Aqua aerobics, also known as ‘aqua fit,”’ water aerobics,” or ‘aquatic exercise,’ is a fitness activity performed in water that combines cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility movements.
Often accompanied by music, it makes you engage in rhythmic movements while submerged in water —ranging from waist to chest deep. Unlike the traditional pattern of aerobic workouts, aqua aerobics utilizes the advantage of the water’s buoyancy and resistance levels to create a low-impact and highly effective exercise.
Water helps tone muscle, improve cardiovascular endurance, enhance flexibility, and promote overall fitness. It’s also an engaging and fun way to get more exercise. ‘High energy, low impact, great fun’ is how regular Water Aerobics Oro Valley batch attendees at Saguaro Aquatics describe classes.
Top 10 health benefits of Aqua aerobics
- Helps to increase flexibility
During aqua aerobics classes, several movements help improve joint mobility and promote flexibility. This leads to increased range of motion and reduced chances of injury from high-impact exercises.
- Lowers stress and anxiety levels
The soothing properties of water, combined with the rhythmic movements of aqua aerobics, can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Great for building muscle
Water resistance helps build muscle strength and endurance without heavy weights or equipment. It helps you achieve toned muscles and increased stamina.
- Burns calories, helping you to lose weight
Regularly attending aqua aerobics classes can aid weight management by burning calories and boosting metabolism. It efficiently helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- It’s low impact, easing joint pain
Aqua aerobics is a gentle yet effective workout that is easy on the joints. It is suitable for people with arthritis or joint pain or those who want an easy way to recover from injuries. To get started with the classes, find the right swimming school for Water Aerobics Oro Valley today!
- Helps to recover and rehabilitate injuries
Aqua aerobics is highly recommended as a form of rehabilitation for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. It is because the movements are in the form of gentle exercise with minimal impact on injured areas.
- Improves your balance and coordination
Water exercises challenge balance and coordination, improving stability and reducing the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
- Lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health
Aqua aerobics is an excellent way to improve heart health by increasing circulation, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing cardiovascular endurance.
- Builds stamina and endurance
Unlike other high-impact exercises like running or weight training, aqua aerobics uses the natural resistance of water. This means you’re not straining against something but moving through the resistance—if you’re consistent in classes, you’ll surely notice that your endurance level improves over time.
- Improves mental health and builds confidence
Finally, aqua aerobics classes offer a supportive and social environment where participants can laugh, make friends, and stay motivated to maintain a regular exercise routine. This makes them a great solution for mental health and general well-being.
Aqua aerobics is an easy, accessible, and fun way to stay in shape, especially as you age. Find out more about the many benefits of swimming lessons for adults.
Who can engage in aqua-aerobic classes?
One of the top things about aqua aerobics is that it’s easily accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Aqua aerobics is popular and renowned for its fun and refreshing way to achieve fitness goals. It can be done while reducing stress on joints and muscles.
Aqua aerobics is very different from swimming lessons. It doesn’t require learning different strokes and breathing techniques. Instead, it’s usually in the shallow end of a pool, meaning aqua aerobics is still an effective option if you’re not a strong swimmer.
An aqua aerobics class combines cardiovascular and strength-building exercises. Throughout the class, floats and weights, such as water dumbbells, kickboards, and hydro discs, will be used in the water to help build muscle tone and endurance.
Essentials to bring with you to an aqua aerobics class
All you need for an aqua aerobics class is:
- Swimwear
- A towel
- Goggles and swim cap (if you prefer)
You will be surprised to know the calorie count you will burn in an aqua aerobics class. Despite being in the water, hydration is vital during the exercise.
If you prefer to wear goggles for water activities, bring these as well. Your instructor will provide any other equipment needed for the class.
Find an aqua aerobics class near you
If you are trying to find your local aqua aerobics class, rely on Saguaro Aquatics. We provide attractive memberships for joining Water Aerobics Oro Valley to support the needs of all our members and the best swimming courses for your fitness goals. Call us to find out more about aqua aerobics and other programs!