There are numerous health benefits to seek from water aerobics. Heart health can be improved, breathing rate and pulse increase, and it is a great whole-body cardio workout.

When thinking about water aerobics, the first thing that will come to mind for many is seniors in a pool with pool noodles slowly doing the exercises.

This is because water aerobics is an excellent alternative for seniors to get the needed movement in without too much exhaustion.

Water aerobics for seniors

Seniors benefit from water aerobics in different ways. It reduces joint pain and arthritis as doing specific exercises in water will take away the feeling of weight and allow for easier movement. The more scientific explanation is that the hydrostatic pressure of water offers an easier sense of mobility.

Slow but effective movement helps increase flexibility and balance whilst strengthening bone and muscle strength. It also regulates the pulse and heart rhythm.

Being in water whilst doing aerobics will also reduce the chances of injury. Doing exercise in water has also been proven more effective in weight loss. Studies have shown walking in water compared to outside water will burn more calories. This will be due to the higher resistance water offers compared to air.

Other than the health benefits, water aerobics also offers seniors a chance to socialize, which has a positive health impact.

Water aerobics general health benefits

Generally, doing any water-based activity has benefits. All the same health benefits apply to people of any age group. It will help you stay in shape and relax body muscles while strengthening them.

It’s perfect for those with less mobility as the water will carry weight due to buoyancy.

However, with water aerobics, one will not see quick weight loss or muscle mass improvement. It is a more gradual journey.

People who are overweight will feel more comfortable in the water as it helps regulate temperature and alleviates weight.

Different water-based activities

Water Yoga:

You will not be able to do all of the regular yoga poses. However, water will greatly help you perform some yoga poses you cannot do otherwise.

Water Pilates:

Another form of water-based exercise that is quite fun for people seeking a type of exercise that stretches all muscles carefully.

Exercises you can do on your own

You can do different exercises whilst being in the pool to keep you fit.

Walking and jogging – tones the whole body.

Start easy by walking or jogging in water. Walk forward, sideways, and backwards. The faster you walk, the more effective the exercises become.

Forward and side lunges – legs

For this exercise, hold on to a pool wall or just do it freely if you are able to. Then proceed to take a lunge forward, and after you have done a few repetitions, take a lunge sideways. Once again, hold on to a wall for extra support.

Hip Kickers – legs

Once again, hold onto a wall for the extra support and then start swinging those legs to the side! This will tone your legs and especially the lateral muscles (the side thigh muscles).

Standing knee lift – abdominals 

Position yourself against a wall. Then raise your knee as high as possible and repeat with the other leg. To stretch out the hip muscles, you can bring your knee up, circle it to the side, and place it down again.

Arm raises and circles – arms.

To tone arms, you can either do arm raises or circles. For circles, stretch out your ars and then circle them. It may seem too easy; however, after a couple of minutes, you will start feeling your muscles tensing. To do arm raises, you raise each arm, straighten, and then place it down again.

Water bicycle – whole body

Lean with your bag onto the pool wall edge and stretch out your arms on either side, holding onto the wall. Then lift your body in the water, and start a cycle motion with your legs. This will need more strength in comparison to the other exercises, but it is also very effective in toning all muscles. The buoyancy of the water will, of course, make it easier to do this exercise.

Lifeguard Services

Lifeguard services provide an easy way to hire a fully qualified lifeguard for permanent, short and long term hire. We provide an easy way to make sure your allocated water is in safe hands. We can come to your school, outdoor event, party and more. To find out more and book please see our booking page.