A Watery and Fun Way to Lose Weight

Don't mind cutting calories, but hate to exercise? Toss your running shoes back in the closet and throw a swimsuit in your gym bag.

Wet workouts may change how you feel about exercise. In a recent study, people who did twice-weekly aqua-jogging sessions dropped both body fat and waist size -- without going on a calorie-restricted diet.

Wet and Wonderful Weight Loss
During the 6-week study, the pool joggers went from feeling embarrassed, reluctant, or afraid of suffering an exercise-induced injury to enjoying exercise. Other benefits included a big drop in appetite, along with perceived improvements in fitness, self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life. Some folks were even moved to start a healthier, calorie-restricted diet, in addition to their new workout routine. (Related: Find the strength and motivation you need to lose weight and get fit now.)

A Little is a Lot
Bottom line: Even if it nets only minimal weight loss, a small amount of exercise can cause dramatic drops in many common obesity-related health risks, including high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. (Related: Too busy to work out? Try this excuse-resistant exercise tip.)

Don't fret if you hate to get wet. Discover the benefits of choosing an activity you really love.