poolbiking

Effects of Water on Exercising

Low Impact - The buoyancy of water supports the weight of the individual. This results in facilitation of movement and a decrease in the compressive forces acting across the weight bearing joints and spine.

High Resistance - The movement of a limb in water generates resistance that can be as high as 10-12 times that experienced while doing the same activity on land, and as a result, the speed of movement is greatly reduced. This results in a safe controlled motion that improves muscle strength and endurance.

User Friendly - The resistance to movement in water is determined by the surface area and the speed of movement; the faster the movement, the more resistance is generated. By varying the speed of movement, the individual can exercise as hard as desired.

Benefits of Water Exercise

Physical:

Increases strength

Builds up cardiovascular endurance

Increases muscular flexibility

Provides muscular balance

Strengthens heart muscles

Improves your physique

Increases circulation

Rehabilitation of muscles

Enhances stability

Reduces joint load

Increases cooling

Enhances venous return

Sensory pain reduction

Improves balance and posture

Assists with weight loss

Decreases blood pressure

Increases stroke volume

Lowers joint impact loads

No joint stress because of weightlessness, therefore pain suppression

Elimination of spinal fatigue

Improves intellectual function

Insulin sensitivity (reported by Dr. Bassett)

Helps individuals with balance deficiencies

Posture correction

?Wider range of motion for better joint conditioning