31 May 2026

5 Deep Water Cross-Country Ski Variations for Aqua Aerobics

Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular deep water exercises for its natural movement and effective full-body workout. But you need to repeat the movement consistently to see results, which can feel repetitive and boring. To get the most out of this movement and make it more sustainable, try these 5 variations that keep the core movement while increasing challenge and intensity.

Aquastrength Fins

⭐ Amazon's Choice

from$74.95

Aquastrength Yellow Aquatic Resistance Fins

Aquastrength · Pool Fitness

TRAIN
HARDER
IN THE POOL

The Yellow Resistance Fins create omni-directional drag to tone your legs, fire up your cardio, and burn more calories — every single session.

🌊

4-Blade Design Resistance in all directions

🦵

Calf & Forearm Versatile dual attachment

🇺🇸

Made in USA San Diego, California

🔁

Replaceable Parts Neoprene + Velcro kit

🛒 Shop on Amazon

Secure checkout

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · amzn.to/43kbi8d

✦ Deep Water Routine

Quad HD · 8 min

Twist, reach & move better in water.

A smooth, joint-friendly deep water routine — kicks, cross-body reaches & twists that wake up your core and hips. Perfect for all levels.

💧 Deep water

🎬 Quad HD MP4

⏱ 8 min session

✓ All levels

$3.00

⬇ Instant download
✦ yours to keep forever

Get the Routine →

One-time purchase · No subscription · Use standalone or in class

⚠ This is my own product. Purchasing supports independent aqua fitness content creation.

The following 5 cross-country ski variations will turn your boring cross-country ski workout into fun and engaging experience.

Sculling Cross Country Ski
Same Side Cross Country Ski
Cross Country Ski With Arms Together
Cross Country Ski Reach
Moving Cross Country Ski

Cross-country skiing is a simple, deep-water exercise that mimics the motions of skiing with arms and legs. Users will start in deep water with an aqua belt for support, and move their arms and legs in coordinated skiing motion. Pointed toes and open hands help push more water with every stroke, while the arms and legs remain straight throughout the movement.

Video: 5 Cross Country Ski Variations in Deep Water

Sculling Cross Country Ski

In this cross-country ski variation, imagine pushing the water with the inside of your hand by turning your palms to face the direction you are pulling. This motion makes your arms work harder.

Same Side Cross Country Ski

By repeating the movement on the same side, you will keep that side under constant tension, increasing the intensity and the concentration of the effort. Once that side feels tired, switch and repeat on the other side.

Cross Country Ski With Arms Together

Moving your arms together in the cross-country ski motion can feel tricky, so you're not only working your muscles, but also your coordination.

Moving Cross Country Ski

As you perform the cross-country skiing movement, pull your arms and kick your legs back with more force to propel you forward. This powerful pull and kick will work your back muscles.

Cross Country Ski Reach

Reaching your opposite foot after each cross-country ski stroke improves your hip mobility and range of motion. Focus on small, yet challenging reaches, not full toe touches.