Memorial Day has come and gone and everyone is gearing up for summer fun. The kids are out of school and summer vacations are quickly approaching.

Many pool owners are in the process of getting them ready to become their summer oasis and what a wonderful place to enjoy exercise.

So how can we beat the heat for the next couple of months and still get the workouts we need to achieve our goals?

One way is to trade a land workout day for a water workout day.

Summertime usually forces people to change schedules a little anyways with vacations, barbecues, family gatherings etc., so why not change the way you exercise? You will be able to go and enjoy your day and hopefully not be so exhausted from the heat.

Not only is this my favorite way to cool off in the summertime, but working out in the water is a great low-impact option for everyone.

I spoke with someone recently who had been a runner for many years, but because of the constant impact and the damage that has been done to her joints she had to retire her running shoes. Trading the pavement for the pool allows running to still be an option for people in situations such as this.

Shallow water will allow low impact while deep water allows for zero impact. You can also do many of the same exercises that you do on land in the water including lunges, squats, curls, hip abductions and adductions, tricep presses and many, many more. The possibilities are endless in the water, … let your creativity flow (pun intended).

When exercising in the water, here are a few things to keep in mind:

If it is an outside pool, make sure to put on sunscreen to help avoid sunburn.

Make sure you have adequate space for your activities.

Because the water is keeping you wet and cooling the body down, you may not feel as hot as you normally feel when exercising on land. Do not mistake this for an easier workout.

Try to exercise in water that is around waist height if you have pulmonary disorders or breathing problems due to lung compression in chest-deep or deeper waters.

Ideal water temp for exercising is between 78 to 84/85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Last and most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself!

So remember an easy and fun way to beat the heat this summer and still get in your workout is just a pool away.

Make a splash and have some fun in the sun!

Lange House, wellness director at the Rome-Floyd County YMCA, is a columnist on the Health Quest web page on RN-T.com. Health Quest 2011 is a public weight-loss initiative presented by the YMCA, Floyd Medical Center and the Rome News-Tribune.