Aqua Aerobics
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Aqua aerobics is the performance of aerobic exercise in water such as a swimming pool. In some areas it is known as AquaFit.
There are many benefits of exercising aerobics in the water. Water-related exercise increases your cardiovascular fitness, as well as improving overall strength. Also, as the water provides support for the body, the risk of muscle or joint injury in aquatic sports is greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated. A great advantage in aqua-aerobics is, as it is usually performed in chest-deep water, both swimmers and non-swimmers can participate.
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[edit] The Technique
Aqua aerobic workouts usually combine a variety of different techniques, some (if not most) taken from aerobics. The workout also incorporates many .
[edit] Effectiveness
Aquatic activities in general will expend more energy than land-based activities, this is mainly because water provides noticeably more resistance than air. In a typical 45 minute aqua aerobics session, the average individual will burn anywhere between 500 and 700 calories.
[edit] The Advantages and Disadvantages of Aqua Aerobics
[edit] Advantages
- Water provides sufficient support for your body -> in some cases nearly 90% of your weight is supported. This greatly reduces the risk of any bone, joint or muscle injuries.
- Aquatic exercise can improve flexibility without causing excess pressure on joints. The effects of gravity are reduced in the water, making it easier to move joints through a wider range of motions.
- Exercise in water can be much more comfortable than exercise based on land. This is because during the workout, water continually cools the body and you don't feel the effect of sweat.
[edit] Disadvantages
- Aqua aerobics requires access to a pool, and so cannot be done in your own leisure time at home if you do not have a pool. The best place to look for an aqua aerobics program is your local YMCA.
- The cost of these programs may vary. It may be covered if you own a pool membership at some of the facilities, or if prescribes for medical/health reasons. Otherwise, some facilities may charge additional fees.
- Although aquatic exercise greatly reduces the risk of injury, you do not burn as many calories as you would in a form of weight-bearing exercise, as the water supports most of your body's weight.
[edit] Getting Involved
[edit] Who Can Participate?
There practically no limit as to who can participate in aqua aerobics; individuals of any age and gender can participate. When in water, up to 90% of the body's weight is supported, therefore placing much less strain on the body's joints. This also makes aqua aerobics an ideal choice for individuals suffering obesity, arthritis or any other medical condition, as well as healthy individuals.
[edit] Finding a Local Aqua Aerobics Program
This should not be hard, as most sporting facilities include these facilities along with many others. However, if they do not, your best bet is to inquire about aqua aerobics at a local YMCA.
[edit] Average Costs for Aqua-Aerobics
[edit] Equipment and Gear
- Swimsuit: A decent swimsuit can be purchased for anywhere between $30 and $80.
- Aqua-Shoes: Although aqua-shoes are optional in most cases, the provide great traction therefore increasing your stability in the water. You can buy these for around $25 at most sporting goods retailers.
- Swim Caps: These are optional, and can be used to keep hair out of your face during sessions. Latex caps can cost only $4, whereas silicone caps will cost around $15. Silicone caps will usually last longer and also feel more comfortable.
[edit] Aqua-Aerobics Courses
- The cost of these programs may vary. It may be covered if you own a pool membership at some of the facilities, or if prescribes for medical/health reasons. Otherwise, some facilities may charge additional fees.
[edit] How Aqua Aerobics Can Help to Reduce Stress
Most sports will usually help reduce stress, regardless of whether they are aquatic sports or not. This is the case mainly because when you are doing any particular sport, you tend to focus on what you are doing, rather than whatever is causing you the stress you are feeling. Also, the rhythmic movements which are used in aqua aerobics can have a positive effect on physical as well as mental well-being, and this in turn can affect your overall outlook on life.
