Exercising can be difficult, if not impossible, for seniors with health problems. Popular aerobics classes, line dancing, zumba, and even Yoga can be daunting for those suffering with sore muscles and stiff joints.
Would you reconsider if you knew that there was a place where you could move around freely and exercise without pain? Exercising in the water might be just the thing for you. In the water you will experience a sense of buoyancy that will allow you to work out effortlessly (weightlessly).
Lap swimming is the first thing that comes to mind when you think “water exercise,” and lap swimming can be pretty boring. You will be pleased to know that you don’t have to be a Master’s Level Swimmer to enjoy a good a good workout in the water.
Let’s look for something a little more fun than lap swimming. No need to be afraid of the water; you don’t have to know how to swim and you don’t have to know what you are doing (no experience required).
The water will support your body and provide enough resistance to assure that you get an amazing workout. Try walking in waist high or chest high water if you don’t believe me. You can walk, jog or do jumping jacks. Try yoga stretches, tai chi forms, Pilate’s routines, or even dance in the water. Relax, enjoy the music, and play/exercise at the same time. Don’t worry about how you look in a swimsuit or whether you have “two left feet” because nobody can see what you are doing under there.
You will love the camaraderie and the social support of fellow exercisers; you will probably giggle more than you have in a long time (this means you just might be having fun).
YMCA, community centers, recreation centers, senior center and fitness centers that have pools all offer a variety of water based classes. All you have to do is show up, dip your toe in the water, and get ready to have the time of your life.
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