Water exercise has become a trend in the fitness world these days. Perhaps you’ve heard of it and are curious but aren’t sure if it’s right for you. The best way to know is to give it a try, but if you want more information first, then read on to discover facts about water exercise, its benefits and how to get started.
What Is Water Exercise?
Water exercise is pretty much what it sounds like: physical activities performed in the water. It may include things like water aerobics, swimming, water walking or jogging, deep water running, aqua cycling or even aqua yoga. You can choose activities that suit your abilities, interest and exercise needs. You can even use equipment like foam dumbbells, a kickboard, hand paddles or wrist and ankle weights to change up your workouts and increase your difficulty level over time.
What Are the Benefits of Water Exercise?
Water exercise has some major health benefits. First, working out in the water reduces the impact on your body. Your joints and muscles won’t get as jostled and strained because the water around you acts as a cushion. Your spine will also be able to stay straighter and avoid painful compression and bending. But you’ll still get a cardio workout that can improve your circulation, strength and balance. You may even be able to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, increase your endurance, reduce pain and boost your energy level.
This form of exercise can also decrease your stress levels. Water is typically calming, and you may find yourself relaxing even as you work out. Exercising with other people can boost the benefits of water exercises as they provide companionship and motivation. If you’re recovering from illness, injury or surgery, water exercise can be a great form of therapy to get you moving again with less strain than other exercises.
How Do You Start Water Exercise?
By this point, you may be interested in trying out water exercises. Your best bet to get started is to find a class at a community pool or sign up for some sessions at a local gym or therapy clinic depending on your situation. Make sure that you have someone to help you get started, preferably a professional trainer or therapist. This way, you can learn proper techniques, choose activities that are right for you and feel safe as you begin this new activity.
Start out slowly, exercising for a short period a couple times a week according to the recommendation of your trainer or therapist. Even though water exercise is low-impact, you still don’t want to overdo it at first. You can build up your activity level and try new exercises as you make progress.
In fact, you may decide that water exercise is so much fun and so beneficial to your health that you’ll make it your regular routine.
