Incorporating equipment into a pool workout can add fun, creativity and results. AquaFIIT Smart Circuits with Katy Coffey showcases water exercises that can be performed using inexpensive pool equipment and household items that can be purchased for less than $3.00 each. Experience exercises that target upper body, legs and core using a half noodle, a small ball, plastic discs, an elastic loop and laundry mesh bags. Try the exercises by themselves or in a fun circuit.
In general, Poolfit avoids producing water workout videos that require expensive and specialized equipment. Instead, if equipment is used, we mostly stick with noodles, foam dumbbells, webbed gloves and Aqualogix drag equipment. Why? Because that is the equipment most people have on hand. However, in AquaFIIT Smart Circuits, Katy shows how to get creative with other inexpensive equipment and household items.
POOL WORKOUT-AT-A-GLANCE
This 20-minute video includes a short warm-up and cool down, as well as five segments that showcase five different types of inexpensive equipment. Each of these segments features three exercises, one for upper body, one for legs and one for core. AquaFIIT Smart Circuits was condensed into a shorter format and the exercises are only performed for a short set, as opposed to several sets. Consider combining this 20-minute video with a full-length cardio workout using the playlist feature, on days when you want both cardio and toning. This short circuit format can also be expanded by hitting the pause button and performing the three exercises in each segment for as many sets as you want.
Half Noodle
Pool noodles are the most affordable and versatile piece of equipment you could purchase for your water workouts. In this workout, Katy cuts a noodle in half to better perform the exercises. Pool noodles can also be tied in a knot when using them for resistance training. Noodles can also be cut up to replace foam dumbbells. Consider cutting a noodle in quarters and using quarter noodles instead of the hand buoys.
Small Balls
Head on over to the Dollar Store and pick up a small ball to include in your pool workouts. In this segment, Katy demonstrates the three exercises with a ball that can be held in one hand.
Plastic Discs
While you are at the Dollar Store, you may also want to pick up plastic picnic plates or a couple of inexpensive flying discs (Frisbees). These plastic discs provide drag resistance for upper body and core, similar to what a kickboard would provide. You can also place your foot on the disc to perform lower body exercises.
Elastic Loop
The elastic loops used in this video are designed for land fitness activities. They can be used in the pool, but it is important to frequently check them for tears. Rubberized loops and bands break down more quickly in water due to pool chemicals, unless they are specifically designed for water fitness use. Unfortunately, currently there are few if any fitness equipment manufacturers who provide water-resistant rubberized equipment.
Mesh Laundry Bags
Since you are going to the Dollar Store, there is one more thing you can pick up. Grab a couple of mesh laundry bags and try the exercises Katy demonstrated in the video. If you don’t want to use the laundry bags, you can also experiment with creating upper body and core drag resistance with a plastic shopping bag. Several years ago, a video was posted on Fitmotivation showcasing “parachuting” exercises that could be done with plastic bags. Watch a 4-minute trailer of the Plastic Shopping Bag Workout.
Watch Katy talk more about her inspiration behind AquaFIIT Smart Circuits.
If you like AquaFIIT Smart Circuits, consider these Poolfit videos.
Do Your Job – rubberized loops and bands
Kickboard Cardio – kickboard drag resistance
Aqua Gloves & Loops – Elastic loops and webbed gloves
Fribata – fun circuit with Frisbees
Poolfit extends yet another big thank you to Katy for sharing her talents and passion with subscribers. Stay tuned, Katy returns to Florida in September for more filming.