How Water Aerobics Can Help Burn Calories

Article by Mike Nolan

More people are turning to water aerobics as a way to safely and effectively lose weight. This isn’t surprising: Not only do water aerobics provide an intense workout, they, like all exercises performed in water, place less pressure on people’s joints.

In water aerobics, students perform traditional aerobic exercises, everything from jumping jacks to running to various stretches, while in shallow water. When performing aerobic exercises in water, participants also benefit from the increased resistance that water provides. Basically, water aerobics allows participants to burn more calories in a lesser amount of time. The reason is simple: When you run in water, you’re working harder than when you run on land. Water aerobics can assist a vast array of people; however, this form of exercise is an especially good fit for anyone recovering from an injury or who finds that traditional exercises place too much strain on their bones and joints.

Because of the support provided by the water, aerobic exercises place far less stress or pressure on bones and joints than they do when participants perform them on land. People have a greater chance of hurting their ankles or knees when they perform five sets of 30 jumping jacks on land. When they do the same exercises in a pool of water, the pressure they’re placing on their ankles and knees is greatly reduced. Water aerobics is a great way for people to experience the benefits of these exercises without also suffering from the potential dangers of them. Today, most gyms or health clubs offer regularly scheduled water aerobic classes in an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle for women and men of all ages.

Participants rarely need more than the proper swimsuit, some goggles and, if desired, water shoes in order to engage in this activity. Class organizers will usually provide flotation devices, weights and any other equipment that can help participants to gain the most from their workouts and to burn unwanted calories.

Choosing the right swimsuit is a relatively easy decision. Participants should make sure that their swimsuits are comfortable and loose-fitting enough to allow for a wide range of motion. Investing in chlorine resistant swim wear is a logical choice for dedicated aerobic students. Many pools in health clubs, fitness centers and recreation areas contain extremely high levels of chlorine, so purchasing chorine resistant swim wear will allow participants to exercise in their favorite swimsuits for longer periods of time. Some students might choose plus size swimwear. It’s important for swim wear to not be overly tight so that participants are not restricted during their workouts. Further, plus size swim wear will allow participants to freely move their arms and legs as they exercise.

People aiming to lose weight and place as little stress on their bodies while doing so should try out a water aerobics class. By running, jumping and stretching against the resistance of water, people will burn more calories in less time. With all these benefits, it’s little wonder that water aerobics is becoming the weight-loss and strength-building method of choice for so many individuals.