Water Aerobics Vs. Land Aerobics

Identification

• According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the word aerobics means "A system of physical conditioning involving exercises such as swimming, running, walking or calisthenics strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate". This means that during an aerobics class, you will increase your cardiovascular fitness. This has many benefits for your heart, as well as helping your body to burn calories. There are several popular forms of aerobics exercise, such as spin classes, Zumba dance classes and Body Combat Aerobics. But the two most popular forms of aerobics classes in health clubs are water aerobics and land aerobics.

Water Aerobics

• Water aerobics is exercise done in a pool, preferably in water that is chest deep. An instructor takes the students though a routine designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and balance. Many of these instructors incorporate hand weights, fun noodles and kickboards to help give the body a total workout. Water aerobics is a great way to have fun and improve overall fitness for people of all ages. It is a low impact workout, due to the buoyancy that the water gives the body. This makes it a perfect workout for people who are pregnant, have arthritis or joint pain. It is a great way to burn calories as well. For a person weighing 155 lb., l hour of water aerobics burns 281 calories.

Land Aerobics

• Many health clubs offer land aerobics classes that include exercises that help to increase cardiovascular fitness, elevate heart rate, increase endurance and burn calories. These classes are usually performed to music, and the instructor takes the class through different exercise routines specifically designed to improve aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. This type of class may incorporate the use of hand weights, flexibility bands or steps to help give an all over workout. Many people prefer this type of aerobics class, because they really like to work up a good sweat during exercise, and like the high energy workout. A land aerobics class can help a 155 lb. person burn 493 calories an hour for a high impact class, or approximately 352 calories an hour for a low impact class.

Benefits

• You will increase your fitness level and overall health with either type of aerobics class. If you love the water, then the water aerobics class would certainly be an enjoyable way to burn calories, increase flexibility and endurance. If you would rather sweat to the music, then the land aerobics class would be the way to go. This type of aerobics will increase strength, stamina and help to burn calories. As with any type of exercise, consistency is the key to success. Choose the type of aerobics class that you will enjoy and attend on a regular basis.

Warning

• As with any exercise program, it is important to check with your doctor before beginning a water aerobics or land aerobics training program. This is especially important for anyone having pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or if you have a lot of weight to lose. If at any time during exercise you feel dizzy or ill, stop exercising and contact medical help immediately.