Exercise Archives - Small Pool Owner

You can train swimming for a triathlon in an above ground pool!

Wynand Pretorius — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 12:00:29 +0000

Introduction

The best way to train for a triathlon is by the following plan - swim, bike, and run as much as possible. But what if you don't own a pool or if a public pool is accessible in your area? Can you then train your triathlon swimming in an above ground pool?

In general, this is possible because the one thing all pools, regardless above ground or in-ground, have in common is water resistance. With water resistance, you can train movement and motion, including your swimming stroke. Add to this some creative accessories like swimming belts or tether's and swimming paddles and it is possible to build enough swimming stamina for a triathlon.

Don't worry, that is not a problem because;

An above-ground pool is a great substitute for outdoor training.

In this article we will try our best to answer the question How to train your triathlon swimming in an above ground pool by answering the benefits of swimming in one, how to train effectively and what equipment is required.

Hopefully, this information will allow you to train better than ever before and get faster results!

First off, let's look at the benefits of training your triathlon (or any swimming for that matter) swimming in an above ground pool

What are the benefits of training your triathlon swimming in an above ground pool

There are many benefits to train your swimming in an above ground pool.

You can train whenever you want, and it's also more cost-effective since an above ground pool is not to expensive. Add to this basic equipment required( which we will discuss later in this article) and you would be hard pressed to find a cheaper alternative.
You train in a controlled environment that doesn't have the distractions of everyday life, so your focus is meant solely on your training.
You can train as hard as you want without worrying about outside pressures or disturbances because you train in your own backyard.
The water in the pool is always at the same level so there is never any difference between being deep or shallow like there would be with a public pool.
Lastly but most importantly, the pools allow for all types of workouts and training. Whether you want to work on speed, endurance, or strength, these pools are a great solution!

How to train swimming effectively using an above-ground pool

It may seem difficult to train your swimming effectively in an above ground pool, but it's actually easier than you think!

Here are some tips on how to train successfully in these pools:

1) Set up a schedule

Make sure you train your swimming at least two times a week, or even three if possible. Don't train the same day of the week all the time, it's good to train with some variety. In short, the training schedule should fit your normal triathlon schedule.

2) Get a swim belt or tether

The best way is to use a swimbelt. It is a low cost investment and you can spend practicing endurance as well as your strokes. In fact, you can pretty much do all your training with it.
When starting out place a paddle board or pool noodle underneath your belly for more support. To get these items from Amazon, simply click here
Pro-tip, ensure the bungy cords are tied at the right height.

3) Paddle Boards

Practice kicking by holding onto the farme or with paddle boards
If the pool is shallow enough, stand on your knees and simply practice your strokes.

This is a good start, now you're ready to train your swimming in an above ground pool like a pro! Now you'll know how to train effectively in one of these pools, get faster results, and enjoy all the benefits that come with training at home.

Swimming can be very fun and rewarding if it's done right!

How long should I train?

One good option is 3 times weekly swims of 30 minutes each time - ideally on separate days so the next day(s) are not spent recovering from the last session but are fresh training days.

Other trainees find it better to swim for an hour once a week, or even train twice weekly but with two shorter sessions which can be useful if you have limited time and want to train hard without spending too much time in the pool.

Keep in mind that there is no one perfect way - so experiment with various session lengths until you find what works best for you.

And of course if you are a seasoned pro you already have a training system in place so continue with that

Other Training equipment for above ground swimming Pools

Training in an above ground pool requires some special equipment. Here are the tips you need to train your swimming and train your fitness with less expense:

Waterproof mp3 players can be used for training your swimming and train your fitness. They allow you to train without distraction, which can also train your focus as well!

Waterproof cell phones are another way to train your swimming while still poolside. This allows you to train in conditions where it would not be safe to train with any other equipment (or train your swimming while still poolside).

While not necessary for a great training program, kickboards and pull buoys can be used to train your swimming. These are especially helpful if there are children in the pool and you need extra buoyancy for safety reasons.

Last but not least, wear a wet suit if you train in cold weather. This will help you train your swimming, train your endurance and train for any open water swims that might come up on race day! It is especially helpful for triathletes who train in all three sports in the same day (a triathlon trainee who trains swimming, cycling and running on the same day).

Conclusion

When training your swimming in an above ground pool, you can train whenever you want and it's more cost effective.

Also, you will train in a controlled environment that doesn't have the distractions of everyday life so your focus is meant solely on training.

The pools also allow for all types of workouts.

Train your swimming effectively using an above-ground pool by following these tips: set up a schedule, know what equipment you need, practice skills before using them and know what equipment is required.

The post You can train swimming for a triathlon in an above ground pool! appeared first on Small Pool Owner.

Yes, You Can Exercise In a Small Above the Ground Pool

Wynand Pretorius — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:15:03 +0000

During the days of lockdown, swimming in our security complex pool was off-limited. During this time I bought a small Bestway pool, mainly for the kids. As they started playing in the pool, as only kids can, it dawned on me that there might be a lot more to above the ground pools. And yes, as a fitness person I immediately started thinking about how my latest acquisition can be turned into something to exercise in.

It is only natural when looking at one of these pools to ask the direct question "Can I exercise in a small above-the-ground pool?" In general, all size above-the-ground-pools have plenty of exercising possibilities. When there is water resistance there is a place for exercise. Also, most temporary pools are spacious enough to support a few people swimming around, so it's safe to say that they can bear your twisting and paddling while you work out. Plus, these pools are very durable and can withstand a lot of pushing and water pressure.

So, before you rush out to buy small pool, perhaps see if you fancy some of these exercises. Trust me you can still sweat even in water...

10 Exercises That You Can Do In a Tiny Pool

Walking: This is as easy as it sounds. It is a good warm-up and can help build your arms, core, and lower body. You use the water as a resistance for this exercise. While you don't need any equipment for this one, you can add extra weights to your ankles or hands if you wish. You start by walking around the pool with your hands and torso above the water. Push hard. This can be tough, but this can be a really good workout for your legs. Stand as tall as you can as you walk to engage your core. Do this for 5-10 minutes.
Lunges: Similar to lunges on the ground, you will extend one leg forward with a bent knee and flat foot while the other foot is positioned behind. The difference is that you will hold the side of the pool while you do the lunges. You can stay in place or lunge-walk around the pool. You can do 3 sets of 10 lunges for this workout.
Noodle Plank: This exercise will need a strong core since the water-resistance will make it more challenging. You will also need a pool noodle to do this workout. Hold the noodle in front of you and then lean forward into a planking position. Your feet will still be touching the floor as your noodle submerges with your arm. Your elbows should be straight downwards. Hold this position for as long as possible. Repeat for 3-5 times.
Bicycle Kicks: Go to the edge of your pool, face away from the rails, and then try to hold your hands on it. If you cannot reach your rails, use a noodle instead. Rest your upper body and let your lower body float. Make a pedaling motion with your legs like riding a bike. This exercise aims to work your legs. Do this for 3-5 minutes.
Dolphin Kicks: This is going to work on your core, legs, and back. Grab the edge of the pool with both hands together. Stick both legs together, let them float up, and start kicking them like a dolphin. You can also do laps back and forth on your pool in this swimming position.
Sprints: Similar concept as walking, but instead of walking, you are now running in the water. Lift your legs until they touch the top of the water. This high-knee style of sprinting, combined with the resistance of the water, makes for a great workout for the legs and the core.
Hurdle Jumps: Stand perfectly straight in the water with your hands and torso above the water. Stand with your feet together. Pretend that there is a hurdle is behind you. Tuck your knees and bounce as high as you can over the invisible hurdle. Then you jump forward again, still avoiding the hurdle. You can also jump sideways. Just keep your knees tuck when you jump. Do 15-20 reps.
Foam Dumbbells: Foam dumbbells are lightweight on land, but will become heavy as they absorb water. Use them for weight lifting to train your biceps and triceps. Do slow repetitions to really work those muscles. A good rule of thumb would be to count one-second lifting, one second contracting and one second going back to the original position
Jumping Jacks: Like jumping jacks on land, you can do this exercise too in water. The force of the water can act as extra weight to challenge you to move more. Just press your hands to your body and your feet together, then jump by moving your legs outward and raising your hands. Do 1-3 reps with 10 jumping jacks.
Simple swimming: What is a pool useful for if not for swimming? Do small laps back and forth of your pool. Take short breaks after a few reps then start over again. Leisurely swimming can burn around 500 calories in an hour and it's an effective way to work your whole body out.

Good, so now you know what type of exercises you can do. However, it leads us to the next question.

What Shape Above The Ground Pool Do I Need For Exercise?

Mainly manufacturers create three shapes of above-the-ground pools. Square, Rectangle and Round. The shape of pool you require is dependable on mainly three reasons.

The space available in your yard.
The type of exercises you want to do
Your budget

It goes without saying that the size of the pool is in direct proportion to the available space at your home. In addition to the size of space, you should also consider the structure of your space, in other words what shape will fit the area the best.

Next, determine what type of exercise you want to do. Trust, me water running for example is far more challenging in a round pool - in fact, it is borderline nauseating - than it would be in a square or rectangle shape. Also, consider if your exercise will be with or without props (Get some great water exercise props here). The bigger the water area the better for using exercise props.

Last but not least, always only purchase what you can afford. As we have stated previously, you will be able to exercise in all size pools, because of one thing in common: water resistance.

To conclude and hopefully, you would agree that there are plenty of reasons why you should get an above-the-ground pool and start exercising today. Water aerobics and swimming are great workout options. You don't need a large pool in your house to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Plus, the pool is also great fun for the whole family. So go out now and get your own pool today with some of these great deals on Amazon.