If you’ve ever wondered what water aerobics has to offer, you’ll be pleased to learn that exercise offers several health benefits.
It lowers blood pressure, improves cardiopulmonary function, and helps you cool down. What’s more, water aerobics is a great form of resistance training that builds lean muscle mass.
You can intensify your water aerobics routine with the use of weights. Here are 10 of its most important benefits:
Lowers blood pressure
Recent research has shown that water aerobic exercise reduces blood pressure. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which elderly hypertensive participants performed a program involving water aerobics.
Participants completed an informed consent form prior to participating in the study. The research was conducted at an aquatic center and an exercise physiology laboratory.
Participants completed two measurements of blood pressure: baseline and 48 hours after the last exercise session.
The study’s authors recommend that further randomized trials with larger sample sizes be conducted in order to fully understand the effect of water aerobics on blood pressure.
One study conducted by Tehran University Clinics involved 40 men with stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension. Participants followed a water aerobic exercise program consisting of two to three 55-minute sessions a week, three days per week.
The participants underwent no other regular exercise regimen. Blood pressure levels were measured at the beginning and end of the program to measure blood pressure changes.
The study revealed that water aerobics exercise significantly reduced resting blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
Improves cardiopulmonary function
Performing exercise in water has many advantages, including the ability to increase cardiovascular output and stroke volume while reducing the risk of injury.
Additionally, this type of exercise can be tailored to meet individual goals. Water aerobics are great for patients with certain health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition to these benefits, water aerobics can be fun and are adaptable to accommodate various skill levels.
Many health experts recommend combining resistance training and aerobic exercises for heart health and overall wellness. Aqua aerobics is a great choice because of its buoyancy and the fact that water exerts less pressure on the heart and vessels than air does.
This means that your heart will be less stressed and your blood pressure will drop. The benefits of regular water aerobics include lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular strength.
If you’re considering taking up water aerobics, make sure that you choose an instructor who’s experienced and certified.
Cools you off
A popular aquatic exercise for people of all ages, water aerobics is a great way to cool off and get the heart pumping.
The water works to push your body and keep you cool while avoiding stress on joints. Most water aerobics classes are performed in waist or chest-deep water, forcing you to move your body against the resistance of the water.
Instructors will lead the class and use music to motivate participants. You can also add resistance training with weights, if you wish.
While it is easy to get lost in water, you’re likely to feel more comfortable in the water than on land. Many people are intimidated by the idea of exercising in the water, but there are plenty of classes for people of all abilities and levels.
Although it isn’t appropriate for people with back or knee injuries, water aerobics classes are safe for everyone, including beginners. Water aerobics classes start with a warm-up routine.
Improves mobility
Water aerobics is a great way to improve flexibility and mobility. People with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from the exercise, as water increases endurance.
The water also encourages stretching, which increases flexibility. Water also increases endurance and helps people with arthritis stay hydrated.
Beginners who are intimidated by swimming can start in shallow water and wear a flotation belt. This helps them build confidence and strength and can help them stick with their water aerobics routine.
Seniors should find water aerobics safe and enjoyable. The water’s gentler nature makes this form of exercise less strenuous on the joints. As a result, water aerobics is great for people who experience joint pain and those recovering from surgery.
It also helps improve balance, which is vital for senior citizens. Falls can be very dangerous, and good balance helps you remain active and mobile. If you’re interested in getting started with water aerobics, contact a fitness expert today to get a free class.
Reduces risk of fibromyalgia
Physical exercise is an essential component of managing fibromyalgia. The key is to maintain a healthy body weight, as higher body mass indexes are associated with a greater likelihood of developing the condition.
Regular moderate exercise is also important but should be modified as needed to deal with fibromyalgia symptoms. The therapist can help you manage your pain and improve your overall physical fitness.
Aerobic exercises, such as walking briskly, cycling, swimming, stair-climbing, and elliptical devices, can improve your overall fitness.
A thorough physical exam and medical history should be conducted for fibromyalgia to rule out other conditions. Basic blood tests may rule out other conditions.
Your doctor may order basic blood tests to rule out thyroid disease, inflammatory arthritis, and muscle disorders. In some patients, a psychological profile test may be suggested.
Patients should inform their doctor of any drugs they are taking, even natural remedies. The patient should also explain any changes in their pain levels.