Our strategies are based on research demonstrating that programs like water aerobics can be effective weight loss strategies. This is largely true for women and children over the age of 45. Aquatic workouts are low-impact, making them easy on the joints. They increase blood flow, wicking swelling away and moving lymph like no other device. Water aerobics improves cardiovascular function. Fitness fanatics and gym newbies alike who stick with these workouts for ten weeks or more are sure to unlock a cascade of positive health benefits.
In a recent study, women who took part in water aerobics on average lost 6.6 pounds. On average, they reduced their waist circumference by almost one inch. The impacts were particularly positive for women above the age of 45. Men and people under 45 were spared those changes. This difference raises interesting questions about how water aerobics affects different demographics. Unfortunately, it’s remarkable for another reason – the urgent need for more research in this field.
The Health Benefits of Water Aerobics
The health benefits of water aerobics go much deeper than helping you lose weight. Most importantly, it supports circulation, alleviates swelling and encourages proper lymph dynamics. Plus, the cardiovascular system is made more efficient by regular performance of these types of workouts.
According to Lori Sherlock, EdD, one of the numerous benefits of water-based exercises are their unique effects on mood. She added that water aerobics improves circulation, decreases swelling, increases lymph flow, and increases the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. The buoyancy of water creates an environment where movement becomes more accessible to a variety of people.
“The properties of the water can make exercise feel more approachable.” – Lori Sherlock, EdD
Plus, the low-impact nature of water aerobics is especially helpful for anyone experiencing joint pain or limited mobility. The buoyancy decreases weight bearing in workouts, increasing participants’ ability to move with more freedom, freedom from fear of injury.
“The buoyancy of the water reduces weight bearing which, for some, may decrease joint pain, and for others, it may allow movement with greater freedom, accuracy, and less fear of falling or of pain.” – Lori Sherlock, EdD
A Targeted Approach to Weight Loss
Also, look at the example of research showing that water aerobics might be best for women 45+. Across the board, this demographic within the study had the most prominent weight loss and body composition results. Those reductions had a negligible impact on men and younger people.
“This by itself might be the magic bullet for getting Americans moving enough to achieve weight loss,” said Sherlock. These results indicate that age and gender influence the expected outcome of participants on the ground to aquatic exercise.
Despite the promising outcomes, experts caution against assuming that water aerobics exclusively leads to superior results compared to land-based exercises. Michael Brian, PhD, emphasized that differences in exercise modalities can make it difficult to compare between studies. He noted that the vast variety of water aerobics exercises and varying intensities further muddy the waters. This variation complicates the process of determining which type of water aerobics will best benefit individuals.
“It is unlikely, based on the systematic review, that water aerobics provides a superior outcome to land-based exercise.” – Michael Brian, PhD
The Future of Water-Based Exercise Research
Recent research is now shining a light on the power of water aerobics for these populations. Researchers unanimously say we need to do more research to understand exactly how to unlock its potential. There are a lot of factors involved here – like how intense the exercise is, how long it lasts, and the particular differences between participants.
National health experts agree that water aerobics is terrific low-impact exercise that’s accessible for people of all ages and abilities. As more people look for low-impact options to take the place of high-impact workout regimens, aquatic workouts will continue to gain ground.
Visit stressed that there will never be one format that works best for all audiences. She stressed the need for individual plans when it comes to physical activity.
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