What Are Ten Examples of the Benefits of Water Aerobics?

There are many benefits to water aerobics and it is especially popular for those who cannot, or prefer not to, exercise on land, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Whether you are looking to gain strength, improve your fitness level or to simply take part in a different type of exercise regimen, water aerobics has something to offer for just about everyone.

  1. Low-Impact

    • Impact in water aerobics can be adjusted from about 50 percent of body weight at waist depth, to zero impact in deep water, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Shallow water is navel to nipple depth, transitional water is shoulder to neck depth, and deep water means you are fully suspended without your feet touching the ground. For less impact, exercise in deeper water.

    More Resistance

    • The resistance of movement performed at the average speed during water aerobics is approximately 12 to 15 times that of the exercise performed on land, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Water aerobics provides adequate resistance for resistance training as well as to improve cardiovascular fitness.

    Rehabilitative Classes Offered

    • Aquatic therapy has been documented to be beneficial for functional rehabilitation resulting from injury or disease, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Many gyms offer specialized water aerobics classes for various issues, such as arthritis and poor blood circulation.

    Safe for Pregnant Women

    • Pregnant women can get an effective workout with water aerobics without the added stress on their joints and lower back compared to land aerobics. Exercise during pregnancy can enhance energy level, self-esteem, and mood, while reducing some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

    Improved Performance

    • Water training has been documented to improve or maintain land performance for many activities, such as running, stair climbing and speed walking, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Many athletes use water exercise to complete a greater volume of work with less stress to the body's bones and joints, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

    Weight Management

    • Because of the constant resistance in water aerobics, more calories can be burned during a class compared to a land aerobics class. A water aerobics class can expend approximately 400 calories per hour, depending on your body weight, compared to 360 calories on land, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Improved Posture

    • The trunk and core muscles are challenged to maintain proper alignment, stop, start, and change directions during any movement. The frequent changing movement patterns in the water may translate to improved posture on land because the core is regularly stimulated to maintain posture in the water, according the American College of Sports Medicine.

    Safe for the Elderly

    • Activity-related injuries may occur more frequently among elderly people due to poor flexibility, osteoporosis, or other musculoskeletal disorders, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Water aerobics offers a low-impact environment for the elderly to participate safely and regularly.

    Stronger Respiratory System

    • Hydrostatic pressure pushes again the chest and body, which helps to strengthen the respiratory system, according to the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Participating in a water aerobics class can help you breath easier on land.

    Fun

    • Water aerobics can be lots of fun. Dance water classes are offered in various gyms and many classes use different exercise tools, such as water weights and noodles. There are water aerobics classes available for beginners up to advanced participants.