Water aerobics is one of the best all around types of exercise. Aerobic exercise is fitness activities that are designed to raise your heart rate and increase your oxygen intake. Walking, running, swimming and bike riding are some of the most common types of aerobic exercise. This is something that everyone should do regularly to keep your heart healthy. Heart health is just one of the many benefits of aerobic exercise.
Water exercise is growing in popularity because it is friendly on the joints…something that is not true of most aerobic exercises that are done on land. This is a great form of exercise for seniors, obese individuals and others with joint problems. Water aerobics routines can vary greatly. Water workouts can be quite diverse and can include equipment or just movement in the water.
The fitness club I belong to has two different water aerobics instructors and their classes are quite different, but they both offer a great workout and are fun. I find that water aerobics classes are very social and are enjoyed by all. The one class is quick movements in the water. I would describe it as a dance class in the water. Both classes have music with a beat that makes it easy to move.
The second class actually involves aerobic, strength training and stretching exercises. The class uses swim noodles and swim belts to stay afloat and some of the workout is done in the deep end of the pool. The equipment is used to create great resistance allow for a workout that is similar to working out with free weights.
There are DVDs and internet videos that offer some great ideas for water aerobics routines. You can even find video that will show exercises that work certain areas of the body. If you are looking for something simple that you can do without instruction, you can’t go wrong with water walking and treading water. Just get in the water and move. Some fitness center pools have lazy rivers. These are a circular path of water that resembles a river. These rivers run with a current. If you are able to walk against this current, you will get a great aerobic workout.