The Magical Experience of Exercising in the Water
The benefits of aquafitness or as we now tend to refer to it ‘Vertical Water Training’ are often underestimated by health professionals and the general public. Even well qualified land fitness professionals have little knowledge or experience in this area.
For those with difficulties such as arthritis, back/shoulder conditions as well as hip/knee and foot problems which cause pain, inflammation and discomfort the water provides a safe and effective environment in which to become active and ‘feel alive’ again.
Those who are overweight as a result of inactivity because of their medical condition or indeed as a result of drug treatment feel comfortable in the water as being active in the water reduces the effect of ‘overheating’ because of the cooling effect.
What is widely known, but evidently not as widely known as it should be, is that less pain is experienced in the water.
This has been widely recognised by those using Hydrotherapy as a means of rehabilitation.
For many movement is difficult and maintaining and improving joint range of movement is a challenge. By exercising in the water improvements can be made by working within the participants ‘comfort zone’. Which means if you go to class you will be the one deciding on how much you do as it would appear obvious that as the person with the difficulty you will know what feels right for you.
Understandably many people feel anxious about getting active in any way following an injury/operation or illness but the water is a most enjoyable way to start getting the ‘feel good’ factor.
So what can ‘getting wet’ do for you?
- Reduction of pain
- Improve joint range of movement and flexibility
- Increase muscle strength and endurance
- Improve bone density
- Train abdominals and improve postural stability (balance)
- Improve posture, co-ordination and agility
- Offers the ‘feel good’ factor and relaxation
- Social contact – why not make some new friends?
- Improves endurance – energising (aerobic/cardiovascular training)
- Aqua exercise is at least as effective as exercising on land
Whilst many classes are offered at leisure centres and private health clubs there are variations on quality so you might want to explore a number of options.
Instructors qualified with CALA (Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance) offer an holistic mind, body and spirit approach and are of a world renowned and accredited Gold Standard quality )for more on CALA see www.calainc.org).
CALAUK has worked with Age Concern Surrey (GO50) and with the recognition of Bob Laventure (British Heart Foundation) and Fitness Wales over a number of years to provide excellence in aquafitness education.
If you wish to know more or find a CALA trained instructor in theUK please contact Linda Ward B.A(Hons)PcET
e mail: Linda@aquarobics.co.uk or call 07983169776
