Tone your body with pool edge push ups

If you are looking for something different to do in the pool, then our pool exercise ideas are just the thing. No swimming required, just a steady, simple workout using the resistance and support offered by water. This idea is pool edge push ups. Push ups you can do on the side of the pool.

  • Body areas worked: upper body (chest, triceps, shoulders), and core
  • Related exercises: Pool Edge Tricep Dips

How to do pool edge push ups

As with all our pool workout ideas you can use the video as a guide to what you have to do. This video shows someone doing pool edge push ups to help you with technique.

  1. Stand with your chest 2 cm away from the edge of the pool
  2. With feet not touching the bottom, place your hands on the pool edge slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and elbows in line with your shoulders.
  3. Transferring your weight onto your hands and arms, push your body up and out of the water. Move as if you are getting out of the pool. Exhale as you push up. Contract your abdominals, keep your shoulders down, and avoid locking your elbows
  4. Inhale and slowly lower yourself back into the water; stop when your elbows are bent to 90 degrees.
  5. Try to do two sets of 10 to 15 reps.

Advanced option

If you feel this is too easy you can increase the intensity by the following methods.

  • Increase the time it takes to perform the upward and downward arm movement. The slower the downward phase takes the harder the arms will have to work
  • Increase the number of repetitions to 20 or 30

Simpler option

If you feel this is too difficult you can lower the intensity by doing the following.

  • When pushing your upper body out of the water, add a small jump. This will reduce the strain on your arms by using your legs more.
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