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Aquatic exercise is growing in popularity within the fitness industry. In past years, water exercise was done mostly by older adults, but now people of all ages are working out in the pool.
Sports medicine experts have used aquatic exercise for years as a way for injured athletes to maintain cardiovascular fitness while rebuilding strength and flexibility in a low-stress environment without the joint-jamming impact of land-based activity.
Water exercise is low- or no-impact, depending on the water’s depth. Water’s buoyancy counters the downward pull of gravity and takes the weight and strain off joints. Water also helps with balance and removes the fear of falling, which makes the pool an excellent environment for people who are overweight, pregnant or elderly as well as those who have arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
Some of the more popular exercises are water walking, deep-water running, kickboxing, cardio/toning, circuit training, yoga and tai chi. And of course, there is lap-swimming.
According to aquatic exercise experts, water provides about 12 times the resistance of air. Working against the resistance of water has a strengthening effect, much the same way using iron dumbbells strengthen muscles. Those who want an extra strengthening effect can add resistance by using equipment designed for water workouts, such as webbed gloves, wrist and ankle weights and aquatic dumbbells.
Chest-deep water is recommended for aquatic exercise, but if this is too difficult, walking in hip- or waist-deep water is acceptable.
Even in the water, warm-up and cool-down stretching are important. Take about five minutes to warm up before starting your water routine and another five minutes to cool down at the end of your routine. Doing so will help prevent muscle cramps and soreness.
Various facilities offer water aerobics classes. Classes range in size from five to 25 people and involve both men and women. Most classes last one hour.
Aquatic exercise is not a quick fix for losing weight, but it is a fun way to get some exercise and tone muscles.
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