Throughout my childhood, when on vacation I didn’t care whether the hotel had a business center or a free continental breakfast. All I cared about was 1) Was there a pool? and 2) When could we go swimming? In the dozen-plus articles we’ve written for BusinessBalance.com, Jenn and I have often brought up incorporating the Embassy Suites pool into your workouts. And even though the pool is a great place to get a sweat going, I’m willing to bet that it is an under-utilized workout asset for most adults traveling for business.

Working out in the water can be such a great way to fit in exercise. It’s easy on the joints while offering resistance to your muscles and requires no equipment other than a bathing suit. Plus, water workouts are especially wonderful when it’s 100 degrees in the shade, and running is the last thing you feel like doing. So why the hesitation to jump in the pool? Often, it’s a lack of confidence–not knowing what to do once you jump in or not wanting to bare your skin in the first place. No more excuses–we’ve got the solutions for you!

I Get Up Early
If your main hesitation regarding a pool workout is getting into a swimsuit–and possibly being seen by co-workers–beat them to the punch. The earlier you get your swim in, the less likely you are to run into anyone. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be strutting your stuff around the pool; except for a few seconds of walking to the water, your modest self will be in the water. Also, make sure you choose a well-fitting, sporty swimsuit–no bikinis or Speedos. When you look all “fitness business” in the pool, no one will think anything of it.

I Don’t Know What To Do
If you’re not a fan of swimming laps, or the pool just isn’t large enough, you still have options! Treading water is a great way to get your heart rate up. Depending on your comfort level, you can tread water in the shallow end or down in the deep, but you’ll get a full-body workout either way. Water walking is also a good cardio option that’s easy on the joints. You can walk back and forth through waist-deep water or do intervals of walking in the shallow and treading water in the deep end. And last but not least, aerobics aren’t just for those wearing leg warmers! In chest-deep water, you can do jumping jacks, tuck jumps, knee lifts and arm circles for a full-body wake-up call. Grab onto the pool’s edge and kick your legs behind you for a great glute workout!

I Can’t Swim
If you never mastered the art of swimming, avoid taking unnecessary risks. As no lifeguards are on duty at most hotels, don’t get in the water unless you feel totally comfortable simply walking in the shallow end or grabbing onto the pool’s edge to do leg kicks. Put “learn to swim” on your to-do list, so you’ll be prepared the next time a pool is calling your name!

Don’t let a lack of know-how keep you on dry land. Dive in! (Except don’t. Hotel pools aren’t typically deep enough for diving.)