A few inexpensive props can broaden your water repertoire, make workouts more intense and add an element of fun.
Foam noodle: The common cylindrical pool toy makes you buoyant while exercising. Sit on it and work the upper body; place it along your back with arms outstretched to work the legs and abs; place it in front and rest your arms on it while working legs; wrap it around your waist; or straddle it.
Pressing the foam noodle into the water creates resistance for the arms and legs. Cost: less than $10.
Buoys: Usually shaped like dumbbells, these are made of foam and plastic, come in different sizes and offer muscle resistance.
For a biceps curl, hold the buoy in one hand, arm bent, with the buoy just above the water. Pull it down, keeping the elbow steady, and let it up slowly, fighting the urge to allow the buoyancy to carry it up. Or, hold the buoys out in front of your chest, arms straight, and push down toward your thighs, engaging the core. Cost is about $22 to $30 per pair.
Webbed gloves: These wrist-length, lightweight gloves are typically made of neoprene or similar stretchy material. The spaces in between the fingers are webbed, offering more drag when hands move through the water. That makes muscles work harder, increasing cardiovascular function. They run about $15 to $30 a pair.
