Aqua fitness

What is Aqua Fitness?

Aqua Fitness is a workout for the whole body that is performed in water. Two basic forms can be distinguished. When the water is chest high and the user can stand with both feet on the bottom of the pool, movements are performed that resemble aerobic or Pilates exercises.

Aqua Fitness can also take place in deep water. For this purpose, additional equipment such as swimming noodles, aqua-bikes and dumbbells are used. As a whole body training supports the following body parts in particular:

• trunk
• arms
• legs
• buttocks
• back.

What makes Aqua Fitness special?

Like many other fitness trends it came to Germany from the USA in the early nineties.

It does not simply shift the exercises from land to water, but makes extensive use of the properties of water. The exercises are performed in, with and against the water. If designed and executed correctly, this kind of fitness training is ideal for the prevention of diseases, for rehabilitation and as fitness training. It optimises the cardiovascular system and is good for the metabolism.

Why is training in water effective?

Aqua Fitness uses the physical properties of water. For example, the water pressure has a positive influence on the vessels and the heart. It increases the performance of the respiratory organs and can reduce the heartbeat by five to ten beats per minute.

The buoyancy of the water is also easy on the joints, because in water the human body carries virtually only 10% of its own weight. At the same time, muscle strength and endurance can be trained, because the resistance of the water means that up to twelve times more strength is required for the exercises than on land.

Fitness training in the water offers a good introduction to physical activity, especially for overweight people.  Since the water carries the weight, exercises can be done that would be too strenuous on land.

Exercising in the pool can also be more effective than other endurance training because the thermal conductivity of the water boosts calorie consumption to prevent a drop in body temperature.

When should Aqua Fitness be avoided?

There are only a few indications that speak against training in water. These include a recent heart attack or an acute slipped disc. Aqua Fitness is also not suitable for certain neurological diseases. In this case, consultation with the doctor treating the patient is necessary. The trainer should also be informed so that the exercises can be adjusted accordingly.

How effective is Aqua Fitness?

The training is considered a very effective sport. An athlete burns more calories than when jogging, for example - without breaking a sweat. The reasons for this are:

• Temperature balance, as the body tries not to cool down when the water temperature is below body temperature
• The water resistance, because four to twelve times as much force is needed to move in water
• What are the benefits of aquafitness?
• Sport in water has many positive effects on the body. 

Aqua Fitness:

• Strengthens the immune system
• Protects the joints
• Improves mobility
• Stimulates the metabolism
• Strengthens the cardiovascular system
• Tightens the tissue
• Activates the blood circulation
• Relaxes the muscles

Participants in aqua fitness courses achieve ideal results if they exercise for about 30 - 45 minutes two to three times a week.