Water exercise refers to exercises performed in a body of water, such as a pool. Water exercises comfortable, helpful, and effective for a lot of people who find traditional ways of exercise difficult. People who have pain in their bones, muscles, and tendons, individuals who are obese, women who are pregnant, and elderly people tend to fit in this category. Water exercises are the perfect workout option for them.
Unlike regular exercises, water exercises offer resistance and buoyancy. Additionally, being in the water has a calming effect that extends to our emotional and mental wellbeing. It is also a great way to stay fresh during your workout as opposed to dealing with heat, sweat, and fatigue during traditional exercises. Before beginning water exercises, make sure to consult with your doctor or physician.
What are the Benefits of Water Exercise?
There are a lot of benefits to water exercise, making it a versatile option to get moving. Here are some those benefits:
- Cardiorespiratory Endurance Strenuous water exercises provide the same benefits as traditional exercises. Continuous movement of muscles increases blood flow, which enhances the cardiovascular system. It also improves the amount of blood pumped by the heart which increases circulation of oxygen in the body. An indirect benefit of water exercise is that it tends to lower blood pressure.
- Strengthens Muscles and Builds Stamina Working against the density of the water increases resistance and strengthens muscles. Exercising in water eases stiff joints and relaxes sore muscles, too. The continuous and repeated movements of your arms and legs contribute to better stamina and balance improvement.
- Increases the Level of Flexibility Traditional forms of exercise restrict your body movements because of the effects of gravity. The lack of gravity in the water helps muscles relax. Water exercises also improve knee and hip flexibility and can reduce lower back pain.
- Helps Burn Calories Water exercises are also one of the most effective ways to lose weight. Because of higher resistance in the water, water exercises tend to burn a lot more calories than you think. In line with this, burning calories in the water often feels more comfortable and enjoyable than in traditional forms of exercising because of the water’s cooling effect.
- Psychological Well-Being Water exercises require you to share the body of water you are using. Because of this, it is often done in group settings, making you more likely to work out with friends. The effect of the water also gives a cooling and relaxing effect to the mind and body.
Who Benefits from Water Exercise?
- Individuals who have arthritis in several joints and muscles
- Individuals with pain conditions affecting the feet, shoulders, knees, hips, and back
- Individuals preparing for or recovering from surgery
- Individuals who find it difficult or painful to do traditional forms of exercise
If you have orthopedic health problems and are struggling to find a form of exercise best suited for you, considering giving water exercises a try. However, before you begin, talk to an experienced orthopedic physician. The experts at Florida Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, injuries, and diseases on a daily basis. Talk to one of our physicians about your orthopedic problems and learn if water exercise is right for you. Call us at (850) 763-0346 to make an appointment or set an appointment online.