Water Aerobics Benefits

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By Emily Battle
eHow Contributing Writer

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Performing water aerobics is a great way to get an aerobic workout and build strength without putting too much stress on joints or risking injury from falling. This is why water aerobics is a great choice for people with arthritis or back pain, or for women who are pregnant.

The Basics

According to the website MyOptumHealth.com, you can expect to burn around 400 calories during a 1-hour water aerobics class.

Strength

Water aerobics offers a form of resistance training. You will be moving your arms and legs through water, which is harder than moving on land, and you might even be given special equipment such as a barbell to increase the resistance.

Flexibility

In the water, your joints might move more easily, allowing you to improve your flexibility. Working out in a warm pool will help joints to loosen up even more.

Low Impact

Water aerobics puts very low impact on the knees, hips or other joints but can be a very challenging cardiovascular workout.

Equipment

If you attend a class at a gym with a pool, the instructor should be able to provide any special equipment (such as flotation belts for deep water and aqua barbells for resistance) you will need. You might want to bring a pair of water shoes for added stability.