Full of fantastic physical fitness tips and tricks, Dr. Graham offers pool-goers some effective and enjoyable pool games to get your in tip top shape for the summer.

• 1. Splash:One of the all-time favorite exercises of both young and old is to push surface water with sufficient speed that it makes a huge splash. To push water forward 50 or more times at maximum speed, in an effort to throw as much water as possible, is somehow very rewarding and equally as tiring. This exercise is good for your reflexes and muscular endurance, and is superb for stress release.
  2. Clap:Stand in neck-deep water, or spread or bend your legs so that the water is up to your neck. With straight arms held out to the sides, (or bent for beginners) bring your hands together as rapidly as possible. Position hands so as to create the desired resistance, holding them an inch under the surface of the water and creating zero splash. Return arms to the start position as rapidly as possible, again utilizing straight arms and positioning the hands to create water resistance. The faster the movement, the greater the resistance. Excellent for shoulders, chest, and back.
  3. Press:With straight arms, support weight on the edge of the pool, feet in the water, toes touching the wall of the pool. Push downward, raising the tummy and rear as far as it they will go. The toes will rise. If you get your knees out of water, you are doing fairly well. Ease your weight back to the starting position. Repeat 5-10 times. Requires triceps, trapezius, and core strength.
  4. Swing:Stand on one leg, in water deeper than your waist, and swing the other leg without bending at the knee. Front and back, side to side, in big circles, and even diagonally will all prove valuable for the muscles around the entire thigh, glute, and hip regions.