| Did you know that a 150-pound woman weighs a | | | | gentlest, please consult your doctor before starting |
| mere 17-pounds in the water? | | | | any exercise routine. |
| This is because of the water's buoyant effect on the | | | | 2. Make sure the body part you want to exercise is |
| human body. This lack of gravity in water is why so | | | | fully submerged. |
| many people with joint and muscle pain, and those | | | | 3. Any exercises should be slow and gentle under the |
| who are extremely obese, turn to aqua fitness to | | | | water. |
| get their health back. Water fitness is extremely | | | | 4. Complete each exercise to its full range of motion. |
| gentle because it cushions the body, putting zero | | | | 5. Stop immediately if you experience any pain. |
| stress on weight-bearing joints and muscles. As a | | | | 6. Start with 5 repetitions and gradually move up to 8 |
| result, aquatic workouts are extremely low-impact | | | | and then 10 - once you feel comfortable. |
| and can greatly reduce the chances of further injury | | | | If you are a water workout novice, and are looking |
| and strain - that the same exercises out of water | | | | to add a new challenge to your aqua workout |
| can actually induce. | | | | routines, try incorporating some free-standing cardio |
| Those new to aqua fitness will find that exercising in | | | | equipment - such as: |
| water is gentle and allows for a wider range of | | | | Aqua floats - These easily strap onto various parts |
| movement, which means you are able to move in all | | | | of the body - the upper arms, ankles, waist and wrist |
| directions. This is beneficial to many who are obese | | | | - and keep the body buoyant in the water. The most |
| or injured - who wouldn't be able to lift their legs and | | | | popular float used in water aerobics classes is the |
| arms this way out of the water. The water lends its | | | | flotation belt. These are used for exercising in deep |
| gentle resistance to help build muscle strength and | | | | water because they keep your body afloat and in |
| tone safely. Just try to lift your leg up when it's | | | | proper alignment during your workout. |
| under water and you will feel the drag and resistance | | | | Kick boards - These also support your weight so you |
| - see you are feeling the effects of gravity | | | | can perform lower body exercises in the water. |
| underwater. | | | | Swim fins - Although these are typically used for |
| 6 Tips for Water-Friendly Workouts: | | | | scuba diving and snorkeling, shorter swim fins are |
| | | | used for adding resistance (or webbed feet) to your |
| 1. Although aqua workouts are considered one of the | | | | water workout. |