Cairns Scuba Diving

The Many Benefits Of 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.

One benefit of these exercises is that they are almost weightless. If you are in water that is up to your neck or chest, 85 to 90 percent of your body weight is supported by the water. You can walk or run in the pool and put no strain on your hips, legs, knees or ankles. You may want some water shoes to keep yourself from slipping or hurting your feet on the bottom of the pool. When running and walking on land there is no resistance to forward motion for the arms and legs. With every step in water there is resistance for the lower body and if you are deeper there will be resistance for the upper body as well.

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.

Water aerobics can be done in more than one way. Calisthenics can be done in the pool. So can dancing, jumping kicking, lunges, squats, as well as walking or running laps. Outside of the advanced classes being able to swim is not necessary since most exercises will be done in water that is no more than chest high. An advanced class may be held in deep water and a flotation belt is worn to keep you upright while exercising. Water noodles and kickboards may be used to help with floating at any level while providing increased resistance.

Every movement, in every direction, done in the water is against the resistance of it. In this way range of motion is increased, strengthening muscles that may not normally be, outside of the water. Balance and flexibility is improved as well. The core muscles are consistently engaged since you have to keep yourself upright and stable with each movement. To further work the upper body there are dumbbells specifically made for use in the water called aqua blocks.

A class can usually be found locally at an indoor or outdoor pool. If you are a runner you can still get in your run but in a cool pool and with greater resistance. The classes are led by an instructor who will guide you through the warm up, stretching, exercise and cool down. Some classes are held in a warm pool. For those with arthritis this will provide the exercise needed to keep the muscles strong while relaxing them and warming the joints making it easier to move.

The water buoyancy makes it an alternative way to exercise for those who have back aches. Pregnant women will enjoy them as well. The time in the water that offers a feeling of weightlessness will be a relief from the stress on muscles, joints and bones.

Water aerobics is real exercise that is a break from the normal work out routine. It is gentler on the body than the normal pounding it endures in regular aerobic exercise while still providing the same benefits of improved cardiovascular health, weight loss and stronger muscles.

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 .

Tags: aerobics, exercise, fitness, health, Watersports