What’s the first thought you have when I say noodle? Okay, not pasta, so the second thought you have. Okay, not that either. When I say pool noodle, what do you think of? Lazy afternoons in the pool, floating with the noodle under your arms, taking it easy with a cold drink?
You might want to rethink that. A pool noodle is a very helpful and sophisticated piece of water fitness equipment if used correctly in a full body aquatic workout. While lightweight, pool noodles offer a very good workout. The reason for this is that it’s very versatile and can be used for both resistance and balance support purposes.Â
As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
The standard pool noodle is five feet, three inches long, and three inches in diameter. Pool noodles come in all different colors. It’s made from polyethylene foam and it’s very buoyant.
What can you do with it in the pool? Ohhh, a few things. Like:
- A pool noodle makes an excellent balance brace for underwater resistance exercises such as the plank. This exercise is great for strengthening your core, as well as weight loss. K-Lean!
- Pushups: In chest-high water, take the push-up position with legs stretched out in back of you and on your tiptoes (like a ballerina). Do pushups for 75 seconds and I guarantee you’ll feel it.
- In many exercises the pool noodle is used to keep your arms in position. This applies to crunch twists, fans, and even simple push exercises.
- Pool noodles are perfect for waist-deep lunges.
- Want to tone your stomach? There’s a noodle exercise for that.
There’s also:
- Swing through exercises.
- Leg Curls.
- Leg Raises.
I won’t go into the how-to’s for each exercise. For specifics on doing these exercises, check out the book below and also online videos. They’ll have you using a noodle like a pro in no time.
Get your pool exercises here:
In all cases, the pool noodle should never be used as a deep-water flotation device. As people use them as a float, they become waterlogged and ineffective. Use a belt for flotation. Your membership pool should offer these free of charge, in several different sizes.
Get your pool noodles here:
Pool noodles are also very inexpensive, so if you’re exercising in your home pool you will definitely want to purchase one. In fact, in the late spring and early summer you can usually pick one up at the dollar store. Wherever you purchase it, be sure to get the three inch diameter noodles, not the one inch, for the best support.
Or, grab a 4-pack of noodles. Get them while they’re hot!
You will notice there are holes in the center of the noodle. No matter how tempting, these are not for tossing water at other exercise participants. The holes actually contribute to the buoyancy, or how far down in the water you can push the noodles while exercising.
There are also noodles that are solid at the core. These noodles are even more buoyant, and work well for larger people and some more strenuous exercises.
Here’s an example of a solid pool noodle if you want to try that!
The pool noodle is a simple but effective work-out device. Be sure to add it to your pool exercise equipment!
**If you experience problems with the form (argh, WP!), please email me at jimsey@hookedonwaterfitness.com to be added to the list. Thank you!
I’ll see ya’ in the water!