The Many Advantages Of Aqua Aerobic Exercise

If you have tried aerobics classes and found that they don’t work for you for whatever reason, perhaps you should check out an aqua aerobics exercise class. Aqua aerobics exercise, also known as water aerobics, has caught on as a popular program for many who have not enjoyed or not been able to participate in other aerobics classes. While aerobics on the ground tend to be high impact workouts, aqua aerobics exercise is much easier on the joints and the back, since the water displaces much of your weight (up to 85%, depending on how deep the water is). While this type of exercise goes easy on your joints, the natural resistance of the water still guarantees that you will receive a great workout from a 45-minute class, including burning anywhere from 350-600 calories. The number of calories burned will vary based on how hard you work, and how deep the water is.

Aqua Aerobics Exercise For The Non-Swimmer

Another advantage to aqua aerobics exercise is that you do not necessarily need to know how to swim to participate in a class. While some classes include lap swimming as part of the routine, many are done while standing in waist deep water for the entire session. The workout consists of a series of dance-type steps with some arm motions, sometimes set to music and sometimes using additional equipment such as kickboards or wrist weights. One thing to keep in mind about your aqua aerobics exercise class is that the instructor usually stands on the side of the pool, so she will not have the benefit of a vigilant eye for each student to make sure position and motions are done correctly. It will be up to the student to monitor his own techniques to ensure that he is performing the exercises correctly.

Aqua Aerobic Exercise Is Tougher Than It Looks

When you begin an aqua aerobics class, the moves may seem easier to do, since you feel as though you are gliding through the water. Don’t be fooled by the apparent ease of the workout. Throughout your session the moves will become more challenging to complete, and your body will feel somewhat fatigued by the end of your workout. The resistance of the water makes your muscles work harder than you think, which is why you can rest assured that while you are having fun splashing about in the pool, your body is reaping the benefits of a great workout.