With the New Year well underway, how are your resolutions holding up? If you answered “not good,” take heart; you can still get back on track! Furthermore, if your promises had anything to do with finding more and/or better ways to stay fit, take a close look at the benefits of water aerobics.
“Aerobic” is a term meaning activity that increases heart rate. Exercising in water is healthier because it’s the easiest on joints and muscles. It’s the best, most effective choice over exercising on land for most everyone, especially seniors and those who may be injured, ill, and/or overweight.
For seniors, water aerobics helps improve quality of life while decreasing disability. It benefits post-menopausal women by maintaining bone health, balance, and flexibility while building strength and endurance.
Additionally, hydrotherapy uses less effort, allowing for longer work-out periods. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the goal should be to exercise at least two and a half hours per week at a moderate intensity or one and a fourth hour a week at vigorous intensity.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, GA, says the benefits of water-based exercise are important for men and women, influencing both physical and mental health. It decreases depression and anxiety. They further suggest two and a half hours per week decreases the risk of chronic illnesses while improving the health of those afflicted.
Diabetes, heart disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and osteoarthritis are some of the illnesses benefited by hydrotherapy. Parents of children with disabilities have reported better family connections when they participate in water-based activities.
An interview with Beth Heindel, for many years a water aerobics instructor at LaGrange College in LaGrange, GA, revealed she has more participation from seniors than any other age group. Her separate classes offer three levels of intensity: low, medium, or high. Describing the benefits of water aerobics, she said, “Water aerobics saved my life after a spinal injury at 36. Most of my over 50 clients say they have more mobility, energy, and flexibility, allowing them to enjoy a higher quality of life.”
Swimming is the fourth popular sports activity in the United States. It’s no surprise water aerobics is fast becoming the most desired way to stay fit, remain in good spirits, and have fun. If it wasn’t part of your New Years resolutions, there’s time to reconsider.
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