What Are the Benefits of Aquatic Aerobics?

You don't have to be Michael Phelps to get in the water and work out. Swimming laps is just one form of aquatic aerobics. In many fitness centers, there are different types of aquatic group exercise classes to help you burn calories and improve your health. The benefits of aquatic aerobics are numerous and appropriate for just about everyone.

  1. Decreased Joint Stress

    • As you walk slowly into a pool, you can feel your body getting lighter as the water climbs higher. This buoyancy decreases the amount of body weight pushing on your joints, bones and muscles. It allows you to move more freely, especially if you have joint pain or are overweight. Currently, over two-thirds of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Aquatic aerobics give these people a way to work out without hurting their bodies. This is also true for those with arthritis and other diseases.

    Muscle Toning Through Resistance

    • Water is more viscous than air, so even walking is more challenging in the water than on land. Every movement in the pool is harder to do, which over time will improve your muscle tone. Your muscles also work in pairs, such as the biceps and triceps or chest and back. Because the resistance of the water surrounds your body, you can get a balanced, effective muscle-toning workout.

    Water's Cooling Effect

    • To get the most benefit from exercise you need to push yourself. As you increase your exercise intensity, your body heats up and you begin to sweat. Sweat is how your body cools itself. In the water, you get an automatic cooling effect. Because the temperature of the water is constant and cooler than your body temp, as you work harder you don't overheat as much.

    Heart Rate Response

    • Increased heart rate is a natural response to any form of exercise. In the water, your heart rate response is usually lower than the same activity performed on land, according to the Aquatic Exercise Association. However, this does not mean a water workout is easy. One reason your heart rate is lower in the water is due to the lessened gravity. Less gravity allows more efficient blood return from extremities to your heart and lungs. The cooler environment also lowers your heart rate.