Water Aerobics: Fun For Everyone

January 19th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Not everyone enjoys going to a gym and using fitness machines or taking physically demanding classes. Maybe you are worried about injuries that can occur when exercising. You might want to consider taking a water aerobics class as a way to exercise and have fun at the same time.

The biggest benefit of water aerobics is that it is a full body workout. A treadmill only works your legs and weights only work on the body part you are lifting with. You use all your muscles in water aerobics including legs, arms and stomach muscles because you have to move around and also keep yourself upright in the water.

Resistance is an important part of exercising because it is great for your muscles. You can use resistance bands on one muscle at a time for a good workout. Water aerobics provide resistance to all your muscles at once giving you a great workout for your whole body. The great thing about water aerobics is that it’s gentle on your joints so you won’t have to worry about straining muscles, tearing ligaments or becoming injured.

Water aerobics isn’t just for senior citizens. All ages are finding out how fun and rewarding water aerobics can be. You can find a water aerobics class near you no matter what your skill level. Most places offer beginner classes to advanced classes as well as classes for those with special physical limitations like arthritis. If you want a real challenge, some places offer water aerobics classes that take place in deeper water!

If you are concerned about injury, remember water aerobics is very low impact. Many people of all ages suffer from arthritis or other problems with their joints that can make exercise painful and dangerous. Water aerobics gives you a good cardio workout without the high impact that can cause injury.

Exercise has to be fun if you are going to keep up with a fitness program. Water aerobics is an enjoyable way of getting a workout while having a great time making new friends and improving your aerobic skills. You may even make a lifelong friend!

Water aerobics not only can be broken down into different levels based on your physical fitness, it can be done many different ways. You won’t get bored with water aerobics if you try to attend different classes that use different methods to get you moving. Not all of us like doing the same treadmill type workout every day!

Don’t be self-conscious about exercising in your swimsuit. Everyone attending water aerobics is there to feel better about themselves, not judge you. You may feel weird at first but you will get over it after awhile when you meet people and start to feel and look better. If you want to, could always wear a long shirt over your swimsuit when you were in the class. Remember, you want to be comfortable.

If you want to get in shape, find a water aerobics class near you today and start getting fit and having fun at the same time.

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5 Exercise for Baby Boomers

January 7th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up on getting into shape and feeling good. Participating in activities that build your endurance, strength, balance and keep you limber will allow you to maintain an active lifestyle no matter what your age.

The following five exercises will help you achieve these goals.

1. Walk

Walking may not seem like exercise but it really is good for you and will help you lose weight. If you enjoy walking with others, get a friend to walk with you or find a walking group in your neighborhood. You can do your walking any place really including inside a mall, on a track, on a treadmill in front of the TV or just around your neighborhood. Walking provides a lot of variety so you won’t get bored and give up on your exercise plan. You can enjoy the company of old friends or you can make new ones while you walk for health.

2. Make a Splash

Water aerobics are a great exercise because it offers you a great workout with good results without putting any strain on your joints that comes with other exercises. You can find a water aerobics class right for you no matter how experienced you are. Check out gyms and fitness health clubs in your area as these places often offer water aerobics classes for all ages and skill levels. You just might make some new friends at your local water aerobics class.

3. Lift Those Weights

Not everyone who lifts weights ends up with big bulging muscles. You can lose weight from weight lifting and what you lose will be more fat than with other exercises. Weight lifting is especially good as you age because it helps maintain bone density, mobility and balance. This will help you stay active as you age.

4. Do Yoga

Even if you have never done it before, yoga can be tailored to your skill level. Some yoga poses are extremely difficult and take a lot of strength and balance but others are easy enough for beginners to do. Yoga will help your increase your flexibility and balance as well as relax you and even help you fall asleep easier.

5. Play Sports

You may not be the most athletic person but you can find a “for fun” sports league that you will enjoy and that will be glad to have you. Check with your local senior citizen center or community group to see what is available. Sports are great for building strength and endurance and staying in shape. If organized sports are not for you, just go throw a ball around with your grandchildren. That is great exercise too.

If you find an activity you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to stay with it and keep improving your fitness and health.

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