Are you bored with your current workout routine? Do you have sore joints or chronic pain that prevents you from exercising? Are you looking to get in shape and have fun at the same time? If so, water aerobics is the right workout for you. Water aerobics has more benefits than people realize—it’s tough, it’s therapeutic, and as far as working out goes, it’s a pretty good time. Here are seven fantastic benefits of working out in H2O!

 

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

Water resistance is a more natural resistance than using weights on land, therefore, requiring the body to strain through the water rather than against it. This natural resistance will greatly increase one’s endurance.

3. INCREASE FLEXIBILITY

The joints naturally increase their range of motion in the water because the water requires the body to move in various directions while adjusting to the push and pull of the water. Because of the lesser effects of gravity in the water, this makes for an excellent workout for those with joint issues.

4. LOW TO NO-IMPACT EXERCISE

Land workouts can place a great amount of impact on our joints, which is not always the best option for all people. In water aerobics, the buoyancy of the water lessens the impact, or in deep water aerobics, minimizes the impact to nearly zero. This can be incredibly beneficial to those with joint conditions or people recuperating from an injury.

5. RELIEVES STRESS AND ANXIETY

A Polish study conducted in 2007 found that exercising in the water significantly decreased anxiety and negative moods.

6. BURNS CALORIES

Depending on the workout, water aerobic participants can burn between 400-500 calories in one hour.

7. REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE

Being immersed in water enables one’s blood flow to circulate more effectively through the body, decreasing blood pressure, which in turns decreases resting heart rate. This is a huge benefit because your heart is maintaining its productivity while putting less stress on the heart.

With all of the above-mentioned benefits, it’s important to also maintain land-based workouts as well, because weight-bearing exercise is important for preventing bone loss. Please feel free to come try out one of the many water aerobics classes this summer!

 

Laurie Sher