Looking for a fitness program that doesn’t involve a gruesome workout on a treadmill?  Then aqua aerobics might be the exercise you are looking for. Aqua aerobics is a wonderful all-over body workout and a great way to mix up a traditional gym workout with the fantastic benefits of water. 

As we age, our bodies may experience reduced coordination and balance. Water exercises go a long way to help build stability and muscle strength for better coordination.  The water’s buoyancy helps supports body weight and reduces stress on the joints. The resistance of the water means that opposing muscle groups are worked in each movement as you push and pull against it.  Try adding a pool noodle or water weights to your water workout.  Water dumbbells are the same as regular dumbbells, but they are made from foam and plastic, instead of metal.  This type of weight is designed to be light out of the water and heavy in the water.  It is necessary to use this type of dumbbell when working out in the water because normal weights are too heavy to lift with the water’s resistance.  

Aqua aerobics is muscle resistance training and is a unique way of building your physical endurance. By challenging your muscles, they become stronger, and as you build your physical endurance, your heart and lungs also become stronger. This beneficial form of exercise can be done by yourself or in one of our many group aquatic classes.

Exercising in the water is particularly appealing to people with arthritis. Water exercise eases arthritis pain, improves flexibility, and can help protect the joints. Some people with arthritis prefer swimming in cold water, whereas others find comfort in warmer water.

Did you know that both Franciscan Health Fitness Centers have lap pools and either warm saltwater recreational or therapy pools? They are a great place to relax and enjoy a soothing environment for aching joints and muscles. Exercising in water requires more effort than the same exercise on land.  The extra resistance of walking in water allows you to challenge and strengthen your muscles in ways you may not be able to with a land-based routine.  It also helps you burn more calories, which can aid in weight loss.

Some of the Benefits of Aqua Exercise:

1. Water supports the body, putting less stress on your joints and muscles.

2. Working out in water helps build strength. Fighting against the push of the water activates your muscles.

3. Water pressure helps put less strain on the heart by moving blood around the body.

4. The impact of gravity is less in the water allowing a greater range of motion.

5. Working out in water helps prevent overheating, helping you exercise for longer.

Water aerobics is a great social activity that can be enjoyed with your friends.  If you are looking for a place that offers the best aqua aerobics classes, come and check us out!  If you are not able to make it to a class time, try walking or jogging in the water as an alternative option.

If you have any further questions, you are welcome to reach out to any of our Fitness Representatives or Personal Trainers.

Thanks to Jenna Amazzalorso-Kwasek, Franciscan Health Fitness Centers Chicago Heights Program Leader, for writing this blog.