SWIMMING

• Swimming - 25 yds/min - 275 calories. /hr.

• Swimming - 50 yds/min - 500 calories. /hr.

The water is the best thing for you and others with arthritic or other pain. Swimming - 20 yards a minute (about 2 pool laps). Burns 4 to 6 calories a minute Water is the perfect resistance machine. If you have weight problems, painful joints or old injuries, you may find you feel freer in the water than anywhere else on earth. Work with an aqua aerobics instructor who will teach you how to increase the intensity of your workout as you gain fitness, and you will grow stronger. Water aerobics is an excellent choice for older people and for those with weak muscles, because it prevents falls on a hard surface and provides support for the body. It is often used for people with arthritis and sometimes for injury rehabilitation. Water aerobics involves doing various types of muscle movements or simply walking in waist- to shoulder-deep water. Aerobic exercises done out of the water, however, are more effective for weight loss. One benefit is that water aerobics allows a person to exercise every muscle and every joint in the body all at the same time. Another benefit is that water aerobics are cooler as the water cools off your body the entire time you are performing your routine. This is definitely a plus factor, especially in the summertime heat, or if you live in a part of the country that is hotter than other areas. The last and probably most important benefit of water aerobics is that almost anyone, no matter their age, can perform water aerobics. The reason for this is because the water causes your body to be buoyant, thus causing less strain and stress on your joints and muscles. Don't worry, though, you still get the maximum work out when you perform water aerobics.

A person does not need to know how to swim in order to take advantage of water aerobic exercises. There are many devices that will enable them to stay afloat with little effort. This enables the person to be able to concentrate on his or her aquatic routine. Plus, it helps to eliminate the fear of a mishap in the water, especially in the deep water.