Editor’s note: The air conditioned station gym is closed for a few days, but no need to fret! Why not hop in the pool to escape the heat AND get a workout in? Water Fitness, though probably the last type of workout one thinks of in Yuma, is quite an effective way to stay in shape. And with Yuma’s record temperatures, is there any other environment you would want to be in other than a cool body of water?
Here are the facts: the buoyancy of water reduces the “weight†of a person by about 90 percent, which means the stress on weightbearing joints, bones and muscles is similarly reduced. Thus, it is unlikely a water workout will result in injury or sore muscles. That’s why the pool is such a great place for people with arthritis or back problems to exercise.
But don’t get the idea that just because it doesn’t hurt, you can’t get a great workout in the pool. Water exercise can encompass all of the components of fitness: cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. And, when done regularly, water exercise can help reduce body fat.
Works Your Heart
Aerobic workouts in the pool are perfect for those who find certain movements on land—running, striding, kicking, leaping and even dancing—too jarring or painful.
Keep in mind that in the water, heart rate will be reduced by as much as 17 beats per minute when compared to land exercise. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to how you feel. Your heart rate might indicate that your intensity is too low when you are actually exercising quite strenuously.
Water Adds Resistance
The resistance of water is perfect for a strength-training workout; instead of weights, the water itself provides the resistance. One of the easiest ways to create resistance in the water is to cup your hands and push or pull the water away from you. Other devices, such as hand-held paddles and water chutes can increase the resistance to provide a more intense workout.
The Flexible Benefits of Water
One of the greatest benefits of water exercise is its effect on flexibility. Water is a welcome environment for performing stretches that might otherwise be difficult on land.
Because the effects of gravity are lessened, you can move your joints through a wider range of motion and achieve long-term flexibility.
Aquatics 101
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, it’s simply a matter of finding the right class for you. Check with your health club or YMCA to see if they offer aquatics classes and drop in on one or two to see if they are right for your fitness level.
A good class should include a good warm-up, a period of cardiovascular and muscle conditioning that gradually increases and then decreases in intensity, and a cool-down. The cool-down should include plenty of flexibility exercises for the entire body.
If you have a preference for music, find a class that suits your taste. Don’t be afraid to ask about instructor qualifications and safety precautions. Your instructor should be certified and may also have special training in aquatic exercise.
The pool is a fun place to feel like a kid again and get a great workout. In fact, instead of feeling out of breath or exhausted, you may feel surprisingly calm, yet energetic, following an aquatic exercise class. So, even if you’re a dip-your-toe-in-the-water type of person, don’t be afraid to take the plunge into water fitness.
