Water Fitness — How to get a good workout in the Swimming Pool
When it’s 115 degrees outside (and feels even hotter!), it’s tough to get motivated to hit the trail for a hike or a brisk walk — or to contemplate any other outdoor exercise. That’s why water fitness is so cool — literally!
For those that don’t think getting a good workout can be done in the water, Fellowship Square invites them to “dive in” to these water fitness facts and tips.
There are a multitude of benefits to working out in the water (besides staying cool!). Water fitness is low impact, improves cardiovascular strength and mental health; and helps swimmers lose weight, burn calories and tone muscles. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even puts swimming in the same category as biking and running when it comes to decreasing risk of chronic illness and improving health for people with diabetes and heart disease when practiced for just two and a half hours every week. When it comes to seniors, the CDC reports, “Water-based exercise can benefit older adults by improving the quality of life and decreasing disability.”
Water fitness can also help people with chronic diseases such as arthritis, as it can improve the use of joints that typically experience pain without worsening symptoms. Having a positive impact on mental health as well, regular water workouts (specifically in warm water, which most Valley pools are at this time of the year!) can help boost mood and decrease anxiety and depression.
There are many great ways to enjoy water fitness besides just swimming laps. Water aerobics is ideal for a low-impact whole body workout. Swimmers can take their pool fitness program to the next level with water exercise equipment that provides resistance such as aqua dumbbells, a water jogging belt, swim training gloves or resistance fins. A quick Google or Amazon search can lead swimmers to a countless array of options when it comes to water fitness equipment and accessories. There are even smartphone apps to help motivate swimmers and track their progress.
When it comes to working out this summer, don’t sweat it! A cool workout in the pool can be just as effective as some of the other top exercises like running — without all that high-impact pressure on the joints.
