Swim To Stay Young And Healthy

Researchers at Indiana University have found that fairly intensive swimming can substantially delay the decline of such age markers as blood pressure, muscle mass,blood chemistry and pulmonary function. If intense swimming is not your thing then perhaps Aqua Aerobics is the answer.

Aqua Aerobics

Aqua aerobics is the performance of aerobic exercise in shallow water such as a swimming pool. In some areas it is known as AquaFit or "water aerobics".


There are many benefits of performing aerobics in the water. Water-related exercise increases cardiovascular fitness, as well as improving overall strength. Also, as the water provides support for the body, the risk of muscle or joint injury is greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated. A great advantage in aqua aerobics is, because it is performed in chest-deep water, both swimmers and non-swimmers can participate. Aqua aerobics trainers usually wear swimsuits in the water.

Aquatic activities in general will expend more energy than many land-based activities, this is mainly because water provides noticeably more resistance than air. Water provides 12 times the resistance of air because of its increased density. An aerobic water exercise of around 30 minutes will help burn about 300 calories; most classes last for 45-55 minutes.


Advantages
Water provides support for the body; nearly 90% of weight is supported. This greatly reduces the risk of any bone, joint or muscle injuries.


Aquatic exercise can improve flexibility without causing excess pressure on joints. The effects of gravity are reduced in the water, making it easier to move joints through a wider range of motions.


Exercise in water can be much more comfortable than exercise based on land. This is because during the workout, water continually cools the body.

Get set, get wet and stay young and healthy! Video Presentation follows