Aquatic-based Exercise
When you hear “water exercise,” chances are you picture a grandma in a pool with a hair cap doing water aerobics; there may or may not be flowers and floaties involved. But pool fitness isn’t just for Grandma anymore. Today, people of all ages are taking to the pool to help reach their fitness goals. Even professional athletes and collegiate sports teams are enjoying the benefits of aquatic-based exercise. They’re using pools and swim spas to not only rehab injured athletes but also diversify their everyday training programs both during and off season.
There are many forms of aquatic based exercise available including aqua yoga, water walking, water aerobics, and swimming. The techniques may vary, but they all take advantage of the buoyancy and resistance provided by the water to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Like most people, I’m not quite on the level of a professional athlete. Let’s just say that I’m more likely to tear my ACL walking my dog than I am being taken down by a linebacker. With reported benefits like increased circulation, flexibility, balance, and muscle tone, decreased joint stress and improved heart health, aquatic-based exercise is a great way to improve overall health for people of all ages and abilities. I hope you’ll give it a try.
Pro Tips:
- Regardless of which aquatic-based exercise you choose, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Just because you’re in a pool, that doesn’t mean you’re not sweating.
- Remember that increased organic debris (in this case sweat) can throw off your pool’s chemistry. APi offers products that work to break down and rid water of unwanted organic debris. Revive!®, EZymePRO®, RevivePRO®
- These products can be used in your own personal pool or spa and are also available for use in fitness facilities, community centers, hotels and the like. Ask about them the next time you’re headed to the pool!
- Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. Avoid swimming alone for safety reasons.
Links:
- 9 benefits of getting your exercise in the pool, lake, or ocean
- Exercising in water: Big heart benefits and little downside
- Hate the Gym? Work Out in Water
- HEALTH BENEFITS OF WATER AEROBICS AND EXERCISE
- Aquatic-Based Rehabilitation and Training for the Elite Athlete
- I Tried a Water Yoga Class and Left Feeling Calmer Than Ever
- How to Get a Great Workout with Water Walking
- Try the Water Yoga Trend: 6 Aqua Yoga Poses
- Water Aerobics
- 8 Different Swimming Styles and Strokes