Many people are neck-deep in the fitness version of cramming right now, trying to shed those last few pounds before the official start of summer and bikini season. This usually means sweaty, torturous gym sessions and lots of sore muscles, but getting fit doesn’t have to be so laborious. Aqua fitness has long been an alternative for people who experience difficulty with traditional exercises, and it is actually a highly effective, low-impact way of getting in shape. The natural resistance of water is perfect for toning your muscles and working your cardiovascular system, and there’s a ton of accessories on the market that can increase the intensity of your workouts. Here are just a few pieces of aqua fitness equipment we suggest if you’re looking to whittle your waistline in the water this summer.
TYR Hydrovision Swim Mask – $24.99 $19.95
A good pair of goggles is essential to making the most of your water activities, as you’ll be able to swim freely and perform exercises without having to break to wipe the water out of your eyes. The Hydrovision Swim Mask from TYR is a perfect blend of dive mask and swim goggles, offering you a wide field of view and completely watertight seal. The scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses are treated with an anti-fog solution so you don’t have to break to wipe your goggles either, and the silicone gasket skirt is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for any water enthusiast. This mask is available in 3 colors, and comes with a nylon mesh carrying bag.
Aqua Sphere Ergo-Flex Hand Paddles – $19.95 $14.95
Swimming alone is a great total-body exercise, but you can improve your stroke while building upper body strength with the Ergo-Flex Hand Paddles from Aqua Sphere. The durable rubber frame is flexible, yet sturdy, while the interconnected “bones” of the paddles help provide structure for correct stroke form. Your hand will stay in the proper position with the contoured shape, which flexes to accommodate individual stroke mechanics, and the adjustable hand strap ensures a custom fit. Available in 2 sizes, and covered by a limited 12-month warranty.
Speedo Aqua Fit 360 System – $31.99 $23.95
If you’re looking to add some variety to your aquatic workouts, the Aqua Fit 360 System from Speedo is just the thing. You’ll receive 2 1-lb hand weights, 2 foam weights, and 2 resistance discs that will allow you to change up the buoyancy and resistance of the system to the level you want, whether that means going harder or easing up a bit. The hand weights feature a soft padded grip with straps that will help prevent stress on your joints during your workout. You can even stack on additional weights for a more intense workout! Covered by a limited 3-month warranty.
