How does water apply to fitness and health other than drinking?
I am expanding the limits of the use of the waters here. I’m talking about a pool, a lake or an ocean. Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular exercises you can do.
But, with a structured swim workout, you can achieve cardiovascular fitness comparable to a walking or running program.
What is a structured swim training?
You can jump into a pool and just spin around at a leisurely pace which alone will improve your basic cardiovascular foundation. I doubt that will get your heart rate up to the required beats per minute, even better than nothing.
Structured swim training would be warm up laps to faster paced interval laps, combined with leisure recovery laps for a designated number of laps.
So it would be a fast lap, with a recovery of 2 free laps for 15 laps to start. Eventually building up to 36 laps in a 25 yard pool. That’s a half mile swim. Your goal, if you have the time and desire, should be 72 laps – that’s a mile!
What are the drawbacks, if any, of swimming compared to running, jogging, or walking?
Running, walking, or jumping rope have been shown to strengthen bones due to impact. The impact is like a double-edged sword. Impact improves bone density and strength in “dem” bones, but is hard on the joints. The stronger your bones, the better for preventing and treating osteoporosis as you age.
What other benefits of a swimming training?
It is a full body workout. Your arms, shoulders, and upper body are strengthened. Your thighs, hips and legs become stronger and firmer. The biggest benefit will be your heart and lungs. Eventually you will get a longer, leaner and healthier body.
What other exercises can I do in the water?
My favorite exercise is hydrotherapy by running in the water. It’s simple, if you’re lucky enough to have access to a pool. Just go to a sporting goods store and buy a flotation belt, it will come with instructions on how to run in the water.
You can also purchase water machines specifically designed to work the arms and legs to improve stroke and leg strength.
Who does these water exercises?
All athletes and horses do hydrotherapy in rehabilitation and conditioning of injuries. They need to rebuild their cardiovascular conditioning without the impact of running on dirt.
Will I really lose weight with hydrotherapy workouts?
You will lose weight. Aquatic exercises will allow your body to recover faster and make exercise more enjoyable and not a chore!
What happens to all the chlorine in the pool?
Be sure to shower after your water exercise. I recommend a water filter for your shower. They are relatively inexpensive and easily connect to your existing shower head. Your skin and hair will immediately feel the difference and your complexion will glow with new health.
Why is aquatic hydrotherapy MY favorite exercise?
I had to have a double hip replacement 5 years ago. I wore out all the cartilage in my hip joint from martial arts and sports (not uncommon for an athlete!). Running was REALLY painful!
I knew that before the surgery I had to be in the best condition possible. I ran in the pool 40 minutes every day for over 2 months before surgery.
It wasn’t just jogging. He did intervals, side to side, all the same running exercises that he would do on land.
On the 9th day after surgery, the staples were removed and I was told I could start hydrotherapy. I went home and ran 25 minutes in the pool! Hydrotherapy training allowed me to recover from my hip replacements 60-80% faster than most patients
The best part of the hydrotherapy workout is that at the end of the day you are tired. BUT, NO PAIN, NO PAIN, NO PAIN, JUST PLEASANTLY TIRED!