Barbells are not Dumb

Today’s piece of equipment is the hand buoy; most often we call it a barbell or dumbbell.  It looks like a weighted barbell but is made from foam with a padded grip. It works in the water because the natural tendency of the foam makes it want to float up – You provide the power to push it down. 

Barbells can be used to complement many exercises and provide a great workout for your arms, chest, shoulders and back.

Short list of exercises:
Push Downs – palms down
Diagonal Push Out – palms down, traveling or stationary
Roly Poly– palms down, traveling or stationary
Curls – palms up or down
Muscle Woman Arms – palms inward, arms extended but not locked 

Forward Push Out – palms facing inward

Tips when using barbells:

•    You should be able to control the barbell when it is     submerged.  Form is important.

•    Try to keep 'bells to the front of the body. If you are working out with them on the sides the body, you should be able to see them in your peripheral vision.

•    Don’t grip too hard and relax the grip between sets.

•    Remember – barbells are not designed to be the sole flotation device in deep water.