Why Workout in the Water?

@RedMountainSpa

By Kim Watters,
Fitness Manager

In the last thirty years exercise in the pool has developed into one of the most beneficial workouts for the entire body. Not only do you have the ability to get your cardiovascular system fit, but what a wonderfully supported environment to build strength and flexibility as well.

When most people think about water aerobics they visualize the older generation in the pool flouncing around. Today, hit any pool class and you’ll see people ranging from the de-conditioned to athletes. Today’s certified water fitness instructors are able to impact all fitness levels by teaching power and speed of movement multiplied by the intensity behind it. Smaller, slower movements can be used to create mobility to the joints, flexibility, and relaxation. Larger, full range of motion movements can be used for increasing strength and heart rate.

Water workouts offer a warm and supportive environment, yet allow you to challenge yourself. The pool’s buoyancy reduces about 75% of your body weight, making movement easier on the joints. At the same time, the environment of the pool forces you to push up to 12 times the resistance of air when moving in the water. The mere motion of walking frontward and backward in the pool forces you to use your core muscles, thus, making it a great environment to increase strength in your posture muscles.

The cooling water in the hot summer sun makes the pool an ideal environment for cardiovascular activity. Your sweat is at a minimum while your heart is challenged to gain cardio strength and endurance. There is an array of water fitness exercises to challenge heart, legs, upper extremities and core muscles.

The pool is not only a great place for building strength and endurance, but it is ideal for creating flexibility. Slow, meditative, full range of motion movements create suppleness and flexibility for the whole body, mind, and spirit. And last but not least, the compression of the water stimulates both blood and lymph flow reducing muscle stiffness and detoxification of the tissue.

Remember cross training is key to improving physical fitness. So, if you are looking for a way to change up your workout, next time, make a splash and jump into the pool!