Author: Healthi Coach, Mindy Matus
As a certified Aquatic Fitness Instructor , I am partial to aquatic fitness. But, did you know that working out in the water is really, REALLY good for weight loss? Yep. It really is, and actually, if you have mobility issues, an injury, you are over weight, or are brand new to exercise, water aerobics is an excellent way to get in some fitness. Here are my top 5 reasons for incorporating aquatic fitness into your exercise regimen.
1. It is low impact.
You’re a buoyant in the water. This means that you kind of float. In fact, depending on the depth of the water, you can be up to 90% lighter than you would be on land and this decreases the impact on your joints. Thusly, reducing your risk of injury. Not only is aquatic fitness low impact, it can help you heal faster. Many doctors and physical therapist recommend aquatic exercise when you are recovering from injury or obese and unable to tolerate traditional exercises. Aquatic fitness can also help alleviate pain associated with chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.
2. It burns more fat resulting in faster weight loss.
Working out in the water is harder and you’re going to burn more calories than you would on land. Water is more viscous than air, this means it is harder to move and requires more effort. Just walking in water is going to burn more calories than walking on land.
3. Working out in the water can boost your confidence.
Sometimes when we are new to exercise, we can feel a little intimidated. The great thing about working out in the water is that no one can really see what you’re doing. If you mess up or do the wrong move no one will ever know. And it also gives great protection from falling. You don’t have to worry about falling and injuring yourself because the water will naturally hold you up. This protection is two-fold. Not only will the water help support you while you’re working out, it will also help increase your balance, your agility, and your endurance which in turn, will help you on your land workouts as well.
4. Cardio Endurance and strength training.
While being able to move more freely in the water, this will help your blood flow and will carry more oxygen to your heart. This will help your cardiovascular endurance. And because water is more viscous than air, and creates more resistance when you move, this will help you build your muscle and increase your strength. An added bonus is working out in cooler water causes the blood flow in your body to run at a faster rate In order to warm it up. This also helps cardiovascular endurance and equates to a higher caloric burn resulting in fat loss.
5. It is WAY fun!
I mean, splashing around in a pool for exercise? Heck yea!! Sign me up. In addition to all the wonderful health benefits, it doesn’t even feel like exercise. You’re having fun, working your muscles, and it feels way easier then it would on land even though you are working a lot harder. Also, you don’t get hot. You’re creating a caloric burn and working up a sweat, but you don’t feel it at all. Water fitness is a fun, healthy way to get in some very beneficial exercise. You can do it alone in your own pool, you can join an exercise class at your local pool or gym, or you can work out with your family. It is suitable for all ages and can be modified for just about any fitness level.
Are you going to try it out? Let us know!
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