Summer is just days away, and we are ready to dive right in! With this summer heat, it is time to take advantage of the benefits of swimming. Not only is swimming refreshing, but it is also an excellent workout. It puts minimal stress on the back, is ideal for those that don’t do well with high impact sports, and is good for all age groups. Even if you don’t love swimming, there are plenty of exercises you can do in the pool that are just as effective as taking a swim, such as water aerobics. Here are some of the benefits of moving your workout routine to the water.
Water Relieves Stress
Imagine you are floating in a big pool of water at just the right temperature. There’s something relaxing about it, isn’t there? Water alter the tension that is put on your body by gravity, which can be beneficial for those with arthritis or joint issues. Water also helps the body relax, meaning water exercises are a great fit for those that suffer from back issue as movement in water has less of an impact on the spine than it is on the ground.
Low Impact Exercise
Less stress on the body is always a good thing, and that is where low impact exercises come into play. When on land, low impact exercises usually require you to have one foot on the ground. In water, all forms of exercise become low impact and are much easier on the joints Water provides natural resistance, so the muscles become stronger without the strain of weightlifting. For those looking to build strength without the added stress, give water aerobics classes a try.
Increased Physical Endurance
Studies show that one of the best workouts a person can do is swimming. There are several reasons as to why this is, and one of them is the improvement of physical endurance. Weight lifting may not be a part of water exercise, but when you exercise in the water, you experience a great deal of resistance from the water alone. It is that resistance that helps the muscles to grow. Many chiropractors (including those of us here at Healthy Life Chiropractic) encourage their patients to use water therapy to correct posture, build back muscles, and relieve back pain.
If you’d like to learn more about specific exercises for your spine, just ask during your next adjustment. Click here to contact us and learn some of the best ways to work out in the water!