Aqua Aerobics

Aqua aerobics is workout done inside the water/pool. Any workout that you do in fitness centre can be done inside the pool as well- Yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, Zumba, step aerobics, aerobics, cardio, sculpting, stretching, etc. Accordingly the name changes- Aqua Yoga or Yoqua, Aqua pilates or aqualates, Aqua kickboxing or aquaboxing, so on and so forth.

Why are these workouts done inside the water? What are the benefits and effects?

These workouts are done in a waist-high or maybe shoulder high water. The water has resistance and hence makes the workout more intense or challenging. It is like bearing a lot of weight and doing the workout. Yet, it does not feel so challenging. In fact, water makes it gentle as it cushions the impacts on the joints. Water provides resistance but also has buoyancy. We also use many equipments or gadgets like webbed gloves, aqua shoes, step, thera band, Buoyancy bells and belts, noodles, balls, tubing etc.

Are these workouts exhausting?

Aqua workout does not tire you or even make you sweaty. In fact, you come out of water fresh and relaxed, despite burning a lot of calories. People do not find this workout hard at all.

Why is it so effective?

Water is 12-14 times thicker than air. Hence, working inside water really helps you to tone your muscles but does not cause any harm to your joints like knees, spine etc.

Water aerobics can help improve the physical and mental health of an individual. The environment can help you relieve stress and tension as the muscles are loosened once you let your body submerge in water. The little to no impact on joints and muscles helps you strengthen the body and lose weight.

Unlike swimming, vertical exercise seeks to maximize resistance, which results in a core challenge. Consequently, it is easier to keep those nasty midlife inches from accumulating in the area where they contribute to metabolic breakdown and all its associated diseases. Water can even improve and maintain balance as it unloads the spine. This form of exercise can relieve the wear and tear of joints and help you stay fit.

•  The coordination factor: Low. You’re forced to move so slowly that you have time to think about each move.

•  Who does water aerobics: Anyone who likes the water, has injuries, or is in physical rehab. Water workouts are a terrific cross-training activity for runners, cyclists, and maniac aerobicizers. Water workouts are also great for pregnant women, older people, and people with multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, or other degenerative diseases because moving through the water is much easier on your body.

•  What to wear: A swimsuit that doesn’t creep up your rear end. Wear a pair of old sneakers or special aqua-exercise shoes so you don’t scrape your feet on the bottom. Shoes will add more resistance to your workout.

•  Signs of a sharp instructor: Certification is a definite plus, but water-certification programs are few and far between. Safety should be the first priority in any class. A good instructor will identify non-swimmers and insist that they wear life vests at all times during water aerobics. In water running, all class members — even experienced swimmers — wear flotation vests.

Tips for first-timers: Choosing the right class is essential. You don’t want to dive in with a group of 90-year-olds with limited mobility unless, of course, you are one. If you’re trying to come back from an injury, look for classes with names like Rehab for Runners. Check with the doctor treating your injury to make sure you have the okay to take a class.

Water Aerobics Isn't Just For The Sick And Elderly

Water aerobics is for everyone, especially athletes who are training for a marathon or fear getting injured while training. For marathon runners, include some water running sessions in your workout. Water-based activities can increase a person's flexibility and help prevent injuries.