While it’s good for your health to get some physical activity every day, you have got to be sure that the exercise you’re participating in is safe for you to be doing and that you’re taking the necessary precautions to keep yourself healthy and avoid injury. For many people with current physical injuries or limitations, working out in a pool is a great low-impact way to get some exercise. However, if you’re not careful, you could run into some trouble while working out in water. So to help ensure that you’re able to get in a good workout without hurting yourself or putting your life at risk, here are three tips for safely working out in a swimming pool.
Don’t Go Out Alone
One of the first rules of being in the water, regardless of the type of exercise you’ll be doing, is to never go out alone. While you might be a great swimmer, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong and you’ll need someone to know where you are and be able to give you any necessary assistance. For this reason, Kara Mayer Robinson, a contributor to WebMD, recommends that you never swim alone, no matter if you’re going to be in an indoor or outdoor pool. Even if you don’t have another person in the water with you, try to at least have someone close by who can keep an eye on you in the event that you get into some trouble.
Keep The Water At The Right Temperature
To get an effective workout and stay safe while being in the water, it’s important that you’re swimming or exercising in water that’s at the right temperature. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the ideal water temperature to workout in is between 83 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, your muscles won’t get too cold and run the risk of straining too much. This temperature of water will also allow you to move fluidly and be comfortable in the water throughout your entire workout.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
While you might think that being in the water will help keep your body hydrated while working out, it actually doesn’t work this way, according to Rachaelle Lynn, a contributor to WaterSafetyMagazine.com. Exercising in water is the same as exercising out of water in that you can and will get dehydrated if you begin losing too much fluid from sweat or heavy breathing. To combat this, try to drink a decent amount of water both before you swim and right after you’ve completed your workout.
If you’ve wanted to try working out in a swimming pool but haven’t considered the safety risks associated with this form of exercise, consider using the tips mentioned above to both enjoy your time in the water and keep yourself safe from harm.