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Aqua Therapy

I belong to a health club.  I wouldn't have it any other way...there are so many ways to exercise!
Most weeks, I follow the same ritual.  Once in a while, when I am injured or I need some time off I still go to the gym and try new things.


Aqua Cycling Class


One of the things I enjoy now and again is water exercise.  I have seen people "water walk" in the lanes of the swimming pool. There is a warm water pool and a regular pool at our facility...each of which has advantages and disadvantages.  Occasionally I take a water aerobics class. And the icing on the cake(for me) is a trip to the whirlpool after class!  Ahhhhh..... I can just feel it now.

There are many advantages to working out in the water.  For one, you the water offers resistance against you when you are in it.  Water walkers often take advantage of this...it gives some of the advantages of weight or resistance training.  A second advantage is that the bouyancy of the water is easy on the joints. This is a great advantage to those who have fibromyalgia, arthritis, or are simply overweight. I have even seen a special chair at poolside that is used to lift and lower persons in or out of the pool.  Physical therapists sometimes use the pool as a place to help those with back pain or other injuries to rehabilitate. I have even seen aqua cycling offered in my area! And the list goes on and on.

Here is a link to an article about the art of "Ai Chi" that is offered at wellness spa here in the US.
It is a water-based form of Tai Chi.  It offers the benefits of exercising in the water and martial arts as well. It's great for those with chronic pain and/or stress.  It's only one example of exercise for people who don't think exercise is an option for them.

If you are interested in something of this sort, you need look no further than your nearest health club or YMCA.  Try it, you'll like it!

 Sources: carsonnow.org; wikimedia



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