Aquatic fitness refers to physical exercises performed in the water, usually a swimming pool, which promote physical and mental fitness. Participants perform the exercises in shallow and deep water as well as with or without equipment, such as pool noodles. Benefits derived from it are aplenty, too, especially when the aquatic exercises are led by qualified instructors from 24 Hour Fitness.
Here are the best reasons for diving into aquatic fitness now, even when you don’t feel confident in your swimwear.
Buoyancy in the Water
When you’re in the water, your body is more buoyant. Your joints will then experience significantly less impact during exercise than when you’re on land. Your body’s “weight” is actually reduced when you’re in the water, by as much as 50% in water up to your waist.
Aquatic fitness programs are then suitable for people who are recovering from injuries or illnesses in their joints, particularly the hips, knees and calves. Even the jumping motions in water are less painful because of the principle of buoyancy.
Resistance from the Water
Building muscle requires resistance against a force, whether it’s your own bodyweight or a piece of exercise equipment (e.g., barbells or dumbbells). Water provides a significantly higher resistance than air, thanks to its higher viscosity.
When you exercise in water, your body encounters more resistance from the water without placing too much stress on your joints. You will also get a more balanced workout since aquatic fitness works the muscle pairs – quads and hamstrings or biceps and triceps, for example.
You’re not exactly getting the muscles-working-in-pairs benefit when exercising on land because the muscles can work in opposition unless certain steps are made. You have to choose another exercise or reposition your body to do so.
Coolness of the Water
For many people, the best thing about working out in the water is that water has a cooling effect on the body. You will still sweat, of course, but you will be less likely to overheat and over-perspire, so being too sweaty and smelly after exercising can be avoided.
Due to the cooling effect, however, you should take a few steps to avoid being too cool. Your aquatic fitness instructor will start with a set of thermal warm-up exercises, which will prepare the muscles and joints as well as increase your body’s core temperature. You will also perform cool-down exercises, just as you would in land-based workouts.
Ask your personal trainer about aquatic fitness programs in your gym now. You will be surprised to learn that these aren’t just for the seniors.