Tone Your Body Using Water Aerobic Weights

Water aerobics have become a popular workout for many people because they offer a great workout with minimum impact on the joints. Water aerobics can be done by all ages, including the elderly, and all skill levels. People who are unable to perform other types of aerobic activities due to problems such as arthritis are able to do water aerobics activities.

But how do you step up the intensity of your water aerobics workout? The same way you add challenge to other aerobics classes – with weights, of course. Water aerobic weights are quite different from the metal and plastic weights you find in the gym. Water aerobic weights are constructed from a dense foam material, and can be used for buoyancy as well as resistance. Instead of coming in a variety of weight, the water aerobic weights come in selections of resistance.

When you perform water aerobics in waist-deep water, as many classes do, your upper body does not necessarily reap the benefits of the toning that your lower body receives. By incorporating water aerobic weights into your routine, you can provide your upper body with the same benefits that your lower body is already guaranteed.

These weights work in a couple of different ways. You can perform upper body exercises such as the biceps curl and the chest press in the water to give the additional resistance that will work your muscles the hardest. While you will receive the same type of sculpting and toning that you can get in the gym, the underwater workout will be much kinder to your joints. You can also use the water aerobic weights as buoyancy devices, to work your legs with kicking motions through the water. You don’t necessarily have to be a great swimmer to complete these types of exercises, but a degree of comfort in the water is helpful.

If you decide to add water aerobic weights to your workout, it is a good idea to adhere to a few basic guidelines that apply to any type of cardio workout. Always begin your program with a warm-up to prepare your heart and muscles for the work that lies ahead. Finish off with a cool down that will give your heart rate a chance to return to normal.

Plan your workout to last around 45 minutes, and wear appropriate attire, including water shoes to protect your feet. Be careful not to overdo your workout – sometimes it is more difficult to gauge how hard you are working while your body is in the water, but you will know after your program if you were working at the proper level by how tired and sore you feel. The same goes for your water aerobic weights – always start with a lower resistance and slowly work your way to the more challenging weights.

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