Exercising in water can improve your cardiovascular fitness and overall

strength, and greatly reduce your likelihood of injury from exercise.

People of all ages and conditions can participate in water exercise. Much

less stress is placed on the body’s joints in the water, making it safer and

easier for people with arthritis, back and neck conditions, and excess

weight than exercising on land. You are also less likely to experience

soreness after exercising in water.

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, but water aerobics has the

advantage of putting you through a group of exercises which move all

your joints and muscles.

Your massage therapist may be able to refer you to water aerobics and

other water exercise classes in the community.

WATER AEROBICS

• Uses a variety of rhythmic movements in the water, using the

whole body and combining arm and leg movements in varying

exercises

• Increases in intensity gradually, varying from beginning to

advanced

• Can be conducted in both waist-to-chest high and deep water

• Includes toning, strengthening, and aerobic exercises

• Usually includes kicks, leg swings, knee lifts, squats, and

marching or jogging

• Begins with learning correct body position and coordination of

specific movements

• Is cooler than working out on land

• Often involves working with a supportive group of people who

face challenges similar to yours

FOR ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS

If you suffer from arthritis, you may want to try exercising in warm

water. Warm water helps your muscles relax, which can relieve pain.

Regular exercise helps to improve the flexibility of your joints and your

overall strength and fitness. Combining the two in warm water exercise

can be a very effective method of managing the discomforts of arthritis.

If your local pool or club only offers cool water pools, warm water pools

are often available through physical therapy facilities. Ask your physician

for advice.