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Staying Fit Tips,

Pool Cardio Tips

We’re deep in the middle of Colorado’s summer and staying consistent with your workout routine is essential. We understand that sometimes those high temperatures leave you checking everything but working out off your to-do list. May we suggest taking your cardio to the pool when the mercury rises. It keeps you cool and lets you get a phenomenal full-body workout in without overheating. But if you’re taking your cardio to the pool, there are a few things we think you should know first.

Know What You Can Handle

Not everyone is at the same fitness level, and it’s important to honor where you are and what your body can handle. One of the benefits of doing cardio in the pool is the stress it takes off your joints. Understanding your fitness level before you start trying to tackle a swimming workout you found on the internet is essential. There are so many resources out there that offer tips and tricks and full workout programs, which is excellent! But you should always check with your physician before starting a new workout regimen.

Ease Into it

Are you wanting to spend more time in the pool to keep your health commitments, but aren’t sure where to start? We always recommend starting slow. Swim a few laps in whatever stroke formation is most comfortable for you and see how you feel. Or, if you’re lost, talk with your doctor or your cardiologist if you have cardio concerns. They can help you create a program that works for exactly where you’re at, and ramps up only when your body is ready for increased intensity.

Listen to Your Body

Here’s the thing – when you’re running, and it’s hot out, you know well in advance when to stop because you can feel your body getting tired on more than one level. The combination of heat and physical exertion almost always helps you stay when you need to. But when you’re keeping it cool in the pool, it can be a little harder to tell when exhaustion is starting to set in. Make sure you pause every so often to check in with yourself. Get out of the pool once or twice to monitor your body and temperature.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential whether you’re in the pool or out of it, but it’s worth noting every chance we get. Make sure you’re using a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF and reapplying every 80 minutes. Dermatologists will tell you choosing a sunscreen that contains Zinc is the best way to go, especially when you’re living at altitude. We are a mile closer to the sun than most, and that does impact the speed at which you can get a sunburn.
All in all, getting your cardio done in the pool is an excellent idea when the summer gets too hot to handle. However, with all things fitness-related, we recommend consulting your physician and cardiologist before diving in (see what we did there?) too deep.

South Denver Cardiology
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