The Benefits of Water Exercise
for Older Adults
BY ROBERT ROCHEDIEU
C.P.F.T – H.F.I.
RNRCPA@GMAIL.COM
Now that the outdoor pool
season is closed, we should
look to indoor pool activities
to keep active and healthy.
You do not have to be a swimmer
to enjoy the pool and the benefits
which it has to offer, both physically
and psychologically. Water aerobics
classes, conducted by a certified
instructor, are generally low-impact
workouts. They are held, for the most
part, in the shallow end of the pool
to accommodate swimmers and
non-swimmers alike. Taking a class
can be an enjoyable social event in
addition to being a healthy activity.
Before beginning any exercise
program, it is important to consult
your health care professional to
determine the level of exercise activity
you are medically cleared for.
Allowing for a warmup and a
cool down, a typical water aerobics
class will last about one hour. Some
instructors will have music playing
in the background to help keep the
class motivated. Others will keep
cadence for each exercise to help
with the timing of each movement.
Incorporating water dumbbells,
noodles, flotation belts, kick boards,
weighted wrist and ankle bands will
enable you to achieve a full body
workout. The buoyancy of the water
is easy on your joints. If you have
joint problems, chronic pain, arthritis
or are recovering from an injury,
water aerobics can be helpful.
The intensity of each exercise
is directly related to the number
of repetitions performed and the
speed at which conducted. In addition,
flotation devices pushed under
water offer more resistance than
skimming on the surface or held
out of the water. Different exercises
will work your core, arms, legs and
back. These exercises, done properly,
will also help improve your
flexibility.
Water aerobics, when done as
a low-impact workout will help
to improve your cardiovascular
health. It will elevate your pulse
during the class. Over time, this
periodic elevation can help to lower
your resting heart rate. It can help
in keeping your blood sugars under
control.
Whether you are a “water” person
or not, I recommend giving
water aerobics a try. If you are
intimidated by the group setting,
take a private lesson to learn how
the exercises are performed. You
can then do them on your own
whenever you desire. Other than
a bathing suit and towel, I suggest
purchasing a pair of aqua shoes.
Your feet will thank you.
To your good health.
GREENTHAL
Property Sales, Inc./Property Management
272-40 Grand Central Pkwy.
Floral Park, NY 11005
(718) 423-3130/(718) 423-3335
Fax: (718) 279-0162
www.nstowers.com
Errol A. Brett
Attorney At LAw
26910 grand central parkway
suite a6
floral park, ny 11005
Tel: 718-631-7733
Fax: 718-631-7765
38 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ December 2018
link
/www.nstowers.com
