Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. For many seniors though, working out is hindered by achy joints, a lack of flexibility and fear of injury – but it doesn’t have to be. Water aerobics is a low-impact workout that allows you to benefit from exercise without placing too much pressure on your joints. Learn more about water aerobics exercise for seniors, and how you can safely start your aquatic workouts below.
Benefits of Water Aerobics for Seniors
Improved Heart Health
Exercising improves your cardiovascular health and lowers your risk of heart disease, while the pressure of water can improve circulation. Water aerobics has also been shown to lower blood pressure.
Toned Muscles
Water adds resistance to your pool exercises. This allows you to get a more complete full-body workout, burn calories and strengthen muscles without high-impact activity or heavy weights.
Increased Bone Density
Resistance workouts increase bone density. Water aerobics provides enough pressure to bolster bone strength without causing damage.
Increased Endurance
Water aerobics helps you build up the stamina and energy you need to remain active and continue to enjoy your favorite activities as you grow older.
Decreased Likelihood of a Fall
Your risk of falling – and the damage that can be done by a fall – increases with age. Water protects you from the dangers of falling on hard surfaces or dropping heavy equipment.
Water Aerobic Safety
Consult a physician.
Talk to your doctor before beginning a new workout program to ensure you’re physically fit enough for exercise.
Don’t do water aerobics alone.
Always do your water aerobics workout in a pool with a lifeguard, with a friend or with a class in case something goes wrong and you need help getting out of the water.
Work your way up to harder workouts.
Avoid exhaustion while in the water by starting with easier, shorter water aerobics workouts and working your way up to more strenuous exercise.
Don’t push it.
Get out of the pool immediately if you become hot, dizzy, nauseated or injured, or develop a cramp. Any of these conditions increase your risk of drowning and should be taken seriously.
Drink plenty of water.
Make sure you hydrate before, during and after your water aerobics workout.
Only workout in a clean, well-maintained pool.
Cleanliness should be one of your top priorities when choosing a pool for water aerobics. If you notice color, cloudiness or a foul odor in the pool where you intend to workout, skip water aerobics that day and report the problem to the owner of the pool.
Find a Water Aerobics Class Near You
Water aerobics is one of the safest, most effective senior exercise programs, and at Baptist Health, we offer classes taught by expert instructors. Find a class that fits your schedule.