Written by Laura Bottom, SIU Center for Family Medicine
Summer is over, but you can still enjoy the health benefits of an indoor pool. Whether you are trying to avoid cabin fever or want to change your exercise routine, water aerobics could be for you.
Running and jumping is less strenuous in water versus on land, so water aerobics produces less impact on joints and muscles. Most find that they can exercise longer in water because the joint and muscle pain that typically accompanies land exercise isn’t present. This makes it an ideal exercise for those with arthritis, back problems, foot or leg injuries, knee conditions, pregnant women, obese individuals or those just beginning a new exercise regimen.
But don’t be fooled by the low impact: These exercises are great at improving strength and cardiovascular health and building lean muscle. Moderate aerobic activity increases your heart rate and breathing, which benefits your heart. Exercising in water gives you 12 times the resistance of air. Just standing in water engages your core muscles, while kicking and cupping water helps build lean muscle development. Muscle development increases metabolism and creates an overall healthier body.
Need another reason to dive in? One hour of water aerobics can burn up to 500 calories. The calorie burn depends on the intensity of your movements, your size, water temperature and depth. The faster your movements and the use of your upper and lower body in deeper water produce the greatest calorie burn.
If you don’t want to take the plunge alone, bring a friend: water aerobics is a great form of group exercise. Because the majority of the moves are performed in water, you’re probably the only one who will know if you miss a step.
If you are interested in trying water aerobics, check with your local health and fitness centers. Some centers offer memberships for pool access only or discounted rates through senior programs, employment or special times of the year. Some centers also provide daycare services while exercising.
As with any new exercise, speak with your doctor first. In need of a primary care physician? SIU Center for Family Medicine cares for the whole family. Call 545-8000 to make an appointment. A new year is right around the corner; start it off on a healthy note!
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