Let Water Help Support You as You Exercise
By Tom Herrin
Finding ways to exercise in which there is limited impact is a concern for many people today. So often, people have bad experiences in which they have experienced injury due to higher impact activities. The muscles, bones, and joints can all take a beating from many of the activities that are aimed at greater intensity. The excessive wear as a result of such things can cause long-term damage to many body parts. This may limit the ability of people to carry out their normal routines. Low impact activities are in great demand. One of the best ways to achieve this is to exercise in the water. It can lessen the chance of damage while still strengthening the muscles.
It Is Great for the Muscles
Water has some unique properties. It often moves in multiple directions. This places varied forces against the muscles. This means that resistance can be as much as 42 times that of air. The muscles are almost constantly working against, which works to strengthen them without the impact that so frequently accompanies such resistance. The buoyancy helps to support the body at the same time. Even just walking in water is considered to be a good activity for those in need of rehabilitating injured muscles or joints.
It Can Lower Blood Pressure
The way in which water works with the body also helps to move blood. It sort of assists in circulation. This allows blood to move with less resistance so that the heart has to work less. This provides blood to needed parts without creating the same stress that results from most exercises. Saving physical stress is one of the best ways to protect the heart.
It Can Be Fun and Relaxing
Most of us enjoy spending time in the water. It is one of those things that we generally look forward to as a way to unwind. Whether we swim, exercise, or simply lounge in the water, it tends to have an effect on us that may relieve stress. Spending time in the water is usually an activity an entire family or group can enjoy. Simply watching water is used by many people as a way to relax. If you want an exercise that can both work and relax your body, spend more time in the water.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carmel, Ind.