Discover why the advantages of water aerobics workouts may make this form of exercise a perfect choice.
Aerobics exercise, any physical activity that increases the heart rate and the intake of oxygen for a period of time sufficient to increase fitness has been around for many years. There is a relatively new form of aerobics that people may not be as familiar with called water aerobics. Water aerobics workouts offer similar benefits as traditional aerobics but also has some amazing advantages.
It isn’t necessary for a person to be able to swim to participate in water aerobics. There are a number of flotation devices that can be used to help non-swimmers feel at ease and concentrate on the fitness routines even in deeper water.
Advantages of water aerobics exercises
While there is no single form of exercise that is perfect for everyone, many people find that water aerobics comes closest to meeting their individual needs, restrictions and abilities. A few advantages offered by this fitness activity include;
- size and speed of movements can be adjusted to change workout intensity to suit individual needs
- every muscle and joint in the body is exercised at the same time
- because of the cooling effects of exercising in water, water aerobics eliminates heat injury concerns even when the weather is quite warm
- water aerobics are suitable for all ages because the buoyancy effect of water produces less stress on joints and muscles
- water aerobics workouts provide multi-directional resistance in all directions for the muscles to work against
- since it is a non-weight bearing activity, water aerobics is a perfect environment for orthopedic patients and athletes rehabilitating an injury
Benefits of water aerobics
Water aerobics offers similar healthful benefits found with other forms aerobics exercise but has one exciting added benefit. The activity burns calories much more efficiently because of the resistance provided by movements against the water. Water aerobics activities burn more calories than similar aerobics activities done on land. As an example, walking on land for 30 minutes burns on average about 135 calories while deep water walking burns about 264 calories in the same amount of time. The increased calorie burn can help people meet healthy body weight goals faster.
Example Water Aerobics Workouts
There is a wide variety of activities available for those who choose water aerobics to improve fitness. Walking, jogging and running in a pool are the simplest forms of water aerobics and all of these activities will strengthen the lower extremities and develop cardio-respiratory fitness.
Water aerobics classes that offer a variety of activities and are lead by qualified instructors are available at most health clubs, fitness centers and local YMCAs where pools are available. The ready availability of indoor pools at many fitness facilities makes water aerobics a year-round fitness activity.
Water aerobics exercises are an excellent low-impact way to build strength, reduce body fat, and increase overall cardio-respiratory fitness.
Comments