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Today I’m happy to share with you a guest post written by Kaitlin Gardener from An Apple Per Day! In this post, Kaitlin talks about an important aspect of natural health – finding simple activities that give our bodies the exercise we need and that we actually enjoy doing.
Why you Should Try Aqua Aerobics
My friend Amy was complaining the other day about how complicated the machines were at the gym. She wanted to exercise, but longed for something simpler – something that was more natural. I had just the answer, and told her to meet me at our community pool, so I could introduce her to aqua aerobics.
The simple solution.
You don’t have to own a workout DVD, or know how to work complicated machines, to get started with water workouts. Anything that you do in the water which elevates your heart rate qualifies as aqua aerobics. Even if you’re not a swimmer, there is plenty to do in the pool. I met Amy at the pool when the lap lanes were open. We each took a lane, and began walking up and down. She immediately loved the gentleness of the experience, and quickly felt the lightness provided by buoyancy. When I told her she had just started aqua aerobics she couldn’t believe it. Here are some more resources with great information about water workouts:
The resistance factor.
As we walked back and forth down the lanes, I explained to Amy that water is a dense medium, so the resistance it provided made a person have to work harder than they would walking on land. She was already beginning to appreciate that. She said it was like she had to lean forward to push through the water. The motion of aqua walking mirrors the motion you’d take on land, and she was moving her arms in rhythm to her legs. She loved the session, and I suggested we stop before she get too tired.
What else is there?
We sat on the edge of the pool and she asked me what other options there were for water workouts. I laughed because I could see how excited she was about the new world of exercise opening up before her. I told her I consider the pool my “gym in the water,” and she’d be surprised at how many choices there were. I said one of my favorites was right in front of us. Instead of aqua walking, if you pick up the pace a little, now you’re aqua jogging. I told her how marathon runners use aqua jogging to cross train or to recover from an injury, because it provides such a solid workout.
A full range of choices.
I told Amy I selected my workout depending on what I needed each day. If I wanted something strenuous, I went to an aqua kick boxing class, or stopped in to try the sexy hip swinging moves of a Zumba dance class. If I wanted to relax and unwind, I could go to aqua yoga or tai chi. If I just wanted someone to lead me through a series of exercises that would work my arms, legs and abs, I went to a group class. Amy loved all the choices, and that they didn’t require a long learning period – just go to a class and follow the teacher.
The social factor.
I mentioned to Amy that at the gym everyone is in their own little world – usually wearing headsets and not talking to others much. She said that was one of the things she most didn’t like. I said when she went to a group workout in the water, it would be a completely different experience. The water is a very natural and pleasant place to be, and it makes people happy and friendly. She loved hearing that.
The next group class I went to, there was Amy, waving at me as she happily chatted with the woman next to her. I knew she’d found her exercise home.
About the Author:
Kaitlin Gardner started An Apple Per Day to explore her passion for a green living lifestyle, and healthy family living. She and her husband have just moved to rural Pennsylvania, where they enjoy exploring the countryside to discover interesting and out of the way places. She is also learning how to paint watercolors.
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The information in this post is not to be taken as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.