How to Use Swimming as Exercise for the Stomach

Swimming provides low-impact exercise for people of all ages. Both cardiovascular and muscle-toning workouts are possible with the proper movements. Additionally, swimmers can focus on specific muscle groups while doing aquatic workouts. The muscles of the upper and lower stomach can be worked and strengthened by jumping with the legs and scooping of the arms. Avoid painful, boring crunches on the floor. Your abdominal muscles can be worked just as hard in a swimming pool.

Things You'll Need

  • Swimming pool or body of water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand in a swimming pool full of water. The water level should hit you between your belly button and chest. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • 2

      Jump, bringing your knees to the surface of the water and then stand back in your original position. This movement should mimic a frog jumping. This works your upper stomach muscles. Do these jumps for three minutes.

    • 3

      Scoop the water using on hand at a time, from the surface of the water in front of you, down to your side.

    • 4

      Alternate scooping on each side. This works your oblique and lower stomach muscles. Do these scoops, alternating each side, for three minutes.

    • 5

      Combine the jumps and the scoops for three minutes to work your upper and lower stomach simultaneously.