Some Water Aerobic Exercises

A Safer Way To Fitness

Water aerobic exercises have become very popular in recent years. Classes are available in many areas and you may find them called aqua aerobics, aqua fitness or AquaFit classes.

The great thing about aqua aerobics is that it puts no pressure on the joints. Aerobic exercise is one of the best forms of fitness training as it works out both the cardiovascular system and the muscles. However, most other forms such as running, jumping rope, cycling etc either have an impact on the skeletal system or put stress on joints such as knees.

In the pool, the body is supported by the water, so joints do not suffer the same stress. This makes aerobic exercise in the water the ideal choice for many people at risk of joint damage who want to stay or get fit. This can include older people and people who are overweight. The water also has a cooling effect which helps prevent the body from overheating during the workout.

If you have a medical condition, discuss this with your doctor, but many people with health issues find that water aerobics are better for them than most other forms of exercise.

Swimming is itself a form of aerobic exercise but this is not what is meant by water aerobics. During these water fitness sessions you will usually be standing up. Many of the movements from 'dry' forms of exercise are included, such as walking or running through the water, dance moves, or moving in a way that is like skiing or surfing. All of the major muscle groups can be exercised in this way.

Some classes use flotation devices to add variety to the possible moves. As you get fitter, you can also use webbing or fins to increase the water resistance so that you have to work harder.

Even if you want to practice water aerobics in your own pool, it may be best to join a class first so that you learn the different moves with a qualified instructor. Classes can also be a lot of fun. You will get to know other people in a friendly, informal atmosphere and the group activity will help you to stay motivated.

If weight is an issue for you and makes you feel self-conscious, you can call ahead and ask if there are other people in your situation in the class. The answer will probably be yes. Keep in mind too that you do not have to wear a bathing suit. It is not a swimming class. You can keep most of your body covered if you prefer.

In fact, while you are in the water nobody will be able to see the lower part of your body at all, unless they are very close and then the view is distorted. So once you are in the pool, you are much less exposed than you would be in most any other social situation.

If you don't have a class in your area, consider inviting friends to come to your pool to exercise with you. Maybe you can even find an instructor and start your own home-based class. If not, order a water aerobics DVD that will show you all the variety of moves that you can include in your water aerobics exercises.

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