Exercise is very important for people of all ages. However, for seniors, it is not just important – it’s very important. This is mainly because seniors, due to age-related concerns, have a greater predisposition to live a sedentary lifestyle. Many seniors, for example, because of conditions such as arthritis or rheumatism, would prefer to just sit and do activities that do not require mobility. This is understandable since the pain that comes with arthritis and rheumatism are often described as sharp and agonizing, something that not many would be willing to feel or undergo, hence the preference to do away with any walking or moving around.
The decision, however, to limit activity does more harm than good, as they make the condition worse. According to medical experts, in cases concerning arthritis,moving the joints actually help ease or relieve joint pain. When people exercises, the muscles around the joints are strengthened, this in turn helps take the stress off the joints. Exercise also helps reduce joint stiffness, builds flexibility as well as endurance.
Benefits of Water-Based Exercises
Overall, exercise plays a major role in improving cardiovascular health, in increasing strength, and in slowing down loss of muscle mass that’s attributed to aging.
But there’s one exercise that tops almost every other form of exercise in terms of benefit, and this is water or aqua exercise. According to health and fitness experts, water-based activities/exercises or aqua aerobics provide significant benefits for older adults. These benefits include increasing metabolism. Aside from the physical benefits, there are also psychological and social benefits. For example, when people exercise regularly, it follows that they feel better about themselves. With increased feeling or sense of well-being, they become more sociable, happier, and more engaging. They are able to relate to other people and become active contributors in their families, groups, and societies.
Different Types of Water-Based Exercises
There are at least 5 different types of water-based exercises or aqua-aerobic exercises.
1. Water aerobics feature vertical exercises, much similar to regular exercises such as walking, running, dancing, jumping jacks, and kickboxing. Vertical exercises are better since the movements are done below the water’s surface where drag is greater.
2. Deep-water exercise is ideal for those undergoing rehabilitation because deep water provides a no-impact workout. It’s also considered an ideal high-intensity athletic workout. With the use of flotation devices such as belts, it’s easier to jog in the water, run, and do sit-ups.
3. Swimming laps are considered boring by many. However, swimming laps can be enhanced with the application of other routines that makes it more effective. For example, learning different strokes and practicing dives and turns can greatly enhance the exercise, allowing the burning of more calories.
4. Holistic workouts also do wonders when done in the water; holistic exercises such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates. Health and fitness experts say that when these exercises are done in waist-high water, they provide the following benefits: relaxation, relieves stiffness in the waist and rib areas, stretches the entire body, and strengthens arms and legs. Water’s support and the fluid movements of these exercises make them ideal during pregnancy and rehabilitation.
5. They’re called prescriptive workouts; exercise activities specially designed for people with arthritis. Prescriptive workouts relieve joint pain and stiffness as well as improve range of motion and flexibility. There are also prescriptive workouts that target other health conditions such as obesity, asthma, back problems, even pregnancy.
One thing to remember when contemplating on starting water exercises or any other form of exercise – see your doctor first. He will be the best person to tell you what type of exercise you need.
