Water aerobic therapy, also referred to as aquatic therapy, is a form of instructor-led exercise that allows you to move in tandem with both the buoyancy and weight of water to achieve a full-body workout. People with disabilities or particular injuries find that water allows them to move without pain and still benefit from a full exercise regimen. Water aerobic therapy classes offer a low-impact way to stretch and bend, while gradually raising your heart rate.
Function
Water aerobic therapy protects your joints from the impact of hitting against hard ground. Some people prefer aquatic exercise be conducted in warm water that soothes aching joints. However, to assume that you will not get a heart-pounding workout from water aerobics is simply not true. Water aerobics offer various levels of difficulty, ranging from slower, more measured movements for those with injuries or disabilities, to fast, repetitive exercises that demand balance and endurance. Water is simultaneously heavy and buoyant, which creates a form of exercise that tones and refines your muscles.
Types
Water enthusiasts have many choices when it comes to the types of exercises they want to experience in the pool. They can opt for shallow water where their feet touch the ground and the exercises focus on balance and flexibility. For more of a challenge, sign up for a class where you can spend a longer period of time in the deep end of the pool. With your body completely submerged, you will have to be constantly moving to keep afloat. Though you will be required to wear flotation belts in deep water for protection, you will be literally jogging in place under the water which burns a tremendous amount of calories.
Benefits
For those of you who want even more strength training, muscle sculpting and toning, add weights to the arms, thighs, ankles or waist. As your body moves against the water, the weights add extra resistance to the workout. Instructors use various types of equipment to enhance the overall goal of improving coordination, proper posture and range of motion. These include foam noodles and kickboards.
Considerations
Water aerobic instructors are quite creative in what they integrate into their water routines. You can take water aerobics classes that incorporate Tai Chi or Qigong, both of which emphasize resistance training, balance, breath control, relaxation, stress and pain relief. Other benefits of these practices are a deeper understanding of the need for meditative and peaceful methods of healing in water.
Another form of water therapy involves a practice known as Watsu. Watsu integrates massage, muscle stretching and dance. This practice is performed by a Watsu-trained teacher who manipulates your body into various poses while you float and enjoy the gentle movements.
Significance
Warm water aerobic therapy is often a part of a healing regimen for people with injuries or certain chronic illnesses like Parkinson's or rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it also offers a comfortable and viable form of exercise that soothes and protects your joints from high-impact workouts and sports like jogging, skiing and step aerobics. According to the Centers for Disease Control, exercising in water provides the added benefit of keeping your mind sharp and your overall perspective on life positive and healthy.
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