Water exercise can involve much more than swimming. Also known as aqua exercise, this physical activity is a good choice not only if you like spending time in the water but also if you have a health condition that requires low-impact exercise. The benefits of water exercise are particularly beneficial if you have fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes fatigue and pain throughout the body. If you're searching for a physical activity that offers both fitness and therapeutic benefits, consider trying aqua exercise.
Types of Water Exercise
The pool is the usual location for exercising in the water. You can enjoy a variety of activities in this environment that will strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility. Walking through the water is one type of exercise you can do in a pool, which provides aerobic benefits. If strength training is more what you're after, make use of special equipment such as water weights. However, it's vital that you start out slow to avoid aggravating symptoms. Other equipment commonly used in water exercise are water noodles, swimming kickboards and water shoes. If you're new to this form of exercise, find out if any local fitness clubs or hospitals are offering aqua exercise classes. Taking an instructor-led class allows you to learn proper techniques for a safe workout.
Why Water Exercise Is Ideal
If you're wondering why this form of exercise is ideal if you have fibromyalgia, consider the characteristics of water. Its buoyancy makes it a low-impact option while still providing enough resistance to improve your strength. The aqua environment promotes flexible movements, but it does not stress the muscles. These are important considerations because choosing exercises that exert too much impact on the body could cause increased muscle discomfort -- something you're trying to reduce as a person with fibromyalgia.
Research Findings
A study published in 2007 in the journal "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology" found that women who took part in a four-month aqua exercise program showed significant improvement in their fibromyalgia symptoms. Working out in warm water led to reduced pain and improved cognitive function. In addition to limiting the severity of symptoms, water exercise can also improve quality of life if you have fibromyalgia, according to findings published in 2008 in the journal "Arthritis Research & Therapy."
Getting and Maintaining Results
The fear of causing more pain and discomfort may affect your willingness to try out an exercise program. Starting a new physical activity will require your body to adjust, so it's important to stick with the plan to see progress. The beneficial effects of water exercise are significant, but you will need to keep up the physical activity to maintain the positive results. Consistency is key because stopping your aqua program will likely lead to the return of your pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms. Talking with your physician about the benefits and considerations of water exercise will help you make the healthiest choices for you.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Fribromyalgia; April 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Slide Show: Aquatic Exercise How To's; June 2010
- "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology"; Exercise in Warm Water Decreases Pain and Improves Cogntive Function in Middle-Aged Women With Fibromyalgia; D. Munguia-Izquierdo, et al.; November-December 2007
- Arthritis Foundation: A Regular Dip Could Benefit Those With Fibromyalgia
