Exercising in pool doesn't mean simply swimming laps. Water aerobics and other exercises performed in a swimming pool provide a twist on the usual lap routine, adding fun and variety to your physical fitness program. Water aerobics refers to exercises that are performed rhythmically in chest-deep water, usually in a swimming pool that is heated to about 82 to 86 degrees F.
Burns Calories
Water exercise means any type of activity performed in water. Some of the exercises include water aerobics or water walking, an exercise where you literally walk around the shallow end of a pool. While most water workouts don't burn as many calories as a jog around the park, you still reap aerobic benefits and burn calories. According to My Optimum Health, a one hour water aerobics class burns around 400 calories. Walking on land burns 135 calories per half hour, whereas water walking burns nearly twice as many calories, around 264 per half hour.
Tones Muscles
Walking or exercising in water provides more resistance, since water is 12 times denser than air, and you need to work your muscles more in order to move. Additionally, some water aerobics and strength training classes performed in a swimming pool use resistance bands or thera-bands to provide additional strength building benefits.
Pain Relief
Water exercises are performed in a heated pool, which creates a feeling of buoyancy and weightlessness. Vennie Jones, aquatic coordinator for the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center in Dallas told "Arthritis Today" that water exercises minimize joint stress and alleviate pain. Unlike many other types of exercises performed on land, water exercises have little or no impact on your joints, making it a safe option for people suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Improves Cardiovascular Fitness
Like other forms of aerobic exercise, water exercises provide a cardiovascular workout. According to the University of Akron Student Recreation and Wellness Services, water exercises strengthen your heart muscles and increase the flow of oxygen to your muscles. Additionally, the warm water of the swimming pool helps increase circulation. Regular participation in water exercise programs can help improve your stamina and endurance.
Increases Flexibility
Since water provides a natural support for your body, it's easier to move your joints and muscles. You can perform movements that require lengthening and stretching of your muscles with greater ease, resulting in an improved level of flexibility both in and out of the water.
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