"Taking the Plunge"
Senior Focus - September 1997
One of the hottest exercise trends for seniors is "all wet."
Water-based exercise is a great way for older people to experience the benefits of working out without the impact associated with land activities such as jogging or tennis.
Sports medicine experts at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston say all parts of the body can be used while working out in your swimsuit and the water provides a safe, effective medium for conditioning and toning. The type of exercise ranges from swimming to aerobics to strength and flexibility training.
People tend to fall victim to a sedentary lifestyle as they age because they consider exercise "something that young people do." The fear of falling or chronic joint pain can keep many older people on the sidelines. But water helps remove barriers to exercise and eliminates the fear of falling.
Once people take the plunge, water exercise benefits the body in several ways:
 | Water creates resistance in all directions. |
| Exercising in water produces muscle and cardiovascular benefits without putting stress on the joints. |
| The body gets a break from gravity. Buoyancy creates weightlessness, providing a greater range of motion than on land. |
| The supportive environment allows for longer, harder workouts than would be possible on land. |
Recent research indicates that water-based exercises can help older people improve their overall function on land. In one research project, women ages 60 to 90 showed improved balance, strength and agility after doing basic water exercises, such as simulating stair climbing.
Whether the goal is to improve your health or simply add some activity
in your life, the pool is a great place to start. Many health clubs and community centers
offer several types of water-based programs to meet your needs.
