Hanging out at the pool is great during hot summer days; but don’t get carried away just floating around in your lounger. Take advantage of some of the great exercises available while you’re cooling off.

The great thing about exercising in the pool is that you can get in a good workout and not worry about feeling hot and sweaty. In the meantime, your muscles will get worked on and your heart will get pumping. At the same time, you get to enjoy a nice dip. What could be better?

Swimming laps is a great way to get started. It doesn’t matter what stroke you do, it doesn’t even matter if you’re a good swimmer. The resistance of the water as you pull yourself across is as good as a light weight lifting work out.

If you can get yourself across the length of the pool and back, you’ve managed to work out just about every part of your body. Add to that the elevated heartbeat that comes with it and enjoy the feeling of invigoration you’ll feel.

Start by swimming the maximum amount of laps you can handle on the first day. On day two go for at least that many and see how much further you can make it. Slowly work yourself up to the number of laps that feels right for you and do that every time you get into the pool.

But don’t spend all your energy just on swimming. The pool is also a great place to do aerobics. Older folks who suffer from the stiffness and joint pain of arthritis will find they are much more flexible in water and can actually accomplish movement that is all but impossible outside the pool.

Pregnant moms will really enjoy a low impact aerobics workout in the cool water - and, if they are enrolled in a special exercise program, they can do those exercises in the water as well.

Those who have children can take advantage of the many pool games available. Everything from volleyball to diving for rubber rings is available to purchase. But if you use a little bit of imagination, you can come up with all sorts of activities with no cost.

Get the whole family involved and do sets of relays - choosing different strokes or methods for getting across the pool and back to the next swimmer. Follow-the-leader is great too - use a variety of activities in and out of the pool and take turns being the leader.

If pools aren’t your thing, don’t eliminate water exercise completely. Going out to the beach, offers lots of options too. If you’re near the ocean; get a surf board. It’s great for strengthening balance and it takes a lot of muscle to paddle out far enough to catch the big one.

At the lake, rent a rowboat, canoe or a paddle boat for the afternoon. If you have access to a jet ski, use it - it builds an amazing amount of strength. Not only will it work your muscles, but it will get your heart pumping too.

For those who don’t normally enjoy the water, this can be a great opportunity to get your feet wet with a purpose. Even a small backyard pool can be a good place to get started. Next time the kids, or your grandkids, are out there splashing, get in with them and have some fun.