One of my clients, who has Downs Syndrome, needed to find an exercise program that would help her become fit without hurting her joints. We looked into water aerobics as an option for her. As her staff I would need to assist her while in the water and I went into a blind panic once we received the go ahead from her physician.
I had to do the one thing I avoided for 15 years, shop for a swimsuit. I was not happy. Did they even make a suit in my size? I was hoping not as I had a vision of bouncing bikinis and for some reason Jane Fonda was teaching the class.
After talking myself out of Hari Kari in the middle of a local department store, a woman suggested I try a specialty swimsuit store that sells only suits that are made for use in chlorinated pools and had full figured sizes. I thanked her after I got over the urge to shove her size 10 suit down her throat.
Yes they really do make swimsuits that will fit a 214 lb woman, as well as a variety of other sizes. I can't tell you how it looked, as I tried it on with my eyes closed but was told it was full figure flattering. All of the suits there are made for use within pools and I was told my suit would last me for at least a year. For the price I paid, it had better last me till my youngest goes off to collage and he was 7 years old at the time.
Before you run away screaming, here are some are a few facts about the benefits of Water Aerobics. It made me hold off from bolting out the door.
· Just one hour of Water aerobics can burn anywhere from 450 to 790 calories! If you are combining it with a healthy diet, you're having pure fat loss.
· Over weight people can do more types of movements while within the pool then they can on dry land. All with out the stress on the joints as the water helps support you.
· You are giving you heart a cardiovascular work out and with a good routine it will work every major muscle within your body.
· The water adds resistance to your movements, in a sneaky way, so you are really working out more efficiently and don't even feel it!
I had to do the one thing I avoided for 15 years, shop for a swimsuit. I was not happy. Did they even make a suit in my size? I was hoping not as I had a vision of bouncing bikinis and for some reason Jane Fonda was teaching the class.
After talking myself out of Hari Kari in the middle of a local department store, a woman suggested I try a specialty swimsuit store that sells only suits that are made for use in chlorinated pools and had full figured sizes. I thanked her after I got over the urge to shove her size 10 suit down her throat.
Yes they really do make swimsuits that will fit a 214 lb woman, as well as a variety of other sizes. I can't tell you how it looked, as I tried it on with my eyes closed but was told it was full figure flattering. All of the suits there are made for use within pools and I was told my suit would last me for at least a year. For the price I paid, it had better last me till my youngest goes off to collage and he was 7 years old at the time.
Before you run away screaming, here are some are a few facts about the benefits of Water Aerobics. It made me hold off from bolting out the door.
· Just one hour of Water aerobics can burn anywhere from 450 to 790 calories! If you are combining it with a healthy diet, you're having pure fat loss.
· Over weight people can do more types of movements while within the pool then they can on dry land. All with out the stress on the joints as the water helps support you.
· You are giving you heart a cardiovascular work out and with a good routine it will work every major muscle within your body.
· The water adds resistance to your movements, in a sneaky way, so you are really working out more efficiently and don't even feel it!
Comments
Sorry but I ain't getting my big butt in a bathing suit for ANYBODY. I noticed you had 17 comments on this baby, so mine is the 18th. Love you sister.
Water aerobics is a great way to tone yourself and increase stamina. If you use a pool that has a sound system attached to it, it's easier to workout when music that you're into is playing, I've found. Check out my article: "Music is God: Worship Your Body"
rlt
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/18/2007
So as you become more aerobically fit in heart and lungs, start adding in some old-fashioned walking, weight training, or other weight-bearing workouts. These will help you build muscle, to boost your metabolism, firm you up, as well as put the necessary strain on your bones to keep them strong. ... Check for pools at local colleges, high schools, and community recreation departments to find low cost swim classes, open swim sessions, and water aerobic classes.
rlt
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/18/2007
Some tips.... To help it last longer, be sure to rinse your swim suit of the chlorine and let it air dry at home.... Chlorine can do funny things to dyed hair, and it's pretty drying too. Be sure to wear a swim cap and rinse your hair completely after class. If needed, use an extra moisturizing conditioner once weekly... You can find great plus size swim suits and other sportswear by shopping online or by catalog. Two good sources are www.justmysize.com and www.junonia.com .... If you develop an earache, be sure you are getting all the water out of your ears after class. Check your local pharmacy for some drops that can help; but don't use them if you are already in pain as they'll burn terribly. See your doctor and/or wait until the earache clears up completely before you go back to class. ... Don't forget that water exercises are generally non-weight bearing and will not help you much to prevent osteoporosis. So as you become more aerobically fit in heart and lungs, start adding in s
I wish we had a place close to us that offered water aerobics. I would be the one in the towel, but I think this would be something I'd enjoy.
I like this one I need to loose weight for I keep haveing mini strokes and my Dr. feels that the best thing for me at this point is to try to get off some extra pounds that I don't need and to try and keep my stress level down. So I'm going to call my local YMCA and see if they offer water arobics. Thanks for this artical it was helpful and encouraging.
Back when I had severe joint problems, I did water exercise. Because the water makes you virtually "weightless" there's a lot that can be done in a pool that can't be done on land. Great article :)
Very interesting. I didn't realize water aerobics burnt that many calories!
Very interesting article.
Great Article! I will have to try this.
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