Exercise in the Water

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

19 Jun 2006 11:30 AM

Who should exercise in the water? Among the best candidates for the exercising in the water are those who suffer from arthritis. Arthritis can affect people of all ages, though we typically see it affecting the elderly. The most specific form of arthritis to affect older adults is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the tissues around the cartilage of the joints is thinned due to wear and tear.

While many arthritic individuals are reluctant to exercise because they are in pain, the simple fact is that exercise is good for you. If you work out in the water, it's even better. The water is buoyant. It will reduce stress on the spine, the knees and the hips.

The water should be fairly warm because that will help reduce the stiffness in the joints while also relaxing the muscles. The warmer temperature will let you stay in the water longer and you will enjoy less muscle tension as you still get the benefits of exercise.

Beyond the Warm Water

While someone with arthritis should always consult a physician before beginning an exercise regimen, there are many beneficial forms of exercise someone with arthritis can enjoy. Yoga is a good one because it helps to relieve stress as well as increasing flexibility.

Walking is a weight bearing exercise that helps to build up muscle strength. Increasing muscle strength around the joint areas can provide the affected joints with more support. Golf and stretching are also good for the joints as they provide not only muscle conditioning, but also increased flexibility.

So, exercise should be an essential component in any regimen for coping with arthritis along with a healthy diet and proper nutrition. Remember, it's important to check with your physician before embarking on any new programs of diet or exercise with regard to a medical condition such as arthritis.

What do you do for arthritis exercise?

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Dieting and Exercise

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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Fatherofeight (2475) 23 Nov 2006 07:56 PM

I think that swimming is also the ideal exercise for seniors or those about to become seniors. I have recently started dieting and working out to get my body back in shape, the prospect of turning 60 soon was my motivation. I had been a runner 25 years ago, but I knew from experience that runners have injuries.

My solution was to start swimming. Swimmers are hardly ever injured. Swimming uses almost all of the major muscles in the body.

I have been seriously dieting for six months, I have lost 70 pounds. I have been taken off of blood pressure medications. I am now doing a masters swim workout every morning at my local YMCA and am up to 1200 yards. My goal is to level off at 1800 yards, roughly a mile. I feel 20 years younger than my age.

paigejarvie (15) 09 Oct 2008 05:42 PM

Hi, I was wondering in your knowledge about water workouts if you have ever heard of the Aquatic Fitness System. In all the research I've done, it looks like a great way to have an effective low-impact workout, teach the kids how to swim, and have some quality family time as well.

The website is: www.aquaticfitnesssystem.com.

We're considering purchasing one, and I'm curious if anyone has tried it?

Thanks for all this valuable info!