If you’ve checked out my video called Cardio +Core for DEEPER Water, then you know how crazy i am about workouts in deep water.  I love how the deep zeros out any pounding on my precious joints,  but still gives me the ways and means to crank it up!

Using the right aqua floatation belt for your deeper water workout is key.  You’ll want to do your upfront investigation before you buy.  From me to you, here’s 4 tips to shop by.

1. Belt Material – find a belt made of the most DENSE material possible.  Avoid material that feels oober-spongy because it merely becomes one big sponge around your waist retaining water while you’re working out and for days thereafter (think water logged!)  I often see this type sold at the outlet stores.  They’re low-priced because all you’re getting is one big flimsy sponge, not a floatation device.  In short, the material should have some give to the touch,  but it should feel firm, dense.  Because it’s got to hold all of you up!

2. Belt Material – think NON-POROUS.  In the industry this is referred to as “closed-cell technology”, meaning the material is “closed” to accepting water molecules.  So water sheets off your belt.  That’s good.  This material costs more to manufacture, but it produces a superior belt that lasts and is anti-molding.

3. Belt Strap – ELASTIC Please!  Threading through your dense, non-porous floatation belt is a strap that adjusts the belt to your waist size and clicks shut.  You can pick up a lot of comfort here if this strap is made of elasticized material.  This type of strap will feel firm but with a little stretch.  Benefit: as you workout the strap accommodates to you and your actions–not the other way around!

Sadly, many belts on the market come with a less-costly webbing material.  It looks the same in the catalog, but it has no give during your workout–so it can chafe.  My suggestion:  order up a “Replacement Strap”.  They cost under $10 and bring oh-so-much-more comfort.  Unthread your old webbing belt, thread through the elasticized version, and you’ll be good to go for years!  Source:  Kiefer.com sells a nice one.

4.  Belt Size –  Here’s the most important tip:  SIZE MATTERS!  Each of us is a different proportion of “personal floatation” features, both forward and aft.  These features increase your personal buoyancy, but may tilt you forward or back.   So a belt that covers only your back waist is probably not the best option.  Your belt should have enough material to wrap toward the sides of your waist and partially around the front.

To accommodate our variances, some manufacturers produce belts that come in varying sizes: S, M, L, XL   It’s definitely worth checking that out.  Call them and ask to talk to a sales rep that can help with belt sizing.  Don’t be bashful–explain your body build as well as your weight.   I had a great conversation recently with a rep from sprintaquatics.com .  He took his time explaining their belt options and really listened as i described my “personal stats”.

BIG NOTE:  For all of us exercisers, the proper amount of lift from a belt will allow your shoulders to float above the surface and arm pits skimming the water line.

OTHER BIG NOTE:  Most beginners do not snug their belt as much as they need to.  While you’re fastening your belt BREATHE OUT to hollow your belly, then snug to that dimension.  Once in the pool, the water will make your belt feel great!

Belt size for athletes is a challenge too.  Sometimes y’ all are so lean and dense that it takes a super-buoyant belt to keep you afloat!  I really like the Kiefer belt for this crowd.  It’s made of super-dense, non-porous material–plus an elasticized strap. It’s my dream belt! You pay a little more for this belt material, but it will really hold you up–and allow you to  workout intensely.

So aquacizers, now you’re a savvy belt shopper!  Don’t buy cheap and ask questions before you buy.  Have YOU found some cool new belt options??  Email me!

Happy Aquacizing Always!   sue