, kneel on them and use them for resistance in a variety of ways. For this reason, Poolfit has dozens of water fitness workouts that feature the use of a pool noodle.
Pool Workout-at-a-Glance
Noodle ABCs does not include a warm-up and cool down because it is a shorter video and meant to be combined with another workout. However, the first segment essentially serves as a warm-up for the other three more challenging pool noodle segments. Noodle quality and size is important. Watch Claire explain in the video below and then read more in her short article.
The Versatile Pool Noodle: An Essential Tool for Aquatic Exercise
By Claire Barker-Hemings
The pool noodle is a versatile piece of equipment that goes beyond providing buoyancy. Its shape and form require significant control from the user, adding an extra layer of challenge to aquatic exercises. However, not all noodles are created equal, and it's essential to consider their condition before use.
Assessing Your Pool Noodle
Before incorporating noodles into your workout, consider the following factors:
Age and Condition: Older noodles may be waterlogged, affecting their buoyancy.
Density: The noodle's density influences its resistance and support.
Design: Noodles with a hole in the middle behave differently from solid ones.
Newness: Brand new noodles might have a slippery film, altering grip and control.
These aspects can impact the effectiveness of your exercises, so it's crucial to assess the noodles beforehand. If you don’t own the pool, you may not have control over the noodle quality, but being aware of these factors can help you adapt your workout accordingly.
Familiarizing Yourself with the Noodle
Spend some time in the pool experimenting with the noodles. Get a feel for their buoyancy and resistance and determine how you might need to modify exercises in your routine to fit the specific noodles you have.
Noodles ABC: Agility, Balance, and Coordination
The Noodles ABC concept draws inspiration from everyday activities. It focuses on three essential skills: Agility, Balance and Coordination
These skills are crucial for daily tasks we often take for granted. In this session, we'll use the noodle under our feet to create balance challenges, pass the noodle from hands to feet, and control leg movements to test coordination. These exercises are designed to push you out of your comfort zone and enhance your agility, balance, and coordination.
Safety and Adaptation
When using noodles under your feet, exercise caution. Their buoyancy can cause them to pop out of the water unexpectedly. Take your time with each exercise, and don’t worry if you can’t keep up with the pace initially. With practice, your skills and comfort with the noodles will improve.
Incorporating pool noodles into your aquatic workout can significantly enhance your exercise routine. By understanding and adapting to the unique properties of the noodle, you can effectively challenge your body and improve essential skills for daily life.
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Poolfit extends a big thank you to Claire for sharing her passion and knowledge in both the video and her short article.