Water Aerobics
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Water Aerobics
Water aerobics has been a strong growing type of exercise for many age groups for years. Water aerobics is a combination of arm and leg movements done in water for beginners. This type of aerobic exercise is typically done for less than an hour. This includes the same type of program as land aerobics with warm up and cool down periods. Swimming exercise uses more of the overall muscle mass of the body than almost any other form of exercise. (Water aerobics, “What is water aerobics” section, para. 1)
Doing water aerobics is good for the joints and helps create a wider range of motion in the joints during exercise. It also nearly eliminates injuries in the water because the body is so buoyant. Water aerobics also improves flexibility because it is not causing pressure on the joints. This is because the body is supported by the water. Most water aerobics are done in waist, chest or neck high deep water. The water is supporting from 85 percent to 90 percent of the body in chest deep water. (Water aerobics, “Who can participate?” section, para. 1)
In an advanced water aerobics class you are doing more calisthenics exercises. An individual doing water aerobics can burn anywhere from 450 to 700 calories for an hour of exercise. (Water aerobics, “How many calories does it burn?” section, para. 1) There is less stress on the joints and a more efficient cardiovascular workout. This is because water aerobics does not put as much of a beating on your bones and joints as does land aerobics. Often individuals will have less stiffness and body aches after a water aerobics class than individuals whom do land exercises. (Water aerobics, “Advantages” section, para. 1)
The other benefit to water aerobics is increase in muscle tone and endurance. According to Water aerobics it is because water is denser than air. Water aerobics states that more muscle tone will be seen with water aerobics because you are working opposing muscle groups. In water the body is less affected by gravity and the joints can have a wider range of motion. This helps improve joint flexibility. Some classes offer toning and strengthening. (Water aerobics, “Advantages” section, para. 1)
Water aerobic classes use different types of equipment to add to the resistance in the water. Aqua blocks are barbells used for resistance in the water. Flotation belts are used to keep your body in alignment when in deeper water they allow you to increase the range of motion. Gyrojoggers are another tool used in water aerobics. They are simple two foam circles that are worn on hands or feet. A variety of different exercises