Seniors with joint pain may find diving into a new aquatic exercise routine to be the best path to feeling better.
Pain from arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint injuries, or autoimmune diseases may discourage seniors from exercising. Swimming and aquatic exercises offer many advantages over other activities.
Taking the pool plunge to get into shape offers many advantages to an exercise routine.
Depending on your level of fitness, the pool can be a great place to jog or walk. On pavement, jogging is a high-impact sport and joints bear the brunt of the impact.
In the shallow end of the pool, start on one side and walk or lightly jog across to the other side.
Adjust your pace according to your strength, breathing, and stamina.
Kicking can be done either by holding the side of the pool or using a kickboard to swim the length of a pool.
Treading water is a basic skill taught during lifesaving courses.
The idea is to keep the body afloat through the movement of arms and legs.
This aerobic exercise for seniors can be highly adaptable and flexible. A beginner can try in the shallow end; a more advanced senior can move to the deep end and tread water for longer times.
To tread water:
To be safe, beginners should practice this exercise in waist-high water.
These movements can be done individually or together. These water aerobics exercises work to increase leg strength and flexibility.
Standing in waist-deep water, simply bend knees and return to a standing position. This exercise can be done in a stationary position, or while moving.
To side shuffle, simply bend knees and take a big step to the side. Repeat across the pool.
Pain in seniors is very common, but it doesn’t have to be your new normal.
Watch Conviva’s “Bone and Joint Health” on-demand video for more information about how to prevent and treat joint discomfort.
Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your health care provider before beginning any new fitness or dietary plan. References provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Should you have any health-related questions, you should contact your health care provider.
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