Why Aquatic Exercise? Learning the Benefits

Learn more about aquatic exercise and its attributes towards wellness.

Aquatic Exercise is defined as exercise that takes place in an aquatic environment to improve both fitness and wellness. Water-based exercise provides several additional benefits not gained from land-based exercise, all without the negative affects of traditional exercise. Water is an effective means of therapy and even recognized as beneficial for the pain of arthritis. Some additional benefits are listed below.

Effects of Water on Exercising

• Low Impact- The bouyancy of water supports the weight of the individual. This results in facilitation of movement and a decrease in the compressive forces acting across the weight bearing joints and spine.
• High Resistance- The movement of a limb in water generates resistance that can be as high as 10-12 times that experienced while doing the same activity on land, and as a result, the speed of movement is greatly reduced. This results in a safe controlled motion that improves muscle strength and endurance.
• User Friendly- The resistance to movement in water is determined by the surface area and the speed of movement; the faster the movement, the more resistance is generated. By varying the speed of movement, the individual can exercise as hard as desired.

Benefits of Water Exercise - Physical

• Increases strength
• Builds up cardiovascular endurance
• Increases muscular flexibility
• Provides muscular balance
• Strengthens heart muscles
• Improves your physique
• Increases circulation
• Rehabilitation of muscles
• Enhances stability
• Reduces joint load
• Increases cooling
• Enhances venous return
• Sensory pain reduction
• Improves balance and posture
• Assists with weight loss
• Decreases blood pressure
• Increases stroke volume
• Lowers joint impact loads
• No joint stress because of weightlessness, therefore pain suppression
• Elimination of spinal fatigue
• Improves intellectual function
• Insulin sensitivity(reported by Dr. Bassett)
• Helps individuals with balance deficiencies
• Posture correction
• Wider range of motion for better joint conditioning

Benefits of Water Exercise - Social

• Fun
• Fellowship with other people
• Enjoyable- even when you work hard
• Safe!