A workout in the water has been a popular treatment for people with arthritis for the past twenty-five years or so. Why? Because a water workout can help improve flexibility, relieve pain, ease stiffness, and increase range of motion — without impact on affected joints.
Benefits of a workout in the water:
- Age is no barrier. As long as you can float (and there are floatation belts to help you out) you can manage a water workout.
- Physical condition is no barrier. You don’t have to be able to walk or stand unassisted (again, those floatation belts come in handy) to manage a water workout.
- Less stress overall on the body, whether you have arthritis or another health issue.
- Less strain on the joints. Stand in water up to your waist and your body is now bearing only fifty percent of your total weight. Go in up to your chest and your body is bearing approximately thirty percent of your total weight. Dip in up to your neck and your body is bearing only ten percent of your total weight.
- Water promotes circulation. The lower gravity in the water means your blood moves from your extremities to your heart more easily.
- Water prevents overheating. Even on hot days, a water workout will help you stay cool. (Just don’t forget to warm up before your exercise and drink to stay hydrated!)
- Water provides resistance, and that helps your body build muscles.
Some types of water workout that might work with your arthritis:
- Aquatic aerobics. Depending on how athletic you’re feeling, an aerobic workout in the water gives you great exercise with reduced impact to your joints.
- Deep-water exercise (using flotation belts) allows you to jog or run (or do other exercises) with no impact at all.
- Yoga, tai chi, and other stretching/flexibility/meditation workouts can stretch your muscles and soothe your mind at the same time.
Always talk to your doctor or arthritis specialist before starting a new workout program.