The Benefits of Working Out in the Water

Summer is here and warmer weather brings new opportunities for workouts, including working out in the pool. Aquatic-based workouts have many benefits and do not necessarily mean you have to swim laps. Additionally, aquatic workouts are great for people of many ages and have incredible health benefits.

Read below for five reasons why you should consider incorporating aquatic workouts into your exercise routine this summer:

1. Aquatic workouts are easy on the joints.

Aquatic workouts are low impact and require minimal weight bearing, making it easier on the joints. This is ideal for those who are overweight, injured, pregnant or have pain with traditional workout options. The water provides buoyancy to help take off some of the impact. Because it is low impact, water workouts may provide opportunities to perform movements otherwise not tolerated on land due to pain or difficulty.

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2. Aquatic exercise is good for strength and endurance.

Even as the water helps by giving you buoyancy, it also provides resistance. This resistance is greater than that of traditional land exercise that only has air for resistance. The body also has to push through the water, which can help build endurance strength when performed for gradually increasing lengths of time. Remember the deeper the water, the harder the resistance (ex: walking in chest deep water is more challenging than walking in waist deep water).

3. Water workouts do not have to include swimming.

Although swimming is a great cardiovascular workout, this is only one of the options for working out in the pool. Walking in the water is a great option for those who experience joint pain when they try to walk on land. Similarly, exercises traditionally performed on land can be easier to accomplish in the water, such as squats. There are many workout classes available in water as well, including zumba, water aerobics, and water spin class on submerged bicycles. Check out your local pools for fun options in addition to swimming.

4. Water is a cooling exercise.

As the weather heats up, working out in the heat brings its own concerns. Aquatic workouts can help you feel cool while exercising. Just remember the sunscreen!

5. Water workouts are fun!

Pool workouts are not limited to any age group or skill level. Everyone in the family can enjoy a good workout in the pool.

Should unusual muscle soreness or pain occur during or after your time in the pool, make sure to schedule a free assessment at an Athletico clinic near you. Our team will check out your condition and provide recommendations for treatment options.

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The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.