Denton County Living Well Magazine July/August 2019 | Page 27

IT’S TIME TO GET
BACK IN THE POOL
P
ut on your bathing suit, grab a pool noodle, and get
ready to dance it out! Aquatic therapy has many
proven health benefits for seniors. Best of all, you
can have fun while getting your exercise in. Wheth-
er you’re recovering from an injury or you’re look-
ing to maintain your fitness level, there’s a water workout
that can help you meet your goals.
Discover the benefits
As we age, staying active can be difficult for many reasons.
We all know that regular exercise can help us stay healthy,
but sometimes underlying medical conditions
can make typical cardio and strength work-
outs very difficult. That’s why aquatic therapy
is so important for seniors–– especially those
with arthritis. Being in the water not only
creates a natural resistance to help improve
balance and strength, the natural buoyancy
you’ll have in the water significantly reduces
the amount of stress on your body.
Courtesy Preston Place
Improve your physical and mental health
While most forms of exercise are good for your health,
working out in the water is beneficial. It’s known to get
your heart rate up and help with fat burn, as you’re fight-
ing against the current of the water. To top it off, aquatic
therapy is most often done in a social setting with friends.
Not only are you getting endorphins through exercise,
you’ll be able to reap the benefits of socialization and
laughter, which can improve mental health and fight de-
pression and anxiety.
If you’re looking for a great rehabilitation
program, seeking treatment for an injury, or
simply looking to get in a good workout, talk
to your doctor to see if aquatic therapy is
right for you and learn more about the bene-
fits below.
Take care of your joints
It’s called pounding the pavement for a reason. When
you’re outside taking a walk, as relaxing as it might be,
your joints are undergoing a lot of stress. However, when
you’re in the pool, the water provides a low-impact, lower
weight-bearing form of exercise thanks to the natural buoy-
ancy the water provides. For those with arthritis, aquatic
therapy allows you to stay active and provides relief from
pain.
Increase your strength
Building strength and balance is especially important for
seniors as it lowers the risk of falls. Participating in regu-
lar forms of exercise, like water aerobics, works to build
up the necessary strength to maintain good posture and
balance. Unlike a land workout, water makes the muscles
work harder by providing a natural resistance. Since falls
are a leading cause of injury among older adults, building
up your strength to improve your balance can greatly lower
your risk.
Pain management
For those with chronic pain, being in the pool can signifi-
cantly help. Again, thanks to the natural resistance of the
water and the buoyancy your body has when submerged,
you’ll be able to move around more freely to stretch and
strengthen the areas you feel pain. While aquatic therapy
is different for everyone, being in the water helps many
manage their symptoms and provides temporary relief.
Have fun!
Through different forms of aquatic therapy, working out
doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Most classes are tailored
to the interests and abilities of the participants so you can
feel safe and comfortable getting in the water and giving
it your all.
*Always consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program.
If you’re interested in trying out a water aerobics class, Preston Place Retirement offers classes to seniors
every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Call 972-931-1123 to see how you and a friend can join us!
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2019
25