Benefits of Exercising In Water

Many people who suffer from joint pain from conditions such as arthritis, or are recovering from an injury, benefit the most from water-based exercises.

Water exercises allows you to get a full-body workout without putting stress on the joints. Both low and high impact exercises are much easier to perform in the water which supports the body’s weight, minimizing any pain that normally results. This means exercising in the water limits your risk of aggravating chronic injuries and encourages a faster recovery in combination with physiotherapy treatments.

Don't be fooled by the lack of sweat produced during exercise in the water. Not only is it easier, but the added resistance actually allows you to get the most out of your exercise. A person who weighs 150lbs. can burn 272 calories in one hour.

Benefits:

• Water’s buoyancy reduces the impact on joints.
• Exercising in water improves cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, balance and range of motion.
• Heated pools can help soothe pain while keeping the body cool during exercise.
• Water has greater resistance than air so that more effort is required during exercise. This means you are burning more calories than both strength and cardio exercises that are performed on land.
• Water exercises are one of the best options for people with arthritis who normally experience swelling, immobility and pain.

​Adding water exercises in conjunction with regular physiotherapy treatments can increase the speed of recovery as well as decrease joint pain. Contact your local recreation centre for aquatic exercise classes that suit your needs.