Water Aerobics – A Splashing Good Time

If huffing and puffing away on a treadmill hurts your joints more than it helps your waistline, you may find a low impact alternative like water aerobics to be what you’re fishing for.

First gaining popularity in the 1950s by exercise guru of the time Jack LaLane, by the 1980s the benefits of water aerobics had become more mainstream. Today, it’s such a common class, it’s held in practically every exercise facility with a pool.

Using water’s natural buoyancy, water aerobics allows you to exercise without injuring your body. Amazingly, buoyancy reduces your weight by 90% causing virtually no stress on your joints. If you suffer from arthritis or are recovering from injury, this might be music to your ears.

As an added bonus, the constant resistance from moving around in the water helps build muscles without straining them. Adding a few light weights will help build an even stronger body. Some classes incorporate athletic equipment, swim noodles or other flotation devices for added resistance.

Besides an invigorating hour splish-splashing about, the underwater movements also help elevate your heart rate and breathing – two great benefits of this refreshing cardio vascular workout.

But if you’re thinking it’s just for the elderly or pregnant women, it’s definitely not. Water aerobics is appropriate for people of all ages and fitness levels. So if it’s for everyone, what’s stopping you from taking the plunge?

Here are a few tips to get started:

• First, find a gym or community center with a pool.
• Remember to wear a modest swimsuit as you’ll be thrashing about in chest-deep water.
• If you have sensitive feet, you might want to wear aqua shoes or even an old pair of tennis shoes.
• You still need to stay hydrated. Once you start exercising, you will start sweating just as if you were on dry land.
• Earplugs and goggles are optional if you have sensitive ears or eyes.

No matter if you take to water like a fish or only dip your big toe in, you might want to dive right in to water aerobics. It might be just the class for you. For more information, check online to find a class in your area.

Sources: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/benefits-water-aerobics-not-just-elderly-150900478–spt.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/403736-the-history-of-water-aerobics/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_aerobics

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