Poolates!

This weather has been UNREAL lately, so why not take advantage of it? Instead of working out in the gym, switch up your workout and try this new way to get fit while soaking in some sun. The next time you go for a swim, take some time to try these awesome moves found in Women's Health Magazine. This clever combo of pilates in the pool, or, poolates, will leave you feeling refreshed and fabulous!

Move 1: 50/50
Works shoulders, triceps, chest, back, abs, waist, hamstrings, and inner and outer thighs
Standing in chest-deep water at the shallow end of the pool, extend your arms down along the sides of your body with your palms facing behind you. Keep your left leg straight and lift it back so your toes are six to 12 inches from the pool bottom. With your chest up, abs braced, and neck in line with your spine, inhale for five counts while quickly pumping your arms forward(A) and back (B), a few inches in each direction, without bending your elbows. Continue pumping as you exhale for five seconds. That's one rep. Do five. Repeat on the other leg. 

Move 2: Poolates Squat
Works abs, back, glutes, and quads Stand with your feet hip-width apart on a kickboard in the shallow end. Extend your arms out at shoulder height for balance (A).With your weight holding the kickboard toward the bottom of the pool, squat down until your thighs are almost parallel to the pool floor (B). Hold this position for 30 seconds, then try to stand up. Do 10 reps. Note: Allow plenty of space from walls or other people. 






Move 3: Step Star

Works arms, abs, waist, back, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves
Get into plank position with your feet together on the pool bottom and your hands on a pool step (water shouldn't come above your elbows) (A). Lift your right arm straight up as you rotate your hips and torso to the right until your body forms a T and you're balancing on your left arm (B). At the same time, raise your right leg to hip height (C). Return to the T position and then to start. Repeat on the opposite side. That's one rep. Do four.

Move 4: Living Dead

Works abs, waist, back, and inner thighs; stretches arms and hamstrings
Stand with your feet together in three to four feet of water, facing the deep end. Brace your abs and extend your arms in front of you. Raise your right leg until it's just below hip height, toes pointed (A). Flex right foot and lower it to pool floor in front of you. Repeat with your left leg (B). Continue until you're chest-deep, about 10 steps. (If you reach the deep end too quickly, walk across the width of the shallow end instead.)

Move 5: Frog

Works abs, waist, back, glutes, and legs
Stand with your legs wider than shoulder-width apart in water between waist and chest deep, arms extended at shoulder height. Turn your toes out slightly. Squat into a plié. Inhale and rise up onto the balls of your feet (A). Without dropping your heels, exhale and straighten your legs (B). Once your legs are completely straight, drop your heels down so your feet are flat on bottom of pool. Repeat eight times.