Try Working Out In The Water This Year

As some of you remember, I used to teach aquasize many years ago.
I taught classes at the Bristol YMCA and also at Virginia High School.
I am sure many of you were in my classes over the years.
We had a great time working hard in the water, but most of all, we had a great time socializing, which is a great benefit of group fitness classes. 
I was pregnant with my third daughter when I first started teaching water exercise, and boy did the water workout feel great. I remember feeling small and light in the water.
Then I got out, and the feeling than changed to big and pregnant.
The buoyancy of water reduces the weight of a person by about 90 percent, which means that the stress on weight bearing joints, bones and muscle is very much reduced.
No wonder I felt great in the water and could exercise at a higher intensity than on land.
The water also kept me cool, so my core temperature stayed normal.
That was a big plus for a pregnant woman.
But not only for pregnant women, water is a great place for people with arthritis, back problems or any joint limitations.
If you have no limitations, water is still a great place to get a challenging workout.
Take the plunge and try it for yourself. The resistance of the water is perfect for strength training workouts.
Use the water instead of weights as the water itself will provide the resistance.
There are many devices and props out there to use in the water to increase resistance. Handheld paddles and water chutes can make your workout more intense.
Aerobic workouts in the pool are perfect for those who prefer not to run, kick, leap or even dance on land.
Keep in mind that in the water, your heart rate will be reduced by as much as 17 beats per minute when compared to land exercise. The heart rate is slowed down a bit because of the coolness of the water. Also, you do not sweat or overheat as much because the water keeps you cool. That is why it is important to pay attention to how you feel instead of just going by your heart rate when exercising in the water.
Lastly, one of the greatest benefits of water exercise is its effect on flexibility.
The water provides a great environment to perform stretches that may be too difficult on land.
The effects of gravity are lessened in the water so that allows greater freedom of movement in your joints.
You can therefore move your joints through a wider range of motion and increase your flexibility.
This will translate into greater long-term flexibility and ease of movement on land.
Once you have decided to take the plunge, then the next step is finding a class that is safe and effective for you.
Check with your local health club or YMCA to see if they offer water exercise classes and check one out for yourself.
I do know that the Bristol YMCA has excellent water exercise classes with knowledgeable instructors that will take good care of you.
If you cannot find any classes near you, just jump in the water and start having fun in a pool near you. You can walk in the water, jog in the water or simply swim back and forth for a great overall workout. 
Enjoy summer and take the plunge!

LINDA STOLLINGS is a personal fitness trainer in Bristol, Tenn. E-mail her at or visit http://www.fitprescriptions.com.