Water Aerobics
is Resistance Training Too
Water aerobics is cardiovascular exercise done in a swimming pool. It is also sometimes called “aqua aerobics” or “aquajogging” and, though aerobic, it is really a form of resistance training.
One of its benefits is the very reduced the risk of muscle or joint injury. The mitigation of gravity by flotation places less stress on the joints during exercise and may allow a greater range of motion. The mitigation of gravity makes water exercise safe for anyone able to keep their head out of water, including the elderly.
While at the same time, aquatic activities in general expend more energy than many land-based exercises performed at the same pace, due to the increased resistance of water. Another benefit is that exercising in water prevents overheating through continuous cooling of your body.Water workouts usually combine a variety of techniques based on land exercise, such as walking and running backward and forward, jumping jacks, and various arm and upper body movements. Workouts often include equipment such as flotation devices. Water exercise can be as vigorous or as gentle as it needs to be, depending on the age, fitness level, and goals of the trainees. Rehabilitating athletes, for example, often train with water workouts to preserve muscle and aerobic fitness, while not stressing recovering aching joints or muscles.
Watch an aquatic exercise slide show from the Mayo Clinic here (opens new window).
Return from Water Aerobics to the Cardio page.
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