Try an H20 Workout!

Why Workout in an Aquatic Environment?

The aquatic environment provides a different exercise medium from land-based exercise because water has greater density than air. Land-based exercise depends on gravity to provide the overload for muscular development, while the aquatic medium depends primarily on the resistance that water provides.

Water is 800 – 1000 times as dense as air, capable of providing a whole body resistance while the buoyant force of the water results in up to a 90% reduction in body weight in the water. Exercising in water provides a high level of energy expenditure with a minimum amount of strain on the joints.

Another important hydrodynamic principle is drag force – the increased resistance created by the density of the water. The higher density of water provides a greater overload for the active muscle groups, which is key to enhancing toning and developing muscular strength and endurance.

The unique properties of water also enable the heart to work more efficiently. The aquatic medium offers equal pressure on all body surfaces and assists in circulating blood flow to the heart. This accounts for lower blood pressure and heart rates during water exercise.

You'll find you actually work harder in the aquatic enviornment, which makes it essential to keep yourself hydrated. You run a greater risk of dehydration exercising in the water because you don't "feel" the sweat. You'll pay for it later in muscle cramping if you don't hydrate throughout your workout.

So, put some H20 in your workout. You'll find it's a great way to "change-up" your routine and develop more power in the process!

Reference:
Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) 2007, AKWA vol 1-21, Nokomis, FL: AEA
Essential Aqua Pilates, by Anna Shay McEntee, copyright 2008 Shay-McEntee Wellness Works, Inc.