Water babies, that’s us. We’re at home in liquid from pre-birth
and we seem to naturally gravitate to it. We love the ocean, the
lake the pool, the hot tub, and the bathtub.
What is it about water that means so much to us? It surrounds
us, it cradles us, and it supports us. We’re nearly weightless in
water. The largest of us can glide with ease and grace, feeling
minimal resistance. And, I think it’s those endearing properties
of water that make Aqua Exercise pleasant and effective.
FITNESS
Swimming is the most common form of Aqua Exercise. It’s good for all ages. It uses all your
major muscle groups, strengthens, tones, and helps build aerobic capacity*.
There’s almost no impact, so it’s kind to your joints while it gets you in shape.
I swim laps for 30-40 minutes 4 or 5 times per week. I find it relaxing and stimulating at the
same time. Some days it melts my stress and puts me in a meditative state. Other days I do
some of my best thinking during my swim workout. If you’re a beginner, start slowly with a few
minutes a day. Stay in your comfort zone and build up.
No worries. There are Aqua Cardio, Strength, Stretch, just about Aqua everything, classes at
local rec. centers everywhere. It’s done in about 4 feet of water so there’s no need to swim.
And, if you have access to a pool or calm water, now you can stream a workout on to your
tablet, prop it on a chair and exercise your brains out.
There’s some cool equipment to use in the water too; aqua dumbbells, paddle gloves, jogging
Here’s a video you can try with a few Aqua Strength exercises.
Even if you’re pretty active getting older can make it hard to do land based exercise on a regular
Luckily water is also a great medium for vintage bodies that simply can’t take the impact of other
types of exercise, at least not every day. And water is fun. You don’t know you’re exercising until
you get out and your body tells you “ooh that was a workout”
As our health conscious population lives longer and longer, I think Aqua, with its ability to
surround and support our aging bodies while we keep them operational, is the wave of the
future. Get those creaky bodies in the water. Try it, you’ll like it.
About the Author:
Mirabai Holland M.F.A. legendary fitness pioneer is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness industry,
and public health advocate who specializes in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for people. Her Moving Free®
approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn’t feel like work.
www.mirabaiholland.com