Aquatic Fitness for Seniors

Get Aqua Fit!

Did YOU know that at least two and a half hours per week or thirty minutes a day can decrease YOUR risk of chronic illnesses? Whether on land or in the water, exercise leads to many benefits overall; however, as we age our risk of injury increases as well as the amount of injuries we have suffered. It also takes more time to overcome the injuries. Studies have shown that individuals favor exercising in the water.

Individuals can exercise longer in the water without increased effort or pain on the body. Water plays an important and beneficial role in the effect of exercising. According to the CDC, some of the benefits specific to aquatic exercise includes:

• Improvements of mental health. Swimming has been proven to improve ones mood and self-efficacy to complete tasks that the they may not be able to complete on land. For example for those who suffer with fibromyalgia, exercise in the water can decrease anxiety and depression.
• Variation of resistance. The resistance in the water can range from 4 to 42 times greater than on land against the air; the amount of resistance is dependent of the speed at which the exercise is completed.
• Improvements and off-sets of chronic illnesses. For people with arthritis, aquatic exercises can improve the use of affected joints without worsening symptoms and decrease pain from osteoarthritis.
• Effect of buoyancy. The buoyancy of the water eliminates the effect of gravity applied to the body—supporting 90% of the body’s weight for reduced impact and greater flexibility.

An aquatic workout is also great for your internal organs and lymphatic system. These extra benefits help explain why participants feel so good after a class while the body is refreshed rather than exhausted.

St. Mark Village of Palm Harbor offers its residents Cardio Waves classes taking place a couple days a week onsite in our pool. Find Out Why It’s So Great at St. Mark Village!