Aquasize To A Flatter Stomach!
Crunching your life away and still not getting the flat stomach results you expected? Maybe it’s time to try something else.
One of the best ways to work on stomach muscles is by exercising in water. Because water gives your muscles more resistance than air, your muscles have to work harder. In fact, don’t be surprised if you’re sore the first few times you try it. And the best part is: water exercise, or aquasizing, is low impact, producing little strain no joints. This makes it safe and effective for many people who have trouble performing crunches. (As always, consult a doctor before starting an exercise regime of any sort, if you have any health concerns.)
The Jump & Dig
An exercise called the Jump & Dig will get you started. There are two sets of movements, and together they work both abdominals and obliques.
- Stand on the pool floor at a depth that puts the level of water between your chest and navel (usually about 3-4 feet for adults).
- Spread your feet a wide distance apart (where the water level hits you will now rise, but that’s okay), and jump, bending your knees. Your knees should come up to the surface of the water at the height of your jump.
- Cup your hands together, as if you’re going to scoop up water with them. Now put them below the water’s surface.
- Scoop up and to one side, just as if you’re digging in the water. Alternate which side you scoop toward, so you’re working both sides of your obliques.
You should begin by doing the jump for three minutes, then the dig for three minutes. Once you’re comfortable with the movements and can do them semi-automatically, combine them: dig while you jump, to use work both sets of stomach muscles simultaneously.
Intensifying your workout
As this gets easier for you, there are several ways to intensify the workout:
- Perform the exercises faster. While going slower is often helpful when working with weights, the resistance water provides is completely different. Going faster will simply make you work harder. Make sure you work for as long a period, though: each “set” is three minutes, not a set number of reps. And remember: never go so fast that you lose control over your form.
- Perform more sets. If you can’t go faster, but you’re building strength and endurance, add another three minute set to the workout.
Whatever you do, don’t push yourself too hard and end up with muscle strain. You should also take a day or two off every week – or even more. Your muscles need time to rest.
Diet
Do not change your diet – unless it’s for the better. Anytime you add exercise to your regime, you burn more calories and may find yourself getting hungry more often. Try to resist the hunger and stick to your usual calorie intake. If you can’t, try healthy snacks such as nuts or fruit. Avoid empty calories such as processed snack foods.
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