Water, water everywhere! Working out in the water is one of the most therapeutic activities one can take part in. Water aerobics builds cardio, strength and resistance all while being easy on the joints.Club Bethesda offers a variety of water aerobic classes for both beginning and advanced members in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. (A wheelchair accessible ramp makes it easy for anyone to use the pool!) Learn more today by calling the Club at 320-214-5627 or check out the August Fitness Schedule by clicking here.
Here are the top 10 benefits of water aerobics:
- 1) Increase muscle strength – Since water flows in multiple directions, the resistance in the pool can range from four to 42 times greater than air, ensuring the body’s muscles get a rigid workout.
- 2) Build endurance – Unlike traditional weights, which require the human body to push and pull against the weight plus gravity, water resistance is a more natural resistance which requires the body to strain through the water rather than against it.
- 3) Increases flexibility – As the body is subject to water resistance during water aerobic exercise – which requires movement in various directions while adjusting to the push and pull of water – the joints naturally increase their range of motion.
- 4) Low-impact exercise – The traditional impact we place on our joints during a “land workout” can be taxing. In water aerobics, the buoyancy of the water helps takes off some of this impact. In layman’s terms, our body is not subject to gravity in the water, therefore the impact our joints take on when running in water is not equal to the impact when running on land. This is particularly appealing to those with joint conditions such as arthritis or those currently undergoing physical rehabilitation.
- 5) Alleviates pressure on the joints – Water-based exercises, such as water aerobics, can relieve pressure placed on joints from normal wear-and-tear and arthritis. In fact, hydrotherapy is shown to be the leading form of therapy for those suffering from joint problems.
- 6) Relieves stress and decreases anxiety – Watching bodies of water in motion can be one of the most soothing activities to help relieve stress, which is why vacations to beaches and islands are popular getaways. But being in the water can be just as relaxing and can decrease anxiety and negative mood states.
- 7) Burns calories – The combination of strength and cardio workouts mixed with water resistance in aquatic exercise ensures the body is getting a full workout. Depending on cardio activity, weight (including additional weights such as dumbbells and weight belts), water temperature, volume and buoyancy, the body can burn between 400 to 500 calories in an hour of exercise.
- 8) Reduces blood pressure- Water pressure actually works with your blood and enables one’s blood flow to circulate more effectively throughout the body, effectively decreasing blood pressure and, in the long run, decreasing resting heart rate. This benefit means your heart is maintaining its productivity while putting less stress on your heart!
- 9) Cooling exercise – As temperatures get warmer and the summer heat draws near, the desire to exercise in the burning sun may suddenly not seem so appealing, and so naturally dipping into any body of water becomes alluring. Water aerobics can satisfy that need to feel cool in warmer temperatures while still enabling an athlete to exercise.
- 10) Popular activity – Water aerobics is not limited to any age group or skill level. As a result, water aerobics is known to a be one of the most popular bonding activities for friends and family. The sport is especially appealing to the older generations and their need to maintain a moderate level of physical fitness.
Article Information Source: http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/
