What are the benefits of aqua aerobics?
Find out why we love aqua aerobics
Aqua Aerobics, sometimes also known as water aerobics, is a type of exercise class that has gained popularity due to its amazing range of benefits to a person's physical and mental health.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what aqua aerobics is and what some of its key benefits, along with where to find aqua aerobics classes near you.
Jump to:
⦁ What is aqua aerobics?
⦁ The history of aqua aerobics
⦁ 10 top health benefits
⦁ Who can do aqua aerobics?
⦁ What to expect in classes
⦁ What to bring with you to an aqua aerobics class?
⦁ Where is the nearest aqua aerobics class near me?
What is Aqua Aerobics?
Aqua aerobics, also known as ‘water aerobics’, ‘aqua fit’ or ‘aquatic exercise’, is a fitness activity performed in water that combines elements of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility movements.
Often accompanied with music, making you engage in rhythmic movements and exercises while submerged in water ranging from waist to chest deep.
Unlike traditional aerobic workouts, aqua aerobics takes advantage of the water's buoyancy and levels of resistance to create a low impact yet highly effective workout.
The water helps to tone muscle, improve cardiovascular endurance, enhance flexibility, and promote overall fitness - but it’s also a unique and fun way to get more exercise.
‘High energy, low impact, great fun’ is how our 410,000 yearly attendees of our Aqua Fit sessions would describe classes.
The history of aqua aerobics
Many say that aqua aerobics originated from water therapy from Asia and Greece in early 2400 BC when it was used for religious forms of healing.
In 1500 BC, water was used to help with fevers, and by 800 BC, it was also used for its therapeutic properties in Bath, in Somerset. Both the Greeks and Romans held the belief in water's healing abilities as it helped address issues such as arthritic joints and various other conditions.
Today, aqua, or water aerobics has become a mainstream fitness activity offered in gyms, community centres, and aquatic facilities worldwide, appealing to those seeking a low-impact yet effective workout that simultaneously challenges the body and refreshes the spirit.
Top 10 top health benefits of aqua aerobics
1. Helps to increase flexibility and movement
A wide range of movements is involved during aqua aerobics classes helping to improve joint mobility and promote flexibility, leading to increased range of motion and reduced risk of injury from high impact exercises.
2. Lowers stress and anxiety levels
The soothing properties of water combined with the rhythmic movements of aqua aerobics can help reduce stress, promoting a sense of relaxation.
3. Great for building muscle and toning
The resistance of the water helps to build muscle strength and endurance without the need for heavy weights or equipment, resulting in toned muscles and increased stamina.
4. Burns calories, helping you to lose weight
Regular participation in aqua aerobics can aid in weight management by burning calories and boosting metabolism, helping you achieve and maintain the weight that makes you happy.
5. It’s low impact, easing joint pain
Aqua aerobics provides a gentle yet effective workout that is easy on the joints, making it suitable for individuals with arthritis, joint pain, or those recovering from injuries.
6. Helps to recover and rehabilitate injuries
Aqua aerobics is often recommended as a form of rehabilitation if you’re recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions, as it allows for gentle exercise with minimal impact on injured areas.
7. Improves your balance and coordination
Performing exercises in water challenges your balance and coordination, leading to improved stability and reduced risk of falls, especially in older adults.
8. Lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health
Aqua aerobics helps to improve heart health by increasing circulation, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing overall cardiovascular endurance.
9. Builds stamina and endurance
Unlike other exercises which may be high-impact (like running), or even weight-training, aqua aerobics uses the natural resistance of water so you’re not straining against something, but you’re moving through the resistance - if you’re consistently attending classes, you’ll notice that your endurance improves over time.
10. Improves mental health and builds confidence
Finally, aqua aerobics classes can provide a supportive and social environment where you can laugh, make friends, and stay motivated to maintain a regular exercise routine - making it great for mental health and general wellbeing.
Aqua aerobics really is an easy, accessible and fun way to keep in shape - but especially as you get older - find out more about the many benefits of swimming lessons for older adults.
Who can do aqua aerobic classes?
One of the best things about aqua aerobics is that it’s accessible to ALL ages and fitness levels.
Aqua aerobics is hugely popular, being renowned for its fun and refreshing way to achieve your fitness goals, all the while minimising stress on joints and muscles.
Aqua aerobics is different to swimming lessons, it doesn’t require learning different strokes and breathing techniques, instead it’s usually in the shallow end of a pool so if you’re not a strong swimmer aqua aerobics is a good option for you.
What to expect in an aqua aerobics class?
An aqua aerobics class has a blend of cardiovascular and strength-building exercises. There will be a mixture of floats and weights that will be used throughout the class within the water that will help with building muscle tone and endurance, such as water dumbbells, kickboards and hydro discs.
We call aqua aerobics “aqua fit”, with each class having around 10 - 15 participants and is run by one of our qualified aqua aerobics instructors. The class instructor will guide you through each movement, providing alternatives for different abilities and be available to answer any questions you have throughout the class and afterwards too.
What to bring with you to an aqua aerobics class?
All you need for an aqua aerobics class is:
- Swimwear
- A towel
- Water
- Goggles and swim cap (if you prefer)
You will be surprised how many calories you will burn in an aqua aerobics class, and despite you being in water, hydration will still be hugely important during the exercise, so bringing plenty of water is important.
If you prefer to wear goggles and swim hats for water activities then you can bring these as well, any other equipment required for the class will be provided to you by the instructor.
Where is the nearest aqua aerobics class near me?
You can find your local aqua aerobics class at a Places Leisure venue near you.
We provide a range of memberships to support the needs of all our members, from Swim only memberships to Pay-as-you-go and junior options, find out more at your local centre.