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)

DURING-WORKOUT FLUIDS--STAY HYDRATED!

	Working out when it’s hot and humid during the dogs days of summer calls for special attention to fluid intake. Whether you choose Bikram yoga, spinning or tennis, and even in the water, get the most out of a workout in the heat by making sure you get enough fluid. In order to minimize changes in your body weight over the course of a workout, determine your sweat rate by measuring body weight before and after a workout and adjust fluid intake accordingly. Remember that sweat contains more than just water, and sodium is the key electrolyte lost in sweat helping you retain the fluid you drank. Using a low-calorie sports drink like G2 or G2 Natural, Propel, and others can help replace the fluids and electrolytes lost in sweat. On days where your workout is longer and more intense, or if you are training for a specific event, add carbohydrates to give your body the energy it needs

EAT LESS 'CRAP', MORE REAL 'FOOD'!

EASY TO REMEMBER!!

FIBROMYALGIA PAIN RELIEF

Try Gentle Water-Based Workouts

Whether or not you're a water lover, you'll want to at least try water exercises. Numerous studies report that this form of low-impact exercise -- especially when done in warmwater -- can help reduce pain, stiffness, fatigue, and depression in many people with fibromyalgia. And you don't have to endure the back-and-forth monotony of swimming laps if that's not for you. There are a variety of fun, get-wet workouts to choose from -- including music-based aqua aerobics, underwater walking or jogging, strength training, stretching, and water-based relaxation therapies like yoga, tai chi, and Watsu. Heck, some spas and fitness centers even offer pool-based Zumba, hip hop, and country-western line dancing. (Real Age, 4/30/12)

Aquatic Exercise and Fibromyalgia (FMS)

Aquatic Therapy and Exercise has been recommended for the relief of Fibromyalgia pain. This article clearly discusses the benefits of the working in the water.

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Archives/Article-Archives/A-Good-Match.aspx

article and video on Aqua Flex'n!

Check out this great article and video done on me and Melanie!!! Look forward to your comments.

How to Tone Your Body in the Pool

encino.patch.com

Instructors at Braemar Country Club share water exercise techniques that not only help tone the body, but also heal.

Ai Chi for Fibromyalgia

Medical professionals recommend exercise for those with fibromyalgia; however, many sufferers live with chronic pain and are aerobically unfit, with little muscular strength and poor flexibility. Data analysis showed
that compared with the control group, tai chi participants experienced a clinically significant reduction in symptom severity over the 12 weeks and were still maintaining this reduction at the 24-week mark. The tai chi group improved in measurements of pain, sleep quality, depression and quality of life. Scientists do not know the mechanisms for why tai chi positively affects the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Study authors hypothesized that the combination of physical exercise with a mind-body focus, controlled breathing and movement may help in both overcoming fear of pain and coping with the experience of pain. At the same time, tai chi practice may stimulate certain neurochemical and analgesic pathways, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life.

The New England Journal of Medicine (2010; 363, 743–54).

Ai Chi (water Tai Chi) is the best for exercise with the healing properties of water to gain benefits from both. People with Fibromyalgia usually have complications with either or all: shoulders, knees, back, feet, neck, hands. Being in the water allows for relief along with the benefits of the specific movements of Ai Chi such as synchronized breathing for a duration of 45 minutes to an hour.

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]

BOTH WATER AND LAND-BASED REHAB SAME AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

A short-term, clinically pragmatic program of either land-based or water-based rehabilitation delivered in the early phase after Total Knee Replacement was associated with comparable outcomes at the end of the program and up to 26 weeks postsurgery.

(Harmer AR, Naylor JM, Crosbie J, Russell T. Land-based versus water-based rehabilitation following total knee replacement: a randomized, single-blind trial. Arthritis and Rheumatism 2009 Feb 15;61(2):184-191.)

Happy June 1!!

June Gloom starts off the month, but that won't keep Aqua Flexers and Stretchers from the water. 

Happy and Healthy June to all!

Key Muscle Group for Great Knees + Workouts

If your knees bother you when you bend ’em, here’s a natural way to help ease the pain: Get strong quads. 

Research shows that strengthening these key leg muscles can actually help you maintain your cartilage -- the stuff that tends to break down as arthritis sets in. The result? Less knee pain. 

Strengthen and Save
In a study of people suffering from knee osteoarthritis, having strong quadriceps protected against cartilage loss at a certain area of the knee called the lateral compartment of the patellofemoral joint. Quad strength didn’t seem to help cartilage in other important areas of the knee. Still, people with the strongest quads reported less knee pain and better physical function than people with the least strength in this muscle. Know what else is great for knees? Walking backward.  (Real Age 6/1)

Walking in the water may seem easy, but is incredibly beneficial to your knees. You get resistance without pain. Try it, you'll see a difference. Start out with just a few minutes, then increase by 2 minute increments to push yourself. Try to walk for at least 30 minutes, forward and backward. 

Want to strengthen your quads in the water? Do sets of 10 squats bending your knees as much as possible each time. Start with one set, then increase to 2, then 3. Walk in between sets. It's less boring. Here's to the knees!

AVOIDING MIDDLE-AGE WEIGHT GAIN

As we age and our metabolisms slow, weight gain is inevitable if we don't do something to control it. Even if you're working out, you may need a new or more intense routine to keep the weight off (especially around the waist). So what can you do??

1. Increase strength training to 2-3 days per week for at least 30 - 45 minutes each session. Use weights, resistance bands, or noodles (in water) to strengthen muscles and bones and reduce fat around the waist.

2. Increase the pace and work harder each session. By increasing the intensity, the heart and cardiovascular fitness is improved.

3. Keep one day at a relaxed pace to avoid burnout. Choose a relaxing exercise for a comfortable pace to let yourself relax and even 'zone out'.

Don't forget that nutrition plays a key role in controlling weight gain. So, don't skip breakfast and maintain a healthy diet to see results. It may not be easy, but it's worth it!

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)

Stress Awareness Day, April 16

We throw around the word "stress" so often in just everyday speak (you're stressing me out!), that we often trivialize the real impact it has on our lives. In fact, 66% of Americans say they are likely to seek help for stress as it is so problematic, with over a third of us claiming that we are living with "extreme" stress. Why such stress? 75% of Americans claim that work and money are causing it. Stress can lead to heart attacks / heart disease, cancer, immune system problems, accidents, depression, suicide, lung issues and more. Stress levels have been increasing steadily, with now more than 3 of 5 doctor visits – globally – being directly related to stress problems.

So what can you do?? First, recognize that you're under stress. Second, identify the stressors in your life. Third, make a plan to deal with the stressors (notice I didn't say eliminate since that can be almost impossible). Fourth, incorporate exercise and good nutrition into your daily lifestyle. You all know how great the water feels once you get to the pool. Make a commitment to come regularly. Supplement your water exercise with walking (your dogs will thank you!), elliptical machine workouts, or whatever sport you love (tennis is mine!). Have fun and make social connections. The more you give of yourself, the more you get back. Your body will thank you and you'll feel great as your endorphins are released.

You are in control of your life and body. Take control now and reduce your stress.

Burn More Calories in Water

Did you know??

Because of its greater density, peoples burn more calories while exercising in water than on land. For example, Walking on land for half an hour burns 135 calories and walking in deep water for half an hour burns 264 calories.

New Year's Resolutions

It's the New Year and everyone is making resolutions. So what's yours?? Are you going to eat more nutrionally, exercise regularly, not yell as much, stress less, enjoy reading a book, spend more time with friends, or just stay the same??? Reflecting on the past year is as important as making resolutions. Try to keep your resolutions simple and achievable. Here's a few of my resolutions to help you get started: read a book each month, keep organizing and cleaning out the old stuff, take my vitamins and supplements regularly, praise and not criticize my kids and husband, and stay connected to friends and family.

So get going now! If exercise is on your list, try the water for a great workout and less stress on your body. Need more help, post a blog.

Happy New Year!

Going Green

Ditch the disposables and use cloth handchiefs and dish towels instead. At the very least, look for paper products made from recycled content. According to manufacturer Seventh Generation, if every household in the United States replaced just one box of 85 sheet virgin fiber facial tissues with 100 percent recycled ones, we’d save 87,700 trees and 31 million gallons of water.

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'.