Bigger is better: Aquatic exercise benefits people with Parkinson's disease

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, aging is an important risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. The good news is that people with Parkinson’s disease who exercise regularly are able to move and maintain balance better than those who do not. And water is a wonderful environment for exercise. Water boasts unique properties that enable it to be used for both therapy and fitness. When someone with Parkinson’s is able to float and move in a pool, it is similar to a water lily opening at dawn. Participants can stand up tall and move more freely. (Intl. Council on Active Aging, 2/27/13)

OSTEOPOROSIS AND WATER EXERCISE

Osteoporosis, a degenerative disease commonly referred to as adult  bone loss, is associated with 1.5 million bone fractures (generally  of the hip, spine or wrist) each year. Previously it was believed  that only specific land-based, weight bearing activities could  counteract bone loss, however research indicates that shallow water aquatic exercise is a viable method for building and  maintaining bone mass.  It appears that in spite of the reduction in body mass that occurs in shallow water exercise  programs, the viscosity of the water offers adequate resistance to produce positive results.  So in addition to walking, stair climbing and weight training, vertical water exercise can be  beneficial in maintaining both strong muscular and skeletal systems.  Water exercise can also enhance balance,  
coordination, posture and performance skills thus reducing the risk of falls and injury. [References: AEA Aquatic
Fitness Professional  Manual and AEA Aquatic Fitness Research Journal, 2005, Volume 2, Number  1]

9 Good Reasons Why You Should Get in the Pool

Many believe that swimming and pools are strictly child's play or summer fun and that swimming is not an effective form of weight loss.  This is not true! Even the US Masters Swimming says that swimming is a 'rigorous, effective fitness workout--and fun in the process."

Everyone can benefit from the water. Here are 9 good reasons to start splashing:

1.  Heart Helper--Get cardiovascular conditioning

2. Balance Your Build--Swimming builds longer, leaner muscles and boosts metabolism

3. Cross-training--Avoid injury with a balanced workout routine

4.  Increased Flexibility--Heated pools relax muscles, increase flexibility, and enable important stretching in addition to flushing out toxins preventing muscle tightness and soreness the following day

5.  Strengthen Your Core--Develop core body strength

6.  Endurance--Train for longer periods of time and burn more calories

7.  Adventure--Explore the relaxing joys of clean, indoor and outdoor pools

8.  Social Outlet-- Meet people with mutual interests, find peer motivation and professional coaching to increase your performance results

Finally....

9.  Weight Loss--It's easy to push yourself and get in the water.  Putting on your swimsuit may actually motivate you to shed a few pounds too. 

Swimming and water exercise can add to your quality of life.  Start splashing!!

(Adapted from Active.com article)

Why Water Exercise?

Joints hurting? Muscles sore? Back stiff? All these ailments and more are soothed in warm water exercise. You'll regain range of movement, increase your blood circulation, relieve stress on joints and muscles, and improve your coordination and balance. In addition, you'll build strength with the resistance of the water keeping your bones strong and healthy as well as the muscles around your joints.

Sound good? You can achieve all this and more in the warm, buoyant water. 'No pain, but gain' is the new mantra.

TOP 10 REASONS TO GET SPLASHING:

1. improve overall health and fitness

2. increase energy

3. improve sleep

4. control weight

5. strengthen your heart

6. improve your self-esteem

7. reduce bone density loss

8. reduce pain

9. improve flexibility

10. have fun and laugh

Remember, 'NO PAIN, BUT GAIN'.