BOSTON -- As the temperature climbs and the thought of exercising outdoors seems impossible, consider water and its many options. Water exercise classes have been around for a long time, but if you want to try a few easy, fun and effective exercises on your own, try the following.

1. Water walking: Just what the name says -- in water at least waist deep, but preferably chest deep, walk forward 10-20 steps. Immediately walk backwards, the same number of steps. (Be sure there is no one behind you!) Just "pushing through the water" will make your mid-section (CORE) work to keep you erect and stabilize you, as well as use the front and back of your legs. The coming and going create a pool of resistance that will make your muscles work.

2. Side stepping: Stand as level as possible (use the width of a pool, or face the shore) in waist to shoulder deep water, and just step out with your lead leg, as wide as possible, and then quickly drag the other leg in to meet it. Do 8 to 10 to one side (depending on the width of a pool), and then quickly go to the other side facing the same direction so that your lead leg changes each time. Very important to build a balanced workout. This will use the inner and outer thigh muscles, plus the CORE! Make it fun, like you are playing tag on each side. As your speed increases, so will your resistance and your muscle work!

3. Water jogging: Buy a "water noodle" (available at most grocery or drug stores) or inner tube and start in deep water (or water you can jog in without touching the bottom). Just jog or run in the water. Remember to relax your shoulders, think of good posture, and pace yourself -- start slowly! As you pick up your speed, and/or the amount of time, you will increase your heart rate, work your leg and CORE muscles, and burn calories!

The above are just a few ideas for a summer exercise routine that doesn't even require you to break a sweat. They are easy on your joints, and FUN.