MAKING A SPLASH
Pool time means seniors can enjoy water aerobics
For those who like their pool time and enjoy a good class, water aerobics is an especially great exercise option.
This form of exercise can help keep you active, even if you have circulation, arthritis, joint or other physicial problems.
Plus, it can provide relief from Houston’s sweltering heat, whether done indoors or outdoors.
“Water aerobics exercises bring many benefits to our health. Being in the water will help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly, as well as strengthening all muscle groups,” said Armando Canelon, youth development director — aquatics at Trotter Family YMCA. “One big positive aspect of water exercise is that participants can perform movements without having to worry about their joints and muscles receiving any impact. This makes water exercise a ‘go-to’ activity for injury recovery and endurance strengthening.”
Canelon said being part of one of their water aerobics classes will have a positive impact on mental health as well, adding that when seniors come to the pool, they are joining more than a class, they are joining a supportive community of YMCA members that will welcome them and become friends.
“It’s never too late to join our water aerobics classes. We offer classes designed to accommothem date any level, and we adapt to your needs. We have great instructors who will talk to you and learn your goals to better help you reach them,” Canelon said. “In our classes we have equipment available that will serve as support in case you need it. We also have lifeguards who are monitoring each class to make sure everyone feels safe and having a good experience.
“It is really important for our senior community to know that there are activities out there for to do and socialize.”
Darcy Reber, D.N.P., family medicine provider at Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls, recommends aquatic exercise because water workouts can help a person gain aerobic fitness, better balance and flexibility.
Getting started
Developing the right mindset is key for this activity. Take it slow if you are new to water aerobics. Start out by walking in waist-high water across the pool, swinging your arms.
The water’s buoyancy supports your weight, lessening reduced impact on the knees, hips, back and ankles, thus reducing the potential for injury. If needed, wearing water shoes will provide traction on the bottom of the pool.
Online at https:// mayocl.in/2pjspUR, you can view a series of slides that show different water aerobics exercises, including deep-water walking with hand webs (finger, hand, wrist and forearm exercisers), arm exercises using hand webs, arm exercises using water weights, resistance exercises using a kickboard, and leg exercises using a noodle.
Water workouts not only can help you reach your fitness goals safely, they can be a fun way to start an exercise program. If you want to feel better and generally have more energy, add regular exercise into your daily routine, under the supervision of your physician.
For information, visit ymcahouston.org.