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For decades, physical therapists and fitness experts have recommended water exercise to strengthen muscles, improve blood flow, and decrease joint stress. Whether swimming, deep water running, or participating in water aerobics, an individual can challenge their cardiovascular system without creating undo stress on their joints.
For physical therapy patients, aquatic exercise is often desirable because of the "unloading" of the skeleton due to the buoyancy effects of the water. Standing in chest-deep water can essentially decrease the weight of the body by 70%, making it easier for a patient to tolerate exercise. The hydrostatic pressure and viscosity of the water also acts as resistance to your movements, thereby building muscle strength as you exercise. Aquatic-based exercises can also be effective in treating balance and stabilization problems. The turbulence of the water enables the patient to improve their body awareness and control mechanisms, providing the patient with increased confidence and improved muscular coordination over time.
Aquatic fitness programs often integrate faster body movements within the water, therefore increasing the resistance that the water naturally provides. By using hand-held paddles, ankle weights, and buoyancy devices, exercises can be adapted to meet the needs of even elite athletes. Aquatic exercise such as lap swimming and aqua jogging utilize all of the body's major muscle groups, and therefore often provide a greater cardiovascular workout than many land-based training techniques.
HealthWorks' Maple drive location has 2 heated pools that are ideal for both physical therapy and fitness clients. With several different group exercise offerings available daily, you are likely to find one that suits your interests and training level. We are also available to design a personalized program for you, based upon your goals. Our aquatic staff members are highly trained exercise physiologists and physical therapy assistants, and have undergone advanced coursework in aquatic exercise. Stop in and let us show you how these programs can help you reach your goals.
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