May 13, 2011

Water Aerobics

The benefits of exercising in the water are many. Running, jogging and walking underwater in a pool not only strengthens the leg and hip muscles - the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus - but helps to develop cardio respiratory fitness. Aquatic exercises not only improve your cardiovascular fitness, can improve your muscular endurance, overall strength and flexibility. Water provides buoyancy; support for the body, the likelihood of muscle, bone and joint injuries is almost completely eliminated when exercises are performed in the water.

Because water aerobics are often done in chest-deep water, this type of exercise is ideal for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.   If you think that you are ready to take the plunge, read on to learn more about aquatic exercises and how you can use the water as a wonderful fitness tool.
Water aerobic workouts incorporate a variety of dance like steps performed in the water. In beginning programs, the participants learn to combine arm and leg movements in varying combinations. As the programs become more advanced, they incorporate more intricate dance and calisthenics movements. Water aerobics are usually led by a fitness instructor and may be performed with or without music.

The main purpose of water aerobics is to improve cardiovascular conditioning. Because of the water's resistance, water exercise also can improve your strength and flexibility, leading to better muscular endurance and balance.

People of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy water workouts. When in chest deep water, about 85 percent to 90 percent of the body's weight remains supported. As a result, much less stress is placed on the body's joints. This makes water aerobics a good choice for healthy individuals as well as those with medical conditions such as arthritis, neck and back problems, strokes and obesity. People who may be too embarrassed to exercise on land can be more comfortable working out in the water.

In general, a water workout expends more energy than a similar land-based exercise because of the resistance of the water. The average person burns 450 to 700 calories during one hour of aerobic activity.

~The Gym~

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