- Standing toe reach without jumping.
- Reaching one side at a time for a number of repetitions, in order to put more load on targeted muscles (with or without jumping).
- Reaching the same side while hopping on one leg, and keeping the other leg raised.
- Add a sideway arm motion to the original movement, keeping your arms straight all the time.
- Fast alternate jumps with very brief resting times
Safety
This exercise can be done in waist to chest-deep water. Because this is primarily an aerobic exercise that involves reaching and twisting, you'll want to warm up and prepare your body first.
Variations
This exercise is a great aerobic workout and is also great for building strength. It improves your balance and coordination, as well as your cardio endurance. In addition, you will improve flexibility in your back legs, and shoulders.
Benefits
How to Perform
Starting Position:
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Put your hands down by your sides in a neutral position. Relax your shoulders and open your hands. Water depth should be at about your chest level.
Action:
Jump and reach your opposite toes on both sides. Don't try to reach your arms too far, but keep a comfortable degree. Focus on a continuous movement. You should feel your heart pumping after a few jumps. Keep doing this movement until you feel tired.
Breathing:
Breathe in as you land, and breathe out as you jump.
Muscles Worked
This exercise mainly works your abs and oblique, but also activates your quadriceps and glutes. But as this is a jumping motion that engages your upper and lower halves, the range of worked muscles is wider than a simple standing crunch for example. So your arms, back, and lower leg muscles work too, to a lesser degree.
Jumping Toe Reach
Standing toe reach is one of those exercises that make your heart pump. It is an excellent compound movement that develops and enhances your aerobic capacity, works major muscles in your body, and engages your upper and lower halves.
Copyright ©Aqua-Exercises.com 2014 all rights reserved