Water Exercise
One of the biggest advantages of water exercise as part of a fitness program is that it’s not harsh on our bodies or joints. Workouts are easier and less painful while in the water than the same exercises done on land.
Water exercise is excellent for muscular imbalances or postural problems. The qualities of water that make it therapeutic are buoyancy, decreased compressive forces, and even hydrostatic pressure. Buoyancy allows our bodies to move more easily due to the upward pressure created by fluid.
Decreased compressive forces on the spine and all joints while in the water enhances the therapeutic value of water exercise. Even hydrostatic pressure means there is equal pressure on the body submerged in water. This in turn helps circulation and swelling in joints. As either part of a cross training program or for rehabilitation after surgery or injury, water exercises are excellent.
Flexibility is improved since there are less gravitational forces in water. Range of motion is increased as a person can push their joints further when submerged in water. Strength is enhanced as you work against resistance of the water.
For therapeutic rehabilitation, the safety of water exercise is of great importance. Also, for our aging population, less risk of injuries to joints or strains to muscles make water exercise a wise choice for fitness in addition to home exercise equipment that is soft on the joints and capitalizes on a fluid like movement to get the heart rate up.
