The lowdown on Aquafit
Land-based exercise can lead to major health benefits, but at what cost to your joints? Aquafit is aerobics in the water, and not only does it get you fit with none of the impact of hammering the gym floor, it can also give your muscles a massage while you work out.
Water exercise doesn’t get much more inclusive than Aquafit. Virtually anybody can take part. There is a session suitable for all needs, even people who can’t swim.
So, what is it? In short, it is aerobic exercise in water, a fitness class in the pool. It promotes fitness for life and aims to maintain stamina, strength, and suppleness. It is also good at reducing stress levels.
OK, you can get these from your regular land-based exercise class. But working out in water has a range of benefits. The key one being that the water acts as a cushion protecting joints such as the spine and ankles.
Buoyancy lifts and supports the body, giving a wonderful feeling of freedom and providing an environment in which exercise movements and relaxation are easy. Also, water offers resistance. This means you can tone and develop muscle groups in a low impact environment.
And this isn’t all. Water movement around the body has a massaging effect, helping to work the less used muscles during exercise. Also, the temperature of most pools means you can work hard without over heating the body.
If you fancy giving it a go, click here to find your nearest pool and check if they are providing Aquafit. Remember, if you have a medical condition ensure you consult your doctor before you begin.
A few more benefits of Aquafit
- You can work at a level which suits you – sessions are usually available for various fitness levels and age ranges
- It's not necessary to be able to swim - the use of buoyancy aids and pool sidebars is allowed and you can also exercise at a pool depth to suit you
- It's a group session so take a friend along for moral support - also a good way to make new ones!
- Aquafit is fun, you are encouraged to enjoy the exercise as much as possible and at the end of the session you have time to relax
- Cardio vascular fitness is improved through lively exercise movements and enjoyable ‘aerobic’ routines.
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