Physical activities like walking, running, dancing and swimming can be considered aerobics. Aerobics are exercises which increase the heart rate and at the same time pump more oxygen into the blood vessels. There are different kinds of aerobic exercises which can be defined based on the equipment used in the workout program. Water aerobic workout is an example of an aerobic workout.
Water aerobics or aqua aerobics can also be referred to as waterobics. This kind of workout is usually performed in a swimming pool with waist-deep water. It could be in an indoor or outdoor pool, with water temperature of 82º F to 86º F. Come to think of it, the most common form of waterobics is swimming. Water aerobics would focus on building body strength, flexibility, balance and providing a cardiovascular workout. Its one session usually lasts for about 40 to 50 minutes.
Just like any other aerobic workout, there is a five-minute warm-up and would end with five-minute cool-down. There could be floatation devices provided to the participants if the water is deep. Kickboards and water barbells are also provided to help participants afloat or can be used for exercises. Water weights and floating belts are also used to increase water resistance. Music are used during workout sessions.
When kicking off with waterobics, the most basic thing that you need is your swimsuit. There are some participants who would also use a swimming cap to keep the hair our of the face and special aqua shoes. These special shoes can support you ankles and also prevent your feet from slipping. They would also serve as protection against cuts and scrapes.
There are numerous benefits from including water aerobics in your lifestyle.
• Since water provides buoyancy and support to the body, there are less risks of bone and joint injury, which makes it ideal for seniors who are suffering from arthritis or back pains. Working out in water makes an individual less achy and sore after the workout. Body joints did not have any problem with maximizing its movement.
• Some would say that they experienced faster shaping and toning of muscles when doing water exercises, compared with conducting them on land. Water aerobics could help the muscles develop 12 to 14 times faster than it does when doing in land. Since water has higher density than air, it has higher resistance which is among the reasons for better muscular development and endurance
• The heart works better when doing water aerobics. Compared to activities like running or swimming, the heart rate is maintained at a lower rate.
• This is great for burning calories and losing weight. Walking for instance, when done on land can burn about 135 calories in half an hour. If performed in water, you could burn by as much as 264 calories for the 30-minute session.
• Aqua aerobics are great for those who have arthritis, osteoporosis and pregnant because the workouts are actually gentle enough for joint movements but quick enough to build muscle mass. Still, if a person has the following medical conditions, expert’s advise is still important.
Even with all the benefits, water aerobics is still not perfect. Since it would require the use of facilities and equipment, water aerobics exercise tend to be more expensive. Some health insurance providers could provide coverage for the aqua aerobics as long as it is recommended by the attending physician.
Many studies say that aerobic exercises are not recommended because these cannot fully pave the way for permanent weight loss and weight control. However, there are studies that also show that aerobics can bring some short-term benefits like being a powerful motivator, not only in losing weight but also in living healthy for good.
While some physicians say that it is okay to diet for a fast weight loss if the person’s health wouldn’t be compromised or affected, with aerobic exercises, there is no need to worry since the person will more or less dictate the phase of the process.
Weight loss through diet can be effective if it’s only used for initial weight loss because this can lead to having balanced diet. But, weight loss through aerobic exercises can ensure that you don’t only follow a reasonable eating plan but you also have a regular activity so that you would not regain the weight that you lost.
Although some weight loss strategies are effective, it still doesn’t change the fact that engaging into it without preparation is hazardous to health. Unlike when you engage in aerobic exercise where you don’t only have the chance to lose weight but you can also improve the conditions of your heart and lungs through the proper utilization of oxygen in the body.
Boosting the potentials of aerobics in controlling weight
But even with aerobic exercise, there are still factors that will keep you from controlling your weight. Two of the reasons why people become obese are emotional eating and their inability to keep doing an activity such as aerobic exercise on a regular basis. Some of the key factors that trigger emotional eating and the lost of interest in controlling weight include anger, depression, and anxiety that lead to eating more food and being lax when it comes to physical activities.
Experts say that if a person can manage emotional eating by learning to deal with their emotions in a different way, the possibility of achieving weight loss in no time will be greater. Here are some tips in combating emotional eating and the sudden loss of interest in controlling weight:
1. It pays to determine your own mood especially before eating. Doing this will give you a mindset that eating is just an escape so that you can forget whatever is bothering you.
2. Analyze and monitor your emotions daily. Checking your emotional levels daily can help you trace the reasons why you indulge in emotional eating and why you lose the drive to go on with your aerobic exercise. This can also help you fight the urge to overeat when you get emotionally upset.
3. Try to develop new hobbies that will take your mind off from eating food or by being lazy. By keeping yourself busy with other things, you can avoid eating large amount of food on a regular basis.
4. Make simple aerobic exercises such as walking or jogging regularly. Physical exertions can help your body burn unnecessary and unwanted calories. Thus, this can help you control your weight in no time.
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