Benefits of Aquatic Exercise

If you are looking to improve your health and fitness, but find land exercise too challenging, aquatic or water exercise can be a great place to start.  Just like exercises on land, aquatic exercise can be effective in improving cardio fitness, strength, mobility, and provide a boost in mood.

For individuals who are unable to move safely on land or find traditional land-based

exercises too painful or taxing, aquatic exercise is a wonderful option, offering several

advantages from traditional land-based exercises.

Mountain PT Therapy Pool in Kalispell, MT

Low impact: In the water, your body can be off-loaded by 90%. Moving in water offers

natural resistance. This allows for strength and endurance training without stressing bones,

joints, and muscles. 

Pain reduction: Therapy pool temperatures are between 86 and 94 degrees. The

warmer water promotes relaxation, leading to decreased pain levels. The buoyancy of water allows for a smoother, flowing movement which is less likely to aggravate joints and result in improved range of motion.

Safe Balance Challenge: In water, our bodies must constantly respond to pressure and

current. This may improve reaction time and sensory awareness in a safe environment for

those prone to falls. 

Gentler for heart and lungs: Due hydrostatic pressure, exercising in water increases

blood flow back to heart and lungs. This allows you to work harder with less stress on your

heart. This is a great environment to improve aerobic capacity and breathing function.

As with any form of exercise, consistency is key. The American Heart Association

recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for adults.

So, if you are looking for an enjoyable workout with many benefits, take a dive into aquatic exercise!

Written by: Annie Crites, PTA