What Is Aqua Aerobics?

As its name suggests, Aqua Aerobics consists of doing various aerobic exercises in the water that will get your heart rate up, improving your oxygen intake, all while being a light-impact sport. Similar to swimming, your body is supported by the water as you do lunges, squats, jumping jacks and even the use of floats for increased resistance training. Yep, sounds tough enough to build six pack abs (but that’s a story for another day, and you can check out how to build your packs from swimming here).

Some group classes also combine moves with music, making it a fun, grooving session. With lots of splashing, you don’t have to worry about anyone seeing your awkward moves as you are hidden by the water! P.S. Everyone will struggle due to the water resistance. It’s not as easy as it looks.

Benefits of Aqua Aerobics

Studies have shown that being in the water reduces your heart rate by ten to fifteen percent, allowing you to push your body harder with lower blood pressure. This gentle exercise is so effective that you can burn up to 500 calories in a session, without the usual strain on the joints from doing the exercises on land. It is most definitely a good way to lose weight if that is your goal.

It also increases joint flexibility and cools down the body, allowing you to relax both physically and mentally.

Aqua Aerobics Is Suitable For Everyone

Regardless of your swimming ability or your fitness levels, you will be able to find a class to give you a great workout. For those who can’t swim, there are classes held in the training pools so that your feet can touch the ground. And goes without saying, instructors will be there to look out for you.

In fact, it is a terrific way for those who fear swimming to get used to the water. While group lessons tend to cater to adults, you can certainly request for private aqua aerobics to help your little ones overcome their fears or to simply develop their interests. Likewise, if you are an expert at swimming, consider classes at the deeper ends.

The use of dumbbells and kickboards will also increase your body resistance to the water and tone up those muscles. For some classes, participants use a belt to keep them afloat and support their spine for exercises. Beginners will also appreciate the aid of noodles in staying afloat while doing the movements.

Aqua Aerobics Is Especially Effective for Pregnant Women and Seniors

Being a gentle approach to exercise, Aqua Aerobics has been proven to greatly aid pregnant women, seniors, and those with injuries or obesity. Other than reducing the strain on joints, studies have shown that the hydrostatic pressure has helped with swollen feet due to water retention, and reduced pain in child delivery by up to 52% of participants. Back pain is alleviated due to the increase in flexibility and strength. It also aids in postpartum recovery and reducing body heat.

Seniors who suffer from arthritis, osteoporosis have been able to reduce pain and increase mobility through Aqua Aerobics. Many studies have also shown it allows them to exercise some independence which greatly improves their outlook on life.

Try Aqua Aerobics, You Won’t Regret It

There are many other forms of Aqua exercises that fall under Aqua Aerobic including, Hydrotherapy which would aid those aching muscles, and aid in joint recovery. There are also sessions which you can join to meet people of all ages and have fun with games. With so many benefits, from losing weight and building muscles to keeping a healthy heart even while pregnant or injured, Aqua Aerobics is certainly a sport you should get into.

Hi Readers! A peek into my life consists of figure skating, traveling, writing and doing many things to keep up my fitness like yoga and swimming. As a skating coach and former music & movement instructor, I hope to shed some light on how fitness and swimming in particular, can benefit and aid you. Cheers!