| When the weather is warm, there is nothing quite like | | | | exercise both sets of stomach muscles at once. |
| going for a refreshing swim at the local pool. To add to | | | | As you build strength and endurance, you can add |
| the benefits, you can use it as an opportunity to work | | | | water gloves to increase resistance. You can also do |
| on those stomach muscles. The water provides | | | | the exercises faster, packing more reps into each |
| natural resistance, making the pool a great place to do | | | | three minute period. Form is key, though. Do not |
| stomach exercises to flatten out that tummy. Despite | | | | sacrifice form for the sake of speed. It is better to do |
| the greater resistance water has than air, aquasizing is | | | | it properly than quickly. Also remember to set fitness |
| low-impact, meaning less strain on joints. Try out these | | | | goals and work toward them at a gradual pace. Do |
| exercises next time you take a trip down to your pool. | | | | not push yourself too hard, too fast. You may want to |
| Remember, consult your doctor before beginning a | | | | see results fast, but an injury will seriously delay your |
| new workout routine, and always warm up properly to | | | | workout goals. Start small, know your limits, and build |
| prevent injury. | | | | gradually. |
| The first set of exercises to try is called the jump and | | | | As long as you are working on your midsection, here |
| dig. There are two moves in this set, one for the upper | | | | are a few additional tips. First, proper diet is essential to |
| body and one for the lower body. The former is great | | | | any fitness routine. A great, hard workout can be |
| for your obliques, and the latter works on your | | | | completely negated by improper eating habits. Second, |
| abdominals. To start, stand in water that is between | | | | stay hydrated both while working out and in everyday |
| your belly button and chest. To work the lower body | | | | life. A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight |
| (including your abdominals), put your feet a wide | | | | in pounds, divide it by 2, and drink that number of |
| distance apart, then jump so your knees come up to | | | | ounces of water each day. This helps to keep the |
| the surface of the water and back down. Picture a | | | | body functioning at it's highest level. Third, rest up. This |
| frog as you do it; this will help you get the form right. | | | | means not only getting plenty of sleep, but also getting |
| Next, to work the upper body, begin by making a | | | | the right kind of sleep. Spend all night sleeping on your |
| scoop with both hands at the surface of the water. | | | | stomach, and you will wake up with a sore back, |
| Bring your hand scoop below the surface, then scoop | | | | making it difficult to do your stomach exercises. Also |
| up and to one side. Alternate sides to work the | | | | be sure to schedule off days into your routine to give |
| obliques on both sides. Start by doing the two moves | | | | your muscles a chance to rest up and rebuild. Now |
| separately for three minutes each. Once you have | | | | you already have a great start on a toned, flat |
| mastered the form, do them at the same time to | | | | stomach! |