| 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. |
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 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
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- 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
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Social:
- Fun
- Fellowship with other
people
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- Enjoyable- even when you
work hard
- Safe!
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