The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.” There are plenty of great ways you can stay active like walking and dancing but there’s something to be said about swimming workouts. Not only can you get a full-body workout when exercising in the pool, but the buoyancy of the water also allows the workouts to be low-impact making it gentle on your joints and bones.
Better yet, the water provides more resistance compared to doing the same moves on land. Swimming workouts can be a safe option for seniors who want to increase their physical activity and for people with arthritis, injury, or disability. That said, make sure you speak with your doctor before starting a new workout regimen. If you’re ready to enjoy effective and low-impact workouts, then check out these 10 pool exercises for seniors.
Walking in Water
Get your heart rate up by walking in water! It’s a great cardio and resistance training exercise that will burn calories. Better yet, walking in water is much gentler on your joints than walking on land.
Beginners should start at a slower pace. You can increase your intensity as your endurance increases. Try walking for five to 10-minutes and start in shallow water around waist height. Make sure you engage your core and stand tall as you walk. Also, focus on pressing your heels first into the ground and then your toes and avoid walking on your tiptoes.