Heated Pool Exercise

The temperature and buoyancy benefits of a heated pool make it a great option for general fitness and therapeutic exercise. The ideal temperature for a heated pool is approximately 94 degrees Fahrenheit. However, certain injuries and health conditions may respond better to temperatures outside of this range. Therefore, it is important to contact your physician before engaging in heated pool exercise.

  1. Benefits

    • Exercise in a heated pool is a versatile activity, because it can be easily adapted to suit varying ages, medical conditions, fitness levels and training goals. For this reason, children, athletes, the elderly and pregnant women can all benefit from exercising in water. The heat allows stiff and tight muscles to relax. The pressure on the body that is created by immersion in the water increases blood circulation and the buoyancy of the water allows individuals or those with injured limbs to experience less gravitational stress on the body, which is better for the joints.

    Considerations

    • Despite the benefits of exercise in a heated pool, there are safety precautions to consider. Any person with an unstable cardiac condition, high blood pressure or uncontrolled seizures cannot participate in pool activities until cleared by a physician. People suffering open wounds, active infections or a fever should also refrain from heated pool exercise. Those with a physical disability, an injury or a temperature-sensitive condition must also consult a healthcare professional before exercising in a heated pool. Finally, it is important that an individual be able to swim, particularly if deep water is involved in the routine.

    Increase Flexibility, Mobility and Balance

    • Movement in water is often slow and controlled. Therefore, exercise in the water helps to increase flexibility, mobility and balance. In addition, the heated temperature allows for muscle relaxation and decreased pain with movement. As an example, a person suffering from arthritis in the lower limbs could particularly benefit from the warming effects of the water, and slow, controlled movements will decrease pain and stiffness from walking.

    Increase Strength

    • Because water resistance is 12 times greater than air resistance, exercising in water is particularly strengthening for the muscles. For example, shoulder strength can be increased by moving the arms forward, backward and from side to side in the water. To further increase the resistance, exercisers may use water equipment, such as paddles and foam weights.

    Improve Cardiorespiratory Health

    • Pool exercise is not only a good way to work your muscles and bones, it is also an excellent way to work your heart and lungs. Activities like water running, aerobics and lane swimming all challenge your cardiorespiratory system. When participating in these types of exercise, it is important to remember to hydrate yourself the same way you would when exercising on land. The increased temperature of a heated pool will also increase your body's overall core temperature. As such, it is recommended that a heart rate monitor be used while participating in these types of activities.