Water based
exercise
There are lots of advantages of doing
exercise in water. Water provides a gentle
resistance to your movements which helps to
improve strength and muscle tone. It is also
buoyant and supports your body while it moves,
which makes it safer and more comfortable,
particularly for people who have weight or joint
problems, or who are disabled in some way. There
are lots of ways that you can benefit from
exercising in water, from treading water to
playing waterpolo.
In the Swim
The most obvious way to enjoy
water is swimming. It's a healthy activity which
can be enjoyed by anyone and will last for a
lifetime. The health benefits of swimming are
almost unmatched by most any other sport as it
works your whole body, improving cardiovascular
conditioning, muscle strength, endurance,
posture, and flexibility all at the same time.
Your cardiovascular system in particular benefits
because swimming improves your body's use of
oxygen without overworking your heart. There is
also a low risk for swimming injuries because
there's no stress on your bones, joints or
connective tissues due to buoyancy and the fact
that you weigh less in water. If you're looking
for a safe daily workout routine, swimming is
ideal because you can rigorously work out with a
reduced chance of swimming injuries. Many
athletes supplement their training with swimming.
Swimming pools are increasingly attracting
attention from older individuals. Brian Andrews,
Managing Director of Heritage Pools, a leading UK
pool contractor says swimming pools are ideal for
the older market especially. “Aside from
the relaxation aspects, swimming pools also
provide an excellent means of low impact
exercise, ideal for older individuals. Water
allows for a greater freedom of movement and so
is perfect for those with restricted mobility,
joint problems and conditions such as
arthritis” commented Andrews. Heritage
Pools suggest elderly clients consider a
shallower depth than standard pools and look to
include perimeter rails and easy access walk-in
steps or even a hoist for those with severe
restricted mobility. “Swimming pools
designed the elderly may also need to run at a
slightly warmer temperature (around
31
ƒC/32
ƒC)
as elderly bodies lose heat quicker and users
will tend to move around slightly less in the
water” commented Andrews “as a
result, the pools may require more specific
chemical dosing as higher temperatures lead to a
greater risk of water-borne diseases.”
Fun and Games
There are many other ways to keep
fit in a swimming pool apart from swimming. Why
not try a game of water netball, waterpolo,
diving or synchronised swimming.
If you love the water go a bit more adventurous
and try rowing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing,
windsurfing, waterskiing or diving. These are all
great ways to get fit and have fun at the same
time!