Pool Depth & Position
Categories based on your position and level of anchoring in the pool
The water environment offers unique opportunities for exercise that aren't available on land. Your position in the pool - whether you're standing on the bottom, floating, or somewhere in between - dramatically affects the type of workout you get and what your body experiences.
These categories help you find exercises based on how much support you want from the pool bottom and how much you want to use water's buoyancy. Each position offers different benefits and challenges, allowing you to match exercises to your comfort level and goals.
Exercise Positions
Fully Anchored
Exercises performed with feet firmly on the pool bottom for maximum stability
View ExercisesPartially Suspended
Exercises with intermittent foot contact or supported by equipment
View ExercisesPool Depth Guidelines
Understanding pool depth and your position in the water is essential for safe and effective aquatic exercise:
Safety First:
- Know Your Limits: Only exercise in water depths where you feel completely safe and comfortable
- Stay Within Reach: Always ensure you can easily reach the pool edge or a stable surface
- Gradual Progression: Start with more anchored positions and progress to suspended positions as comfort increases
- Swimming Ability: Suspended exercises require basic swimming skills or flotation devices
Choosing Your Position:
- Fully Anchored: Best for stability, balance challenges, and those new to water exercise
- Partially Anchored: Good middle ground with some buoyancy assistance while maintaining control
- Partially Suspended: Offers more buoyancy benefits while still providing some stability
- Fully Suspended: Maximum buoyancy and range of motion, ideal for advanced users and deep water training
Water Depth Recommendations:
- Shallow End (2-4 feet): Perfect for fully anchored exercises and beginners
- Mid-Depth (4-5 feet): Ideal for partially anchored and partially suspended exercises
- Deep End (5+ feet): Required for fully suspended exercises, requires swimming ability
- Adjustable Depth: Some exercises work across multiple depths - choose what feels comfortable