Shore Fit
By Bonnie Dodd-Miller
Exercising in the pool is great for so many reasons and it keeps your body temperature regulated in the hotter months. Exercising in the water helps the body cool off faster and reduces the risk of overheating. If the water is warm, it may not help keep you cool, but it does help increase blood circulation, which is a plus when exercising.
Water gives you buoyancy and this decreases the impact on your joints, so when you swim or exercise in the water, you have a lower risk of injury. The water also has built in resistance and since you’re moving your body through water instead of through air, you’re working harder. This resistance is great for building all-around strength and endurance. You can also add water weights or pool noodles to increase this resistance. Depending on your speed, position, or form in the water, the resistance you face is dynamic. For example, if you’re jogging or running in water, you’re getting much more resistance if the water is at about chest level and you’re working at really getting those knees up. I can tell you from experience, that you can really get your heart rate up with this type of training. This can be extremely helpful if you’re training to improve your running speed, strength, and endurance when on land.
Since exercising in the water is low impact, your joints stay nimble. With the built in resistance of the water, swimming and water exercise is great for keeping your muscles toned. Many people with injuries rely on water exercise. Exercising in the water is not only low impact, but it’s also excellent for back support. It supports your back because you don’t have to worry about the weight of your body on your spine or your posture when you move your body through water.
The bonus of exercising in the pool is that you can go as hard as you want. Increase your speed, go deeper in the water or add extra resistance via water weights or noodles. That’s the beauty of water exercise. It’s so versatile and can be used for gentle exercise by doing some walking workouts waist deep in a swimming pool to take the pressure off your joints and back while still getting movement.
Bonnie Miller is certified fitness instructor at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center and Atilis Gym in Galloway. She is a mom of three and resides Somers Point.
