Out of the 59 water sports in existence, 10 of them are more popular than the rest. With more people who want swimming pools, adding a net or a basket means more fun for family and friends. Whether the kids want to imitate Michael Phelps, or the adults want to find a more comfortable way to lose weight, gain muscle and increase joint flexibility, there is a water exercise to suit your needs.
What is impressive is that some of these come naturally with your new swimming pool if you have a springboard. Others get inspiration from accessories like masks, balls, snorkels or just your body itself. No matter the situation, the swimming pool will be the ideal backyard area to exercise. It’s amazing how many sports originated in a pool.
Water Volleyball
Since the creation of water parks in the mid-1980’s water volleyball became a part of water sports. Now you can see that many homeowners with swimming pools are adding nets over their oasis, providing more fun for family and friends. It’s not only entertainment but a sport. It requires two teams; each team needs at least two players to play. Like water polo, water volleyball helps to develop muscle endurance while floating in the water.
Water Basketball
Water basketball combines the rules of water polo and basketball. Usually, it is a floating basket or a poolside basket. The great thing about this water sport is that it provides health benefits like improving coordination and motor skills, builds bone strength and improves muscle endurance and flexibility.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most popular with kids and teenagers. All you need is a diver’s mask, a tube (called snorkel) and fins. You don’t go underwater; you are on the water, but part of your head is submerged in water to look at the bottom. Adults who enjoy this activity in open waters enjoy admiring marine life and reefs. Usually, this activity is considered a “leisure” sport. But let’s face it, it all starts in a swimming pool.
Scuba Diving
Many of the people who want to practice this sport will learn it in a swimming pool first. Most instructors prefer a pool for first-time scuba divers. Others who have a pool prefer to have the instructor teach them at home. Why is that? In comparison to snorkeling, scuba diving is an underwater activity with its complexities. You will need an oxygen tank and a body suit.
Rescue Swimming
If you can swim freestyle, breaststroke, inverted breaststroke or sidestroke, then you can do rescue swimming. It is not a sport; it is a routine that can prepare you to rescue a swimmer in distress. With eye and voice contact, it is a great skill to have, especially if you spend some time in the water. Believe it or not, all lifeguards and/or rescuers learn these technics in a swimming pool.
Diving
Another of the first activities you will do in a swimming pool. No matter if it is from a platform or a springboard, this is one that many enjoy. Its origins go way back to the United Kingdom in the late 19th century, known then as Plunging. What makes diving interesting? Well, if you have acrobat talents, then this one’s for you.
Synchronized Swimming
With a bit of music and some friends, you can start dancing in the water, swim in rhythm or do a summersault under water. There, my friends, you get synchronized swimming. Don’t think that it’s easy. It requires great strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry, and great timing. Oh, did we tell you that you need exceptional breath control?
Match
Match is not a water sport but a game where a Waboba is passed from one player to another while bouncing on water. And what is a Waboba? Waboba is a ball that bounces on water. Invented by Barns Wallace after World War II, it wasn’t until Jan Von Herland perfected the artifact in the 1980s. Since its release in 2005, the Waboba (Water Bouncing Ball) has become a popular fun device.
Water Polo
Taken from rugby and soccer, this is one that you will play in a swimming pool. Pass it from one player to another; score and get a goal. Many kids who do it for fun will set an area in the pool for a score, a goalkeeper and a few to pass the ball. In reality, you need a water polo ball constructed with water-resistant material and designed with a secure grip for the players.
Aquaerobics
The word almost says it all. What started as a fad in the 1980s is now a bona fide cardiovascular exercise. The difference is that, when practiced in a pool, it turns into an intense routine rather than a cardiovascular routine. Other activities made the transition from land to water such as yoga, zumba and jogging.
If you’re looking to enjoy any water sport or to enjoy quality time with your family, your pool is the idyllic place. Don’t forget to consult with your physician before you start any exercise routine.
Don’t forget that the time is now to build your new oasis. Platinum Pools’ staff is ready to provide you everything from start to finish. Call us at 281.870.1600 or visit our offices in Houston, Beaumont, and Victoria. You can also request a quote via our website.