Water Aerobics & the Waist Belt

Want to shake up your fitness routine? Try a water aerobics class. Most fitness centers and public swimming pools offer community classes or open pool times to devise your own class year round. Water is a great medium to enhance your current workout, aid in weight loss and allow safe exercise for those suffering from chronic pain or injury. According to the American Council on Exercise, water aerobics is the best low-impact exercise you can do. When working in deep water, the addition of a waist belt provides improved safety and stability for your body.

  1. Waist Belt

    • A waist belt is a flotation device that straps around your waist. Many types are available, but they are all designed to keep you floating upright in deeper water. The belt should fit snugly and should not slip upward towards your chest when you are in deep water. When using the belt, you should stay upright with an erect posture in the water.

    Running in Deep Water

    • Running in deep water is an effective exercise that improves cardiovascular endurance. Using a waist belt, you can mimic running across the deep end of the pool or you can get an attachment for your waist belt that tethers you to the side of the pool while you “run” in place. Running in deep water offers the same cardiovascular benefits as running on land without the joint impact. It is a great way to train post-injury prior to returning to land-based running.

    Deep Water Aerobics Classes

    • You can take shallow or deep water aerobics classes depending on your needs or preferences. Deep water classes often offer improved strength and cardiovascular benefits compared to working out in shallow water. You can wear a waist belt during any deep water aerobics classes. If deep water classes aren't an option for you, devise your own routine in the local pool. In addition to running through the deep water, try cycling and skiing -- wearing your waist belt, simply imitate these land-based movements while pumping your arms against the resistance of the water. You'll be strengthening the upper and lower body with these exercises.

    Safety Considerations

    • Always check with your health care provider before you begin a new exercise program, but especially one that takes you into deep water -- a dangerous environment if you have certain medical conditions. Also, remember that your heart rate is blunted in water by an average of 17 beats per minute compared to land-based exercise. Thus, your heart rate will not be a good indicator of how hard your body and heart are working. Speak with your health care provider regarding your medications as some medications may also blunt the heart rate response.