Want to exercise and keep cool at the same time? Dive into a water workout. Working out in the water takes some of the strain off joints and muscles and can even help increase flexibility. Try these four easy ideas for getting active in the pool.

Always consult a physician before starting a new fitness regimen.

Take a Class
Water aerobics have been a staple at pools and fitness centers for years, but now there are water versions of nearly any class you'd find on dry land. You can sign up for aqua yoga, Pilates, or even kickboxing to burn calories as you make a splash.

Walk in Water
If you'd rather work out solo, try walking laps in the pool. This works best in waist– or chest–deep water, and you'll want to start off slow with 10– or 15–minute sessions. The water's added resistance makes walking tougher than on dry land. Need a bigger challenge? Alternate between two laps walking and two laps swimming.

Pick Up the Pace
The water is a great place to take a walking workout to the next level—jogging. Because water supports much of your weight, there's less impact on joints and less risk of injury. Try jogging in deep water with a flotation device, so your feet never touch the bottom of the pool. You can also jog in place in waist– or chest–deep water.

Adult Swim
Whether your swimming skills are rusty or you simply didn't learn as a child, it's never too late to sign up for swimming lessons. Many pools offer classes specifically geared to adults at a variety of skill levels. You'll learn something new while enjoying a healthy aerobic activity. For an average–weight person, swimming burns 240 calories every half hour.