A swimming pool is not only for swimming. We can perform several exercises into the water with great benefits. But it is not as simple as pay the ticket and swim. According to our injuries or goals, some exercises are recommended while others are forbidden.
Water offers more resistance than air. At the same time, compress our joints and push up our body, feeling lighter (we don´t lose weight, but it feels like it for our joints).
Walking in the swimming pool is a great exercise to lose weight. Do your joints hurt when walking or running, but you need to lose weight? Try to walk in the swimming pool, instead your «dry» walkings and let me know :)
I found this video where a friendly chiropractic explains some exercises targeting our low back. The best thing we can do if we have an injury is approach and explain it to the monitor/trainer/coach. Ask! Usually, we don´t bite :)
Great post. This is exactly what I need. Why didn’t my Doc suggest this when I asked him? Thank you for sharing this. Now, I can gradually take back my life and not feel so helpless.
Thank you. Please, feel free to ask anytime :) Don´t get mad with your Doc. I think these things are very specific so nobody learn them at college. Also notice that rehab video is presented by a chiropractor. I don´t know in other countries. Here, rehab is not a «doctor thing», we trust our physiotherapist :)
So true about the chiropractor. Well, the walking in water will help. I suffered injuries on the lower back and neck. My recent surgery was on the neck. I think a little swinging of the arms may help as well. I feel as if I lost all strength in my arms. You have given me a good start. Thanks so much.
With those kind of injuries, I think you should swim backstyle, helped by some floaters, one under your neck and another under your ankles. My pleasure :)
I will. Thank you again.
:)
The great thing about swimming, for me at least, is that it’s a fun way to exercise. I’m not exactly a star swimmer, but I manage to stay afloat and I enjoy doing it. I’ve never tried actual exercises in the pool before but it’s something I should try.
A few years ago, here in Spain «Aquagym» fulled every pool, it´s very fun :D
It sounds fun. :)
It is. And also very easy to adapt to any fitness level :)
Ooh I have to try this. I just mentioned last night I need to learn how to swim. Haha. I can only float on water and even when I do, I can stand up once I float…mhh..so not funny.
New Year´s Resolutions:
1.- Learn to swim :)
A floater is recommended at first ;)
Most definitely. I don’t want to drown while fulfilling my new year resolution. Haha. You got it though, its first on my list this new month actually. Step one…get a swimsuit.
Don´t forget a swimhat and glasses :) Olympic Games, here we go :D
Yaaaay…jajaja
:)
[…] you so much for your inspiration, questions, and support. Here are some exercises that are waiting for you […]
thanks…I have terrible arthritis in my joints and I love the pool….any information is always helpful…..and I can tell you that I can do all sorts of wonderful leg exercises in the pool without pain that I can no longer do on land…..kat
Did you try this dietary supplement? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondroitin_sulfate
I don´t know any specific exercise or workout for arthritis. And I think there is no one. You should go often to the pool and do all that sort of exercises but easy, soft, spa-style :)
If you work too hard in the pool, pain will be waiting for you, at home. Careful big hug, David
Oh yes I am on glucosamine, I am not sure if it is helping, but my knees aren’t as painful as before…I also do a lot of herbs and spices ..cinnamon, turmeric, etc….and the pool has been a life saver…just moving my joints and keeping them fluid has been a huge help…before I started my weight loss, I tried not to move them…I didn’t believe that movement would help…but it certainly does and the lose of 67#’s has helped most of all…thanks for caring…Kat
It looks like you are in good hands. I´m sure glucosamine is helping. It works with other joints injuries. Tons of support and hugs, David.
thanks
:)
Thanks for posting this. Too bad I can’t swim. Have never learned
It´s never too late :)