Study proves that water aerobics can shed your fat

Water aerobics (Image via Freepik)
Water aerobics (Image via Freepik)

Water aerobics, often perceived as a gentle exercise alternative, is increasingly substantiated by science as a powerhouse of health benefits. The buoyant nature of water provides a unique medium for exercise, offering resistance and support in ways land-based workouts cannot.

Recent studies illuminate the extensive advantages of water aerobics. From improving cardiovascular health to enhancing physical strength, research has proved that these activities are not just a splash in the pond but a wave of wellness for diverse populations.


The Impact of Water Aerobics on Health and Fitness

Aerobics (Image via Unsplash/Swastik Arora)
Aerobics (Image via Unsplash/Swastik Arora)

1. PLOS ONE: Effects of Water Aerobics on Adults and Older Adults

The PLOS ONE study conducted a non-randomized controlled trial with 23 participants. The exercise group, consisting of 15 volunteers, underwent 45 minutes of water aerobics twice weekly, while the control group of eight volunteers abstained from physical exercise.

Assessments were conducted before and after 12 weeks, focusing on explosive strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, body anthropometry, lipid profile, and blood pressure.

Results indicated moderate improvements in explosive strength, reduced body fat, and lowered systolic blood pressure in the exercise group. Thus, water aerobics is a beneficial exercise for physical fitness, particularly in adults and older adults.


2. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine: Aquatic HIIT's Impact on Chronic Conditions

In this research, 18 trials involving 868 participants with chronic conditions were analyzed to compare Aquatic High-Intensity Interval Training (AHIIT) with land-based HIIT (LBHIIT). AHIIT was found to moderately improve exercise capacity, compared to no exercise, and had fewer adverse events.

The study also highlighted the high adherence rates to AHIIT, suggesting that water's natural support and buoyancy may facilitate the effectiveness of high-intensity training. Thus, it is a safe and valuable alternative exercise for individuals with chronic conditions.


3. Yahoo News: Water Exercises for Cardiovascular Health

Aerobics (Image via Unsplash/July)
Aerobics (Image via Unsplash/July)

According to a study reported by Yahoo News, water-based aerobic exercises are as effective as gym workouts in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The study underlined the long-term benefits of regular water aerobics on cardiovascular health, advocating for its inclusion in public health strategies aimed at disease prevention.

Although specific methodologies of the study were not detailed in the report, the outcomes suggest that water aerobics could be integrated into exercise regimens for those seeking to improve their heart health.


4. PubMed: Aqua Power Aerobics for Body Mass Reduction

The Aqua Power aerobics study on PubMed focused on 37 middle-aged, overweight women over six months. The participants engaged in Aqua Power aerobic sessions twice a week, with evaluations using the near-infrared method for body composition and self-monitored heart rates during exercise.

Post-intervention, there was a significant reduction in body composition elements and heart rate. It reinforced the effectiveness of Aqua Power aerobics in weight management and cardiovascular fitness for middle-aged females.


5. PubMed: Water Exercise's Effects on Sarcopenic Obesity

Aerobics (Image via Freepik)
Aerobics (Image via Freepik)

This study targeted older females with sarcopenic obesity, dividing them into a water exercise group and a control group. For 12 weeks, the water exercise group performed strength and endurance exercises in water three times a week.

Measurements were taken via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for body composition. The results showed significant decreases in body fat percentage, especially in the legs. It demonstrates that water exercises are a promising intervention for fat reduction in older women with obesity issues.


Water aerobics emerges from the depths of these studies as a multifaceted form of exercise, catering to a spectrum of needs from weight management to chronic disease mitigation. The versatility of water as an exercise medium offers a low-impact, high-resistance environment suitable for all ages and abilities.

These studies collectively underscore the role of aerobics not just in enhancing physical parameters such as strength and body composition but also in offering a safer alternative for those with limitations to engage in high-intensity activities.

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