--- title: Gloves vs. Hand Buoys — Which Should You Use in the Pool? description: water workout gloves versus hand buoys advantages in water aerobics image: https://blog.h2owear.com/hubfs/Blog14_1200x900-copy.jpg --- - [Home](https://www.h2owear.com/) - [My Account](https://www.h2owear.com/customer/account/) - [My Wishlist](https://www.h2owear.com/wishlist/) - [My Cart](https://www.h2owear.com/checkout/cart/) - [Checkout](https://www.h2owear.com/checkout/) - [Log In](https://www.h2owear.com/customer/account/login/) - [Create An Account](https://www.h2owear.com/create-an-account) - [Order Status](https://www.h2owear.com/customer/account/) - [Sizing Chart](https://www.h2owear.com/size-chart) - [Shipping & Returns](https://www.h2owear.com/shipping-returns/) - [Customer Care](https://www.h2owear.com/customer-care/) - [Swimwear Care](https://www.h2owear.com/swimwear-care/) - [FAQ's](https://www.h2owear.com/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Product Sitemap](https://www.h2owear.com/catalog/seo_sitemap/product/) - [Category Sitemap](https://www.h2owear.com/catalog/seo_sitemap/category/) - [Advanced Search](https://www.h2owear.com/catalogsearch/advanced/) - [Orders and Returns](https://www.h2owear.com/sales/guest/form/) [![h20Wear.com](https://blog.h2owear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/H2OWear_October2020/images/header-logo.png?width=1000&name=header-logo.png "h20Wear.com")](https://www.h2owear.com/)   Ultra Chlorine-Resistant 50+ UPF Sun Protection 1-Year Warranty [My Account](https://www.h2owear.com/customer/account/login/) Cart Search: Search - [One-Piece Swimsuits](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits.html) - [Ashley Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/ashley-support-tank.html) - [Classic Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/classic-tank.html) - [Athletic Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/athletic-support-tank.html) - [Scoop Back Support Tanks](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/scoop-back-support-tank.html) - [Scoop Back Support Tank w/ Mastectomy Bra](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/scoop-back-support-tank-w-mastectomy-bra.html) - [DD Support Tanks](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/dd-support-tank.html) - [Ruched Front Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/ruched-front-support-tank.html) - [Side Accent Support Tanks](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/chlorine-resistant-side-accent-support-tank.html) - [Harness Back Style](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/chlorine-resistant-side-accent-support-tank/chlorine-resistant-harness-back-style-support-tank.html) - [Scoop Back Style](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/chlorine-resistant-side-accent-support-tank/chlorine-resistant-scoop-back-style-support-tank.html) - [Support Tank with Skirt](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/support-tank-w-skirt.html) - [Zip-Front Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/zip-front-support-tank.html) - [Separates](https://www.h2owear.com/seperates-chlorine-resistant-swimwear.html) - [Unitanks](https://www.h2owear.com/chlorine-resistant-unitanks.html) - [Aqua Shirts](https://www.h2owear.com/cover-ups/aqua-shirts.html) - [Neoprene](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene.html) - [Fitted Jacket](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/fitted-jacket.html) - [Straight-Cut Jacket](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/straight-cut-jacket.html) - [Vest](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/vest.html) - [Shorts](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/shorts.html) - [Tights](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/tights.html) - [Gloves](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/gloves.html) - [Shoes](https://www.h2owear.com/women-s-shoes.html) - [H2O Wear Aqua Vibe Water Shoe](https://www.h2owear.com/women-s-shoes/h2o-wear-aqua-vibe-water-shoe.html) - [Women's RYKA Hydro Sport Shoe](https://www.h2owear.com/women-s-shoes/women-s-ryka-hydro-sport-shoe.html) - [Accessories](https://www.h2owear.com/h20-accessories-swimwear.html) - [Mens](https://www.h2owear.com/mens-chlorine-resistant-swimwear.html) - [Gift Certificates](https://www.h2owear.com/gift-certificates.html) - [Clearance](https://www.h2owear.com/clearance-chlorine-resistant-swimwear.html) Categories - [One-Piece Swimsuits](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits.html) - [Ashley Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/ashley-support-tank.html) - [Classic Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/classic-tank.html) - [Athletic Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/athletic-support-tank.html) - [Scoop Back Support Tanks](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/scoop-back-support-tank.html) - [Scoop Back Support Tank w/ Mastectomy Bra](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/scoop-back-support-tank-w-mastectomy-bra.html) - [DD Support Tanks](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/dd-support-tank.html) - [Ruched Front Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/ruched-front-support-tank.html) - [Side Accent Support Tanks](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/chlorine-resistant-side-accent-support-tank.html) - [Harness Back Style](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/chlorine-resistant-side-accent-support-tank/chlorine-resistant-harness-back-style-support-tank.html) - [Scoop Back Style](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/chlorine-resistant-side-accent-support-tank/chlorine-resistant-scoop-back-style-support-tank.html) - [Support Tank with Skirt](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/support-tank-w-skirt.html) - [Zip-Front Support Tank](https://www.h2owear.com/one-piece-chlorine-resistant-swimsuits/zip-front-support-tank.html) - [Separates](https://www.h2owear.com/seperates-chlorine-resistant-swimwear.html) - [Unitanks](https://www.h2owear.com/chlorine-resistant-unitanks.html) - [Aqua Shirts](https://www.h2owear.com/cover-ups/aqua-shirts.html) - [Neoprene](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene.html) - [Fitted Jacket](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/fitted-jacket.html) - [Straight-Cut Jacket](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/straight-cut-jacket.html) - [Vest](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/vest.html) - [Shorts](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/shorts.html) - [Tights](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/tights.html) - [Gloves](https://www.h2owear.com/neoprene/gloves.html) - [Shoes](https://www.h2owear.com/women-s-shoes.html) - [H2O Wear Aqua Vibe Water Shoe](https://www.h2owear.com/women-s-shoes/h2o-wear-aqua-vibe-water-shoe.html) - [Women's RYKA Hydro Sport Shoe](https://www.h2owear.com/women-s-shoes/women-s-ryka-hydro-sport-shoe.html) - [Accessories](https://www.h2owear.com/h20-accessories-swimwear.html) - [Mens](https://www.h2owear.com/mens-chlorine-resistant-swimwear.html) - [Gift Certificates](https://www.h2owear.com/gift-certificates.html) - [Clearance](https://www.h2owear.com/clearance-chlorine-resistant-swimwear.html) ![](https://blog.h2owear.com/hubfs/Blog14_1200x900-copy.jpg) # Gloves vs. Hand Buoys — Which Should You Use in the Pool? Published by [H2O Wear Team](https://blog.h2owear.com/author/h2o-wear-team) on Aug 20, 2025, 4:46:15 PM If you’re working out in the water and wondering which tool is better — gloves or hand buoys — the answer is: both. But the why (and when) really matters. Each tool works your body differently. Understanding how they interact with the water can help you get more from every move *and* prevent unnecessary strain. Let’s break it down:   **Water Gloves = Drag-Based Resistance** [Gloves create resistance](https://www.h2owear.com/h20-accessories-swimwear.html?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=wavemakers&utm_campaign=gloves-v-hand-buoys-blog) by increasing the surface area of your hands. As you push through water in any direction, you’re met with drag, which makes your muscles work both ways.  That means: - You’re training muscle pairs evenly (biceps + triceps, chest + back) - You’re improving joint balance and coordination - You’re staying low-impact while gaining full-body strength  This push-pull pattern is one reason aquatic exercise is so joint-friendly. What’s even better — you don’t need to know which muscles are weak, the water tells you.   **Hand Buoys = Buoyancy-Based Resistance** Buoys are different. They resist submersion. They want to float, so you have to actively press them down, hold them under control, and manage their rebound.  This creates: - A reversed resistance pattern compared to land - A greater challenge to your stabilizers (core, shoulders) - A cardio and strength combo, especially with intervals With small hand buoys, you get the best of both worlds: the freedom to move across all planes of motion and enough resistance to build endurance without losing form. **So, Which Should You Use?** - **Start with gloves** if you're new to water workouts, dealing with joint pain, or working on form and balance. - **Add hand buoys** when you're ready to increase intensity, build strength, or try cardio intervals.  Better yet? Alternate between them. You can do the same workout with gloves one day and buoys the next, and you’ll activate different muscles with every switch. [See a video of arm curls using hand buoys.](https://youtu.be/YO6vRl8ZluU) Water tools aren’t about making things harder. They’re about creating options—so you can feel stronger, move better, and stay consistent.   Ready to try both?[Explore Wavemakers workouts](https://waterexercisecoach.com/) — easy-going, results-focused sessions that will change the way you move for good. [Back to Blog](https://blog.h2owear.com) We Welcome Your Comments Below: ## Related Articles ## [Why Small Hand Buoys Deserve a Place in Your Pool Bag](https://blog.h2owear.com/why-small-hand-buoys-deserve-a-place-in-your-pool-bag) When it comes to water exercise, it’s easy to assume that bigger means better. You’ve probably... [Read More](https://blog.h2owear.com/why-small-hand-buoys-deserve-a-place-in-your-pool-bag) ## [Why Neck-Deep Water Fires Up Your Core](https://blog.h2owear.com/why-neck-deep-water-fires-up-your-core) You can train your core in shallow water or in the deep end. But there’s a spot in between that... [Read More](https://blog.h2owear.com/why-neck-deep-water-fires-up-your-core) ## [The Hidden Power of Aquatic Equipment: 4 Ways Water Gloves Can Boost Your Workout](https://blog.h2owear.com/the-hidden-power-of-aquatic-equipment-4-ways-water-gloves-can-boost-your-workout) Water-based workouts have long been hailed for their low-impact benefits, but incorporating aquatic... [Read More](https://blog.h2owear.com/the-hidden-power-of-aquatic-equipment-4-ways-water-gloves-can-boost-your-workout) - Account Information - [Create An Account](https://www.h2owear.com/create-an-account) - [Order Status](https://www.h2owear.com/customer/account/) - [Sizing Chart](https://www.h2owear.com/size-chart) - [Shipping & Returns](https://www.h2owear.com/shipping-returns/) - [Customer Care](https://www.h2owear.com/customer-care/) - [Swimwear Care](https://www.h2owear.com/swimwear-care/) - FAQ's - About H2O Wear - [Our Story](https://www.h2owear.com/our-story/) - [Contact Us](https://www.h2owear.com/contact-us/) - [Aqua Partners](https://www.h2owear.com/aqua-partners/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.h2owear.com/privacy-policy-cookie-restriction-mode/) #### H2O Wear is engineered to perform. Our garments are guaranteed to be chlorine-resistant and give you H2O Wear performance every time you’re in the pool. We offer a wide selection of one-piece swimsuits, sun protection swimwear, swim separates, mastectomy swimwear, fitness swimwear, swim cover-ups, neoprene swim gear and aquatic workout shoes. Chlorine is tough, but we’re tougher. Get ready for a great workout with H2O Wear. ### CALL US TOLL FREE (800) 321-7848 #### 9AM - 5PM Mon - Fri EST # [Printable Order Form](https://h2owear.com/Orderform.pdf) [![Social Image](https://blog.h2owear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/H2OWear_October2020/images/FB-and-text.png?width=1000&name=FB-and-text.png "Social Image")](https://www.facebook.com/H2O-Wear-279844915408654) - [![Footer Logo](https://blog.h2owear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/H2OWear_October2020/images/footer-logo.png?width=2000&name=footer-logo.png "Footer Logo")](https://www.h2owear.com/aqua-partners/) - [HOME](https://www.h2owear.com/) - [Privacy](https://www.h2owear.com/privacy-policy) - © 2023 H2O Wear Inc. All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "H2O Wear Team", "url" : "https://blog.h2owear.com/author/h2o-wear-team" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-21T20:40:31.806Z", "datePublished" : "2025-08-20T20:46:15.000Z", "headline" : "Gloves vs. Hand Buoys — Which Should You Use in the Pool?", "image" : [ "https://blog.h2owear.com/hubfs/Blog14_1200x900-copy.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.h2owear.com/gloves-vs.-hand-buoys-which-should-you-use-in-the-pool", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "H2O Wear" } } ```