We all know that exercise such as running, jogging and biking has been found to reduce cholesterol and high BP and prevent heart disease. But this article emphasizes on the benefits of water aerobics. Aquatic exercise is becoming increasingly popular as water has been found to be ideal for muscle toning, is soothing and increasing stamina, strength, flexibility and endurance. It is well known that over body weight is much less in water. Hence, when one stands in water at chest level his body is near weightless. The natural buoyancy of the water supports the body and relieves the stress on joints, tendons and ligaments. Water’s gentle support enables easy and effortless movements. Many people with arthritis, old age problems and post-operative recuperation, walk several times up and down the pool †usually such pools are 4 feet deep only at any point or all points or through its length and breadth. Such shallow pools are zones of wonderful therapeutic cure. In winter the swimming pool is heated and in summer it is kept coop. Many patients come to recover from injuries and after surgery also. In water aerobics one needs to be in a swimming costume, and where required, to do the exercises for the head, eyes and mouth, shoulder, inner and outer arm, thighs, legs, ankle, feet and fingers of the hand and toes, etc. In short, the exercises cover every part of the body from head to toe. Breathing exercises are also included. While land exercises aggravate orthopedic problems water exercise can be done without undue stress and muscle weakness. The water’s qualities are unique. Its elasticity adjusts to variations in force or speed of movement at different joint angles, thus providing a constantly changing resistance. The fascinating and inviting qualities of water make the exercise smoother and more relaxing than land exercise. In water aquatics the combination of routine is limitless and there is something for everyone, even a non-swimmer. Just standing neck deep in water stimulates circulation; there is soothing effect on muscles; the heart in fact recovers more quickly from exertion because it is not working against the force of gravity. The water exercise includes 15 minutes of warming up and ends with 15 minutes of cooling down with a half hour of jogging and exercise in between. Before undertaking any form of exercise one has to consult a doctor, and exercise intensity can be increased only gradually. In India too, water exercise needs to be popularized to promote muscle toning and other benefits.
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