As we age, certain physical activities can be hard on our joints and previous injuries, and can also be a hazard for falls and other risks. That’s where water exercise comes in. Water exercise is a great physical activity for seniors, providing light aerobic movement that can be good for balance, mobility, coordination, and your cardiovascular system. Learn more about the benefits of water exercise for seniors in the blog below.
What is water exercise?
Water-based exercise is low impact movement that helps strengthen muscles and burn calories with the natural resistance of water. Most commonly in the form of water aerobics, water exercise usually takes place in waist-deep or a little more than waist-deep water. A traditional water aerobics class typically consists of a warm-up, cardio and strength-training exercises and a cooldown.
Benefits of Water Exercise for Seniors
Water exercise is beneficial at any age, but there are an abundance of benefits to water-based exercises for older adults, including:
Increases Flexibility Working out in water requires your body to adjust to the push and pull of the water while moving in various directions. This can help increase the range of motion in your joints.
Improves Heart and Lung Function
The pressure from water helps circulate the blood in your body more efficiently. As your heart continues beating and pumping without strain over time, you’re effectively reducing your risk of heart disease.
Helps Relieve Joint Pain
Water helps support your body, putting less stress on your joints and muscles. The natural buoyancy of water helps reduce some of the impact our body and joints would experience during traditional types of exercise.
Helps Improve Balance
With water exercise, you don’t need to worry about falling like you normally would when working out in a gym or outside. Building muscle and strengthening your joints with water exercises can help improve your overall balance when standing and walking.
SelectQuote Can Help You Access All of the Benefits Available to You
If you’re interested in trying water exercise or learning more about your options to get active, you may be able to get started with the help of your Medicare plan. Certain Medicare plans offer the Medicare SilverSneakers program, which gives you access to gyms and fitness classes. At SelectQuote, we can help you find the right Medicare coverage for you and help you get the most out of your plan and benefits.
