First of all, let me take a quick second to congratulate Stephanie Phelps! She’s the winner of the Stubb’s BBQ giveaway! Wohoo for Stephanie!

And now…

You may remember a post earlier this year here on the blog called “Basic Tips to Get Started with Aqua Aerobics”. (If you don’t remember it, feel free to review it by ) Since we’re headed for COLD again, it’s a great time for a follow-up post, don’t you think?

But what does aqua aerobics have to do with domestication? Well, I’m glad you asked!

The first rule of domestication should really be to take care of yourself, because if yourself isn’t taken care of, how can you take care of anyone else? And aqua aerobics is a great way to take care of yourself so you can be fit and healthy and have lots of domestic energy…especially in the cold winter months that are ahead!

Kaitlin Gardner from would agree with me, I’m sure – that, of course, is why she’s today’s guest poster! Let’s see what she has to say…

I love working out in the water because of the variety of exercises I can perform, and my ability to easily make the routine more of a challenge. I can either do more repetitions, or exert more force against the water, and it turns into an advanced workout session. I group my exercises by the type of benefit they give me.

Check out these great resources for more ideas about water workout routines you can try:

Here are my favorite exercises for a solid and varied workout routine:

CORE WORK

Water plank. In chest deep water, I use a foam noodle – a long sturdy cylinder – and put my hands on it about shoulder width apart. As I sink down, the noodle keeps my head above water, and I hold that pushup position as long as possible.

Aqua crunches. I fold a towel lengthwise and put it on the edge of the pool. I put my arms up on it, and then let my legs dangle in the water. I bring my legs up to waist level, keeping my knees straight to maximize the effort. An alternative is to bring my knees up to my chest, while letting my legs fold under me.

Spiderman. This is the only exercise I’ve been able to get my kids to do with me. I tread water next to the side of the pool. I then run up the side of the pool and back down, starting with the opposite leg each time. If I do this 20 times, I’m really feeling my core.

STRENGTH EXERCISES 

Bicep curls. I use water weights for this exercise. The weights are smaller than I’d pick up in the gym, because the resistance of the water provides an additional element of work. I get in water that is neck deep, so the whole exercise will take place under water. I hold the weights by my side, then lift them up against my chest, and back down. 

Squats. I hold on to the water weights for this exercise, because it increases the effect. I get in water that is about waist deep and put my legs about shoulder width apart. I squat down, and then come back to the starting position. I keep repeating until really tired.

Aqua lunges. I start in waist deep water, then step out with one leg until my knee is perpendicular to the bottom of the pool. I return, then step out with the other foot. I make sure not to overstep, which would stress the knee. I’ve worked up to 30 lunges per side over time.

CARDIO WORKOUTS

Aqua jogging. I just go to my community pool when the lap lanes are open, and begin moving up and down one in a good running posture. It’s great cardio, and if it’s too hot to run outside, I still get my cardio workout. I wear old sneakers to protect my feet from the rough surface on the bottom of the pool.

Kick boxing. This group class gives me all the cardio I want, plus allowing me to release some tension and frustration. Punching and kicking in the water is really satisfying, and I don’t risk falling. 

Zumba class. I finally gave in and tried Zumba. I was embarrassed to do all those sexy hip swinging moves on land, but in the water – hey, most of my body is underwater. I walk out of this class tired, but feeling great, which lets me know I really got in a super workout.

After a good hard workout, the rest of my day goes very smoothly. I’m relaxed enough to handle any family crisis like “where are my shoes?” that comes up.

Kaitlin Gardner started to further her passion for a family friendly, green living lifestyle. She is married to her college sweetheart and lives in Pennsylvania. She and her husband enjoy going for long hikes, to get out and enjoy nature. She is working on her first book about ways to live an eco-friendly, healthy, natural life.

Thanks for sharing your passion with us, Kaitlin! So what do you think? Have you ever participated in aqua aerobics? Do you think it would be a good fit for you?

Due to the amount of comments from all of my wonderful readers, it is not always possible for me to respond to each one. However, I absolutely do read them all, and if you’d like to address something specific, or have a question for me, please don’t hesitate to email me at . I will respond to your email as soon as possible! Thank you for visiting the blog!