Go with the flow
Diving in to water yoga
If you’re looking for a refreshing and rejuvenating way to enhance your physical and mental well-being, water yoga might be the perfect addition to your routine.
One of the joys of owning a backyard pool is the sense of freedom it brings, especially when it comes to exercising. Your pool becomes your personal sanctuary for fitness and relaxation – a place where you can move at your own pace, with no time constraints or distractions. Water-based exercise is an invigorating way to stay fit and active…all in the privacy of your own home.
The benefits of water yoga
Water yoga, also known as aqua yoga or pool yoga, combines traditional yoga principles with the therapeutic properties of water. It provides a gentle yet effective workout that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, offering a host of benefits for both the body and mind.
Low impact: Water yoga is ideal for anyone with joint issues, arthritis, or recovering from injury. The water buoyancy reduces impact on joints while still providing a challenging workout.
Increased flexibility: The water's built-in resistance enhances the effectiveness of stretches and movements, so you’ll improve flexibility and develop a greater range of motion. It’s especially beneficial for people who find some yoga poses a bit challenging on dry land.
Enhanced strength: That same resistance forces the body to engage more muscle groups, helping to build strength and endurance without excessive stress on the body.
Cardiovascular workout: Performing water yoga will elevate your heart rate and give you a good cardiovascular workout, which helps improve circulation and contributes to better heart health.
Balance and coordination: Being in water challenges your balance and coordination, so you’ll see improvement in your core stability and body awareness.
Stress relief and relaxation: The calming nature of water combined with the meditative aspects of yoga creates a tranquil environment, quietening the mind and relaxing the body.
Reduced muscle soreness: Being immersed in water can help alleviate muscle soreness and tension, aiding in post-workout recovery.
Water yoga at home
The following water-based poses will give you a full body workout without leaving the pool. Before beginning any water yoga practice, warm up with a few minutes of gentle water walking or swimming to prepare your body. Remember to move slowly and mindfully, and to listen to your body's cues. It's important to stay hydrated, so be sure to keep a water bottle within arm’s reach.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
1. Stand in shoulder-deep water with feet hip-width apart.
2. Press palms together at the heart centre and engage the core.
3. Gently sway side to side, feeling the water's resistance and finding balance.
Floating Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
1. Stand in waist-deep water and hinge forward from the hips.
2. Reach your arms out in front and let your body float on the water's surface.
3. Allow your spine to lengthen and enjoy the gentle stretch on your hamstrings and lower back.
Water Warrior (Virabhadrasana)
1. Stand in chest-deep water with feet wide apart.
2. Bend your right knee and extend the left leg back (the Warrior 1 pose).
3. Hold for 5 or 10 breaths, lift and lower your arms in sync with your breath, feeling the water's resistance.
4. Repeat on the other side to work both legs and engage the core.
Pool Plank
1. Hold onto the pool edge, facing down into the water.
2. Extend your legs back, keeping them together and toes pointed.
3. Engage your core and hold the plank position for as long as comfortable.
Water Cobra (Bhujangasana)
1. Stand in shoulder-deep water with feet together.
2. Place your hands on the pool's edge and extend your body forward, keeping it parallel to the water's surface.
3. Engage your back muscles as you lift your chest and head, creating a gentle backbend.
Floating Boat
1. Sit in the water with your legs extended and your back straight.
2. Lift your feet off the pool floor, creating a "V" shape with your body.
3. Balance on your sitting bones and engage your core to stay afloat.
Water Meditation
1. Find a comfortable position in the water, either sitting or lying down.
2. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, feeling the gentle movement of the water around you.
3. Let go of any tension, stress or worry and embrace the peacefulness of the pool.