HealthChat's Top Fitness
Water Aerobics
If you are looking for a good all-round form of aerobic
exercise why not try water aerobics. Running, jogging and
walking underwater in a pool not only strengthens the leg
and hip muscles - the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals
- but helps to develop cardiorespiratory fitness.
If you are a novice to this form of exercise the key is
to take it easy at the start. At first lightly exercise
in the shallow end - walking at this stage will be enough.
As your confidence improves gradually move to thigh-deep
then chest deep water, increasing your speed as you do so.
Whilst moving aim to use the water as resistance, landing
in a heel-ball-toe action and maintaining an upright stance.
Pump your arms as if walking or jogging on land.
Once you have developed a good technique, which is comfortable
for you, aim to walk or jog underwater for between 20 to
40 minutes per exercise session.
Water aerobics has an added benefit - it enables you to
burn up calories much more efficiently. Compare the following
estimates of calorie consumption for a 30 minutes workout.
Land walking 135 calories Deep water walking 264 calories
Jogging on land 240 calories Deep water jogging 340 calories
So, why not seek out classes in your local area?
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