The pool is perfect for a workout!

There is something about summertime and swimming pools.  It brings back the memories of jumping in the water as soon as my parents said it was OK.  I would stay in the water, diving under the surface, doing handstands, and playing until time to go home.  Just because we are adults doesn't mean we cannot recapture the childhood joy of water play.  The pool is perfect for a workout!  And I do not mean swimming laps.  The simple movements of walking forward,

backward, and sideward will provide exercise.  

The benefits and advantages of water exercise are numerous, but for the sake of time and space let us focus today on the resistance that the aquatic environment provides.   

Land (Gym) workload depends on moving against gravity or against a device such as a machine.  However, in the pool, movement in any direction is resisted by a dense and viscous medium - water.  In fact, the more power you exert against the water results in a proportional amount of resistance from the water and you work harder!  Size and shape of body parts moving through the water will influence the resistance as well.   Arm or leg length also influences the resistance.  For example, a straight leg exercise offers more resistance than a bent knee exercise.  Want more resistance - use resistive equipment such as fins, paddles, noodles, and web gloves.  Even speed of movement through the water will increase the resistance - double the speed = 4x the resistance!  A note of caution with regard to speed:  never increase speed to the point that you are unable to maintain proper exercise posture.  

Let me mention a few more unique benefits of water exercise:

*There is less muscle soreness

*Increases muscular strength and endurance

*Three dimensional forces generated during aquatic training requires constant torso stabilization and thus provides excellent functional training for the trunk muscles.

*It is a low-impact environment

*Swimmers and non-swimmers both can benefit

You may find aquatic exercise classes offered at most local fitness centers, city pools, or any pool that an instructor has permission to host classes.   Check for classes that are taught by instructors that have training or certification in aquatic exercise.  Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.  It is also important to inform your instructor of any health issues or limitations you may have.  They will be able to help you modify exercise in order to benefit your personal needs.

The next time you are at the pool with your children/grandchildren (or without them!) climb in and kick, jump, leap, move, and just play!   Your entire body will benefit and kids love it when adults play in the water with them.  Check back often to read other benefits and advantages of water exercise.  Beth