How You May Benefit From Water Aerobics
Doing water aerobics can be a fun way to get fit. It is for people of all ages and yes it is a real work out. The heart rate goes up and the muscles do more work than they normally would. While the body becomes more toned and the muscles gain more strength, there is low to no impact on the joints. The only thing needed is a swimsuit. The work out is done in water that may new waist high, chest high or neck high. This will depend on if it is beginners or advanced and what the intensity of the work out is.
To exercise you may be in the water up to the waist, chest or neck. In this way up to 90 percent of the body is supported while offering resistance with every movement. This means no strain on the joints as there would be out of the water. Just walking or running in the pool can present a good workout. Water shoes are a good idea to keep your feet from slipping on the pool bottom or possibly hurting your feet. The exercises are usually done while you are standing on the bottom of the pool.
You can increase your heart rate. It will not be the same as when doing exercise on land. Your heart rate will be at a lower rate when in working out in the water. You will most certainly burn calories. If you seek to lose weight this is an ideal way. One hour of aerobics in chest deep water will burn 450 calories or more based on the intensity of the work. Just one half hour of running in water will burn 300 calories.
Exercising in water is not just walking and running. A full calisthenic routine can be done. Often part of the aerobic routine includes kicking, dancing, lunges, jumping and squats. Since most classes are in chest high water knowing how to swim is not a requirement. Some of the more advanced classes will be done in deep water. A flotation belt is used to keep participants upright while exercising. Other devices used to float are kickboards and water noodles. These also offer resistance.
A type of water dumbbell is used to work the upper body more since it may not be fully submersed. When moving in the water you will feel resistance no matter what movement you make. Your muscles work just to stand still in one place when the water is moving. When doing these aerobics the core muscles and leg muscles are working hard to help you keep your balance. Increased range of motion and flexibility are benefits of having resistance to your every move. Muscles are strengthened that may not normally be engaged.
The classes can usually be found locally. It may last as long as an hour with warm up, cool down and stretching. The same as any other aerobic class. There will be an instructor to guide you through and create the routine. The water will keep your body cool during exercise which makes it great for a summer workout. There are some classes offered in a pool with water from 82 to 86 degrees. This warm water exercise is beneficial to those with arthritis. It warms the muscles and joints and still offers resistance training necessary to keep them from getting weak and offering even less support to already strained joints.
Women who are in the latter part of pregnancy will find relief from the pressure on different organs and muscles and bones. The water will keep the body buoyant while allowing you to exercise without any jolting or jarring. Back pain is an issue for many people. The stress of gravity is removed in the water and the core and back muscles gain strength which can help reduce back pain.
Water aerobics is an alternative to the normal exercise routine. It can provide relief to the knees and joints of the avid runner. It improves cardiovascular condition, strengthens all muscles used including core muscles. It is a great fat burner while keeping cool. Most of all it can be just plain fun, not the normal work out.
Water aerobics are a form of exercise that is low impact, effective and just plain fun! Learn more about routines, benefits and locations at http://www.wateraerobicsroutines.com
Author: Carl R Hartley
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