Pool Exercises: aqua running

Too hot for a run outside? If you can't bear the thought of exercising in the heat, throw on your swimsuit and take your run to the pool! Aqua running is an awesome way to mix up the usual bout around the block by providing a new challenge for your muscles while keeping cool. You can run in shallow or deep water, so whether you have a full-on lap pool or a 4 foot-deep backyard pool at your disposal, you're good to go!

Aqua Running in the Shallow-End: How-To

Run as you would on land, with your chest lifted and abs tight. Your arms should be bent in a 90 degree angle as you pump them back and forth at your sides. Be sure not to over-extend your legs and work to maintain a fast pace. Don't expect to run at the same speed you'd go at on land, but don't allow yourself to slack because of the water's resistance.

By going from one end of the pool and back in a straight path, you'll create a wake and thus increase resistance as you run through it. Your muscles will have to work harder to push through while maintaining proper form, translating into increased calorie burn. The video below will give you a good idea of what proper form should look like, but be aware that you don't have to raise your knees up quite as high as the swimmer pictured does.

Aqua Running in the Deep-End: How-To

Running in deep water is a bit different— lean forward slightly and stretch your legs out a bit more than you would running normally (closer to cross-country style). Yes, it will feel pretty awkward at first (at least it did for me), but that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. Just be cognizant of your form and keep your abs engaged while maintaing a quickened pace.

Now, if you have an AquaJogger at your disposal, it's another story: you'll run as you would in the shallow end, maintaining proper form by keeping your back upright and arms bent at a 90 degree angle, moving them back and forth at your sides. With your legs unable to touch ground, you'll likely feel inclined to pump them up and down with little extension (in a high-knee fashion, as demonstrated in the video above), and that's totally fine!

Even if running isn't your thing, consider giving its water-based counterpart a try! I've never been much of a runner myself, but aqua running is a form of cardio I can get behind!

Furniture Sliders: unconventional tools to amp up your workout

Sliders may be used for moving furniture, but they can also sub as inexpensive and effective workout equipment! With these basic tools, you can work just about any area of the body (type "slider exercises" into YouTube to see for yourself). I've recently started experimenting with various slider moves, and my current routine of choice hits the abs and arms.

Not too long ago, I stumbled across a video in which Valerie Waters of A-List Look and Cassey Ho of Blogilates collaborate on a heart-pumping, body-moving workout. It's another one of those great at-home routines that requires minimal space and time— and nothing beats that. Not to mention, using the sliders makes you feel as if you're playing a game of air hockey, as noted by Cassey. It's a pretty good time.

These exercises primarily work the core, but you'll feel a good burn in your arms while doing each move. If you're up to the challenge but lack a pair of sliders (which you can purchase at your local Home Depot or Lowes), you can use washcloths or paper towels if you're on a hardwood floor or a couple of paper plates if you're on carpet. Now go on and get to sliding into that toned bod!

Workouts: targeting the obliques

In working toward a solid set of abs, the oblique muscles are often overlooked. Comprised of two separate muscles set perpendicular to each other, the external obliques run at a diagonal from the lower ribs to the pelvis and the internal obliques run from the lower three ribs to the lower back. The two work together to support the back and spine, allowing us to twist and bend at the torso and bend from side to side. Strong obliques can result in improved posture, a strong lower back, and a V-cut midsection (a mighty fine plus).

If you're in need of some oblique-strengthening exercises to add into your abs routine, consider implementing a few sets of twisting side planks, spiderman climbers (you can choose to add a push-up in to simultaneously work your arms and chest), russian twists, or cross crunches. For a quick, full-length obliques routine with some added cardio, check out A-List Look's Sleek, Sexy Oblique Exercises video below!