Jump In! The Water's Just Fine...

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SUMMER DAYS
Summer is almost here.  The flowers are blooming, the air is getting warmer and the days are getting longer.  Soon the days will be full of our favorite summer activities:  having a catch out in the yard, the delicious smell of a hamburger cooking on the grill, afternoon bike rides, and for many a nice cool dip in the pool.  Your backyard pool or a trip down to the beach should be refreshing and enjoyable.  But did you know that it can also be a great workout on those days you may have skipped the gym?  Whether or not you are a competitive swimmer or someone who would rather soak up the rays on a raft, water has many effects on the human body that make it useful as an exercise tool.

FLOAT YOUR WAY TO FITNESS!
You can use the principles of buoyancy or resistance when performing exercise in the water.   Buoyancy-assisted movements are less active and the force of buoyancy helps carry the body towards the top of the water.  Buoyancy-supported motions are performed in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the water.  Both of these movements are useful for someone who may be undergoing rehabilitation for an injury or generalized weakness to regain motion and control.  Finally, the water can be used as a resistive exercise to help improve strength and endurance.  The water becomes a resistive tool once you are working against the force of buoyancy, or working against the water pushing down towards the bottom of the pool.  
In addition to providing an excellent workout, the water has several other beneficial effects.  One is that it decreases swelling by providing compression as a result of hydrostatic pressure.  This pressure increases the deeper the water is, providing greater compression.  The water also improves circulation and may decrease pain in those old, tired, achy joints!  Aquatics are a great option for anyone with osteoarthritis in conjunction with their physical therapy program, through decreasing the amount of body weight put on your joints.  Even if you don’t have a pool of your own, there are several local pools that offer classes as well as swim lessons.

KEEP IT SAFE AND FUN
  1. Don’t forget to stay hydrated!   It is easy to overexert yourself in the water, as you may not realize your sweat loss.  Stay hydrated with frequent water breaks or sports drinks to replace electrolyte loss.  This is also extremely important for children who often spend hours playing in the water.
  2. Consult a professional before beginning an aquatics program.  They will be able to provide you with important information about specific exercises best suited for you needs and well as provide self-monitoring tips to avoid over-exertion.
  3. Never swim alone and make sure children are supervised at all times when in and around the pool or ocean.