Make a Splash: 8 Benefits of Aquacise for Older Adults
Looking for a fun, low-impact way to stay active as you age? Aquacise – exercise performed in water – is a great option for older adults to improve their fitness without putting stress on their joints. Beyond the benefits for physical health, aquacise also offers opportunities for social interaction and provides a mental wellness boost. It’s gentle, effective, and enjoyable – plus no swimming skills are required!
The Benefits of Aquacise
- It’s low impact. Because you are essentially weightless while swimming, it won’t put unnecessary strain on your joints, making it a particularly effective exercise for older adults who suffer from arthritis or other joint pain. The buoyancy of water makes movement easier and more comfortable and keeps the pressure off your knees, back, and hips, which reduces the risk of injury.
- It’s a full-body workout. Moving in water creates resistance, which helps you build and strengthen all your muscles, especially your core, legs, and upper body. It also improves posture and increases your stability and flexibility, which will significantly decrease your risk of falls and reduce back pain or stiffness.
- It’s good for your heart. Aquacise improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and increasing endurance. It also lowers blood pressure, raises good cholesterol, and improves circulation, helping lower the risk of heart and lung disease. However, if you have a preexisting heart condition, be sure to get confirmation from your doctor that water exercises are safe and beneficial for you.
- It boosts mental well-being. Any exercise is great for your mental health – it boosts endorphins and serotonin, relieves stress, and improves mood. Plus, taking a dip reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol and helps your body fight free radicals, which improves your brain function. And because aquacise is a group activity, it can help reduce feelings of loneliness, provide opportunities to socialize and make new friends, and alleviate the symptoms of depression.
- It improves sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for health and well-being, and aerobic exercise such as aquacise burns significant calories so you are tired enough to make falling asleep easier. Being in water can also be very relaxing, which helps alleviate anxiety and promote a good night’s rest.
- It doesn’t hurt. Working out can cause discomfort and pain, particularly for older adults. However, because the body is buoyant in water, aquacise doesn’t put any pressure on your joints, improves your range of motion during your workout, and has a low risk for painful injury.
- It helps you recover from injuries. Aquacise offers a safe and supportive environment for gentle movement that promotes healing without the risk of reinjury. It helps improve circulation, flexibility, and strength – all essential components of a successful recovery. Plus, the soothing properties of water can ease pain and reduce inflammation, making aquacise a great way to get back on your feet.
- It improves chronic conditions. Aquacise can effectively help you manage chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. The water’s support reduces stress on joints while allowing for full-body movement, helping to ease stiffness and improve mobility. Regular aquatic exercise can also support better blood sugar control, cardiovascular health, and overall endurance – all essential components for good health.
Aquacise at The Vista
Among The Vista’s many stunning amenities is the Reach Aquatic Center, where residents can use the indoor heated pool year-round and swim to improve heart health, flexibility, muscle strength, and mental wellness. The vibrant community offers weekly aquacise classes for residents to enjoy the extensive benefits of this water-based, low-impact workout.
If you’re interested in finding out how The Vista can offer you a healthy and exciting lifestyle, we would love to tell you more. Aside from fitness classes and wellness amenities, The Vista boasts an extensive calendar of social events, breathtaking views, and delicious on-site dining.
To find out if The Vista is right for you, please call us at (201) 949-0882 or fill out our quick and easy form.