1. Low Impact
The upward force called “buoyancy” helps to take pressure off of the joints. This transforms normal movement into smoother actions, keeping it low impact. It also can reduce body weight, allowing for people of all sizes to maintain a safe workout.
2. Whole Body Conditioning
Water provides built-in resistance allowing for more intense workouts than on land. Even simple tasks like walking or running burn more calories in water. For maximum impact, swimming in styles like freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke provide whole body workouts by using all of the major muscle groups at one time.
3. Less Injury Concern
Working out in water is known for its rehabilitation properties. A study done specific for treating people with Parkinson’s found that: “The water resistance also enhances body awareness, which can assist with maintaining proper posture and a sense of movement within space during activity.” In addition, water rehabilitation therapy can speed up recovery, is nearly pain-free, and helps injured people move easier. People with arthritis or chronic diseases found improved use of affected joints without agitating symptoms, per research by Westby MD, when adding water-based exercise to their routine.
While in the water, depth should be between waist and chest high, especially if balance is a concern. But, ultimately, there is no need to worry about hitting the ground, water will not allow you to, it will support you throughout all your movements.
4. Good for Cardiovascular Health
Just being in the water is known to reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so that they can carry more blood while presenting less resistance to the heart. Swimming specifically may also reduce mental stress, which is good for your overall cardiovascular well-being. Even simple activities like water walking can help your internal organs, like your lungs, because the water pressure makes them work harder than they would out of the pool.
And finally, don’t forget that it’s fun! So hop in and splash around during family swim, get some laps in during lap swim or try out an aqua class free with membership. Even just wading around in water will burn more calories than walking on the sidelines.
