Waterobics Is Good for You

2008-11-23 21:46:55 -

Moving your limbs in the water can add healthy years to your life.

Waterobics, also known as water- or aqua-aerobics, is any type of physical exercise performed in the water. Waterobics is usually done in the 4-foot end of a pool, and classes are a standard offering at pool clubs, spas and resorts around the world.

The benefits of land-based aerobics are well known. Getting the muscles moving and oxygen flowing at higher-than-normal rates strengthens the body, makes hearts healthier, reduces weight and even improves brain function and mood.

Doing the very same aerobic exercise in the water delivers all that and much more.
Water eliminates wear and tear from impact (no feet slamming into pavement). It spreads resistance across the entire body, forcing all your muscles to work simultaneously, giving you a more productive workout. The modest resistance actually stimulates muscle growth. The turbulence created by exercising in the water gently massages superficial muscles. And the water provides buoyancy, lessening stress on the musculature.

Beyond all that, doing it in the water is just more fun!

Medical researchers have studied waterobics in recent years and produced a wealth of documentation pointing to the superiority of this type of exercise.

Waterobics is especially recommended for people who are overweight and those with orthopedic or back problems.

Most recently (November 2008), Brazilian researchers at the University of Campinas showed that pregnant women who did waterobics requested less pain medication during labor than other women. The doctors also confirmed that the exercise had no negative effect on the women's health or on the well-being of their newborns. Women "get into better psycho-physical condition" with waterobics, they reported.

In 1981, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommended water exercise, specifically mentioning standing water drills (toe touching, hopping and jogging in place), stretching exercises, knee bends, flutter kicking, bobbing and treading water.

For those who want to spend money on waterobics, there are wide selections of water footwear, buoyancy cuffs and vests, resistance belts, and 6-foot foam bats that can be used as floats or exercise aids.

Useful information on pregnancy and exercise is available from the U.S. National Women's Health Information Center. Handy links to a wide range of information on exercise, health and diet is available at www.waterobics.com.