Water Aerobics

Land aerobics has dominated over any form of exercising in the water for a very long time but now people who work out are enjoying the fact that moves in the water can be just as beneficial and in some cases advantageous.

There are many reasons why land aerobics are chosen over water aerobics, and it maybe simply that you haven’t got a pool near you or or you don't want to get your hair wet.

Apart from gaining bone density through weight bearing exercises, such as high impact aerobics, exercising in the water can be equally challenging and give you the amount of strength or cardiovascular workout that you need.

Advantages of Water Aerobics.

1. If you have a joint injury or aching joints or muscles, exercising in the water is still possible.

2. For people with arthritis it is exercise without putting stress on the bones.

3. There are as many interesting activities to do in the pool as there are with land aerobics, such as various dance styles, karate moves, or for the advanced, walking on the bottom of the pool on your hands. Apparatus is often also used.

4. Great for older people that struggle with flexibility or bone issues.

5. Water aerobics can be part of any training routine and enables more exercise with less risk of over use injury or other strains and sprains.

6. Excellent for the back as stress on the back is minimised and the flow of blood and nutrients to the back is increased reducing stiffness and aids healing.

Putting as much effort and intensity into water aerobics can be just as rewarding and can give equal results as land aerobics. Working against the resistance of the water is not easy.

Swimming

And lets not forget simply swimming. For stretching and improving flexibility, swimming is one of the top activities for attaining a supple body. Making your own targets and recording your progress is very rewarding.

Scared of the Water?

For people that cannot swim or for those who are scared of the water, most swimming pools have classes that concentrate on making people feel comfortable in the water (no more being scared of the deep end) and classes that teach you how to swim and enjoy yourself at the same time.