At most lap pools you can find an assortment of swim gear: kick board, fins, and pull buoys. I was unsure of the pull buoy until I started using swimming as a workout and now everytime I swim I use one.

You just put it between your legs, up as high as possible and swim, or pull, with just your arms - hence the name. I like incorporating the buoy into my workout as a warm up for my arms. I breath less frequently and really concentrate on my stroke. Plus, I know I am working my inner thighs by holding the buoy and I love an exercise that multitasks.

Here's a few pointers:

• Point your feet while using a buoy since it reduces your drag allowing you to get full motion out of your pull.
• Engage your abs!!! Scoop your belly toward your spine. This give you a straighter bodyline and therefore makes you more efficient.
• For a super-duper challenge, hold the buoy with your ankles which will force you to engage your abs so you don't sink.