Enjoy Aquatic Exercise for Weight Loss Success
Gail Davis
July 14, 2008
Aquatic exercise for weight loss has become very popular in the last few years. One of a handful of activities considered "lifetime sports," swimming appeals to the masses, both young and old.
It´s probably not a coincidence that swimming for weight loss has grown in popularity as the obesity problem has grown. One of the many reasons for this increase in favor is that swimming is one of the few exercises where weight isn´t a hindrance. The minute you submerge yourself in the water, your body´s weight reduces to one-tenth of your original total. The natural buoyancy of your body not only keeps you afloat but it greatly reduces your risk of injury. In many ways, this makes aquatic exercise for weight loss the ideal activity.
Of all the aquatic activities, swimming laps is by far the most popular. This can be a very challenging workout as it uses all the major muscle groups. The specific muscles used vary according to the stroke, but breastroke, backstroke, and free style tend to be "full-body" strokes, which benefit the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, biceps, triceps, and abdomen.
Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular activity. It improves the body´s ability to utilize oxygen without overworking the heart. In time, with regular workouts and self-discipline, swimming can reduce the resting heart rate, enabling the body to become an efficient fuel-burning machine.
There is a psychological benefit to swimming as well. Swimming laps is usually a solitary workout. The swimmer can focus on breathing and stroke rhythm and experience a form of meditation that leaves behind a residual feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Aquatic exercise for weight loss is not limited to just swimming laps. Water walking and jogging have become popular as well as water aerobics, water yoga, and deep water running. These activities usually require some form of inexpensive equipment but the rewards can be impressive.
So, with a promise to build stronger muscles, improve flexibility and endurance, tone the upper and lower body, and alleviate stress on the bones and joints, aquatic exercise just might be the perfect activity for you to meet your weight loss goals.
There are additional benefits of swimming that make it the perfect cardio workout! Create your own cardio exercise plan and get that much closer to your fitness goals!
It´s probably not a coincidence that swimming for weight loss has grown in popularity as the obesity problem has grown. One of the many reasons for this increase in favor is that swimming is one of the few exercises where weight isn´t a hindrance. The minute you submerge yourself in the water, your body´s weight reduces to one-tenth of your original total. The natural buoyancy of your body not only keeps you afloat but it greatly reduces your risk of injury. In many ways, this makes aquatic exercise for weight loss the ideal activity.
Of all the aquatic activities, swimming laps is by far the most popular. This can be a very challenging workout as it uses all the major muscle groups. The specific muscles used vary according to the stroke, but breastroke, backstroke, and free style tend to be "full-body" strokes, which benefit the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, biceps, triceps, and abdomen.
Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular activity. It improves the body´s ability to utilize oxygen without overworking the heart. In time, with regular workouts and self-discipline, swimming can reduce the resting heart rate, enabling the body to become an efficient fuel-burning machine.
There is a psychological benefit to swimming as well. Swimming laps is usually a solitary workout. The swimmer can focus on breathing and stroke rhythm and experience a form of meditation that leaves behind a residual feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Aquatic exercise for weight loss is not limited to just swimming laps. Water walking and jogging have become popular as well as water aerobics, water yoga, and deep water running. These activities usually require some form of inexpensive equipment but the rewards can be impressive.
So, with a promise to build stronger muscles, improve flexibility and endurance, tone the upper and lower body, and alleviate stress on the bones and joints, aquatic exercise just might be the perfect activity for you to meet your weight loss goals.
There are additional benefits of swimming that make it the perfect cardio workout! Create your own cardio exercise plan and get that much closer to your fitness goals!
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