Which way to the pool?

Whether it’s called water aerobics, water exercise or aqua aerobics, a workout in your local pool is a great way to improve your overall fitness and well-being.  

Here’s why.  

It doesn’t feel like exercise

The magic of water exercise is in the fact that the buoyancy of the water will support some of your body weight while you perform physical exercise to support the rest. 

Water exercises increase muscle strength because you’re pushing against the weight, or resistance, of the water. Stronger muscles improve balance and coordination, which can help lessen the risk of falls as people age.  

Buoyancy matters 

Your body is considerably lighter in water. A March 2022 review in Healthcare found that water aerobics helped people with osteoarthritis relieve stress on their joints because the buoyancy of water supports the body's weight, reducing the impact on joints and the intensity of pain.  

Take two laps and call me in the morning  

Water has a calm and soothing effect on your body and your brain. Exercising in water for just 30 minutes, three days a week has been shown to lower stress levels, improve sleep patterns and lower anxiety and depression.  

Helps with weight loss 

There is strong evidence stating that aquatic exercise is a better treatment for obesity than land exercise. A 2020 study reported that aquatic exercise increased calorie loss with less fatigue.  

The fun factor  

Water exercise is a great way to introduce more physical and social activity into your life. You don’t have to be a good swimmer, or even know how to swim, to join a class. Find a class and give it a try, but first let your primary care doctor know that you’re planning to start a water exercise routine. In fact, if you ask your primary doctor first, they may have heard of a class that people rave about.