If you think of swimming only as a leisure activity that older women do to relieve arthritis pain, then you may be the one who is sorely mistaken. Water training has become a legitimate form of cross training for many people, from those who just want to be fit to superior athletes.
You can do more than swim in a pool. Water training can involve bathing caps and swimming laps, but it can also be much more engaging and fun, especially if you try innovative activities such as water tennis and water country-line dancing, for example. Whatever the water activity, taking the plunge has many benefits, some of which make exercising in water even more desirable than exercising on land.
Why Water Exercise?
You may be able to run, take aerobics, and practice yoga on land, but water uniquely provides many benefits that land exercise does not, including:
Benefits of Water Exercise
There are many physical benefits to working out in the water, including:
There are also social benefits of water training, since it may require coming to a pool to take group exercise classes. In addition, water training, like many forms of exercise, may foster a positive attitude, feelings of well-being, and relief from stress.
Types of Water Exercises
Other Creative Water Exercises
Adjusting Workout Intensity
Because water offers so much resistance, to increase the intensity of a workout often only involves relocating to the deeper end of the pool. The more work you have to do to keep yourself afloat to exercise, the more difficult your workout will be. Conversely, to decrease the intensity or to rest, you need only stand in shallow water or lay back and float.
Flotation and Other Optional Equipment
Also, using certain equipment may help you adjust the intensity of your workout, including the following:
For example, flotation belts or kick boards can help you work less to remain afloat, making the workout easier. Old tennis rackets may add more resistance and simulate land tennis movements, building those muscle groups needed for that sport.
Tips on Getting Started
When To Seek Medical Help
As with all exercise, there are warning signs to be aware of in case you may be in need of medical attention. Some examples are listed below, but other symptoms may exist that are not on the list:
So, whether you think you’re able to dive right in or would rather ease into the water, check with your healthcare provider or doctor first.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
United States Water Fitness Association, Inc.
http://www.uswfa.com
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology
http://www.csep.ca
Healthy Canadians
http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca
References:
Mercer J. Biomechanical comparison of deep water and treadmill running. University of Nevada at Las Vegas website. Available at: http://www.unlv.edu/faculty/jmercer/dwr/dwr.html.
Pöyhönen T, Sipilä S, Keskinen KL, et al. Effects of aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance in healthy women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002:34:2103-2109.
Quinn, TJ, Sedory DR, Fisher BS. Physiological effects of deep water running following a land-based training program. Res Q Exerc Sport. 1994;65:386-389.
Takeshima N, Rogers ME, Watanabe E, et al. Water-based exercise improves health-related aspects of fitness in older women. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002;33:544-551.
United States Water Fitness Association, Inc. website. Available at: http://www.uswfa.com. Accessed April 2, 2010.
Last reviewed April 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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