The term ‘water aerobics’ refers to aerobic exercise that is performed in reasonably shallow water, for example in a swimming pool. This type of exercise is done mostly when the person is standing upright. The person doing this type of aerobics will not swim.
Water aerobics is a method of resistance training. This is a type of aerobic exercise that requires participants to be immersed in water.
Most water aerobics classes take place in a group fitness class setting. There will be a trained professional personal trainer or group fitness instructor who teaches the class for approximately an hour.
The classes focus on the following areas:
- Aerobic endurance,
- Resistance training (as we stated above), and
- Creating a fun environment with music.
Various forms of water aerobics incorporate the following: aqua Zumba, water yoga, aqua aerobics, and aqua jog.
Pros and Cons of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics is Low-Impact
Water aerobics is easy on the joints. This means that it’s good for people who suffer from arthritis or additional mobility problems. The low-impact nature of this exercise means that this type of aerobics is a good option for people who are struggling with losing weight.
The drawback of water aerobics being low impact is that it does little to build strong bones or efficient lean muscle mass. Exercise which is weight-bearing builds both bones and muscles.
The Water is a Pleasant Environment
The pool setting has its advantages. Specifically, it maintains cool bodies. People who are carrying excess weight may suffer from being excessively hot during exercise. Sometimes they may become too tired to carry on. Water acts as a temperature regulator. It disperses heat effectively.
A disadvantage of exercising in the pool is that some people who do water aerobics frequently exhibit side effects from the pool water disinfection process. People who are often in the pool might have allergies to either chlorine or bromine, which are the two generally used chemical disinfectants in pools. Typical allergic complaints are red, irritated eyes; dry, itchy skin; and, sometimes, lung irritation.
Water Aerobics Assists with Weight Loss
Water aerobics is a great calorie-burner. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published that this type of aerobics is a moderate type of aerobic exercise. In addition, it has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and individuals’ overall fitness levels.
However, water aerobics is not responsible for burning as many calories as more intense forms of exercise do, such as working out with kettlebells, a spinning class or running on the treadmill. For example:
Water aerobics burns 298 calories per hour for a 155-pound (around 70kg) adult. The same adult has the capacity to burn 930 calories per hour running on the treadmill at a speed of 7.5 miles (approximately 12 km) per hour.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
Although exercise – such as water aerobics – is a fantastic way to improve health in addition to keeping the weight off it is not a guaranteed method of losing weight. Reducing calorie consumption, combined with a sensible exercise regimen, is the best way to achieve lasting results. Want to learn about more methods of exercise? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the platinum standard in personal training qualifications. For more information, follow this link.
