Water-based activities offer a perfect balance between the physical and the mental and can be enjoyed by everybody, regardless of their physical condition or age.
Physical benefits
- Low impact
Because water reduces the effects of gravity, your knees, ankles, hips and back can move freely and don’t suffer the impact on the joints of land-based activities, as they don’t have to support your entire bodyweight. This makes it ideal for people with injuries or in search of an effective form of exercise without damaging their joints, while strengthening the muscles that surround them and providing them with more stability.
- Complete cardiovascular training
Water activates the cardiovascular system, both in gentle activities (like aquagym) and more intense workouts (like poolbike). The feeling of fatigue is much less, so the perceived effort is lower. This allows for longer or more frequent sessions, which in the long term significantly improves endurance and cardiovascular health.
- Muscle strengthening and toning
Water has the unique property of offering natural resistance in all directions. So, when you move in it, you work your muscles without using weights or machines, strengthening legs, arms and core, which improves posture and balance.
- Calorie burning
It’s a very effective calorie-burning sport because, without realising it, you’re working more intensely than in land-based activities without feeling the same level of exhaustion as running or in a high-intensity class at the gym. This makes it an ideal tool for weight loss or weight control.
Mental benefits
- Stress reduction
Water has an almost immediate effect on people’s mental state. The feeling of floating, the gentle pace of the exercises and the constant contact with the water create a unique atmosphere of calm that’s difficult to find in other forms of exercise.
- Mood improvement
As well as releasing endorphins, instructor-led classes in water have a playful component that contributes to releasing tensions and enhancing well-being.
- Better sleep quality
After a session, the body and mind are more relaxed. Physical exercise, in addition to the calmness provided by water, helps regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and rest better.
- Increased self-esteem.
People feel safer and more comfortable with their bodies, as water allows them to overcome limitations safely and without pressure, adapting to each person. Being able to move without pain, in a friendly environment, contributes to improving self-confidence.
The aquatic environment is more than just a place to exercise; it’s a place to find relief, strength and wellness. If you haven’t tried water-based activities yet, we encourage you to do so. Not only will you improve your fitness, but you’ll also discover a way to take care of your mental health in a pleasant and safe environment.
Christian Ñeco Mesas
Water-based activities and swimming classes instructor
Arena Alicante Sports Club
