Aquatic exercise is often praised because it offers a full-body workout, is easy on the joints, and is approachable for those with arthritis and limited mobility. But there's another reason to consider aquatic exercise — regardless of your mobility level. Aquatic exercise torches calories, which makes it a very smart choice for those pursuing weight loss, and for those trying to maintain their weight.
How many calories do different aquatic exercises burn?
Water aerobics is becoming a pretty popular form of aquatic exercise. Some water aerobics classes are so upbeat and engaging that you can participate for an hour and leave feeling like you were just at a party, not a fitness class. As you dance and swim about, you can burn up to 501 calories per hour. For comparison's sake, that's almost as much as you'd burn in an hour on a rowing machine at the gym — and most people would agree water aerobics is more fun!
Maybe you're less of an aerobics person and more of a swimmer. You don't even have to swim aggressively. To burn 528 calories an hour, you just have to swim at a light to moderate level of exertion. That's almost two slices of pizza you can burn up by swimming casual laps.
Then, there are the more aggressive, outdoor water sports. These can really get your heart pumping from adrenaline, but also because they're quite physically demanding. Water skiing can burn 546 calories per hour. Aggressive swimming in the ocean can burn 892 calories per hour.
How can you increase your calorie burn with aquatic exercise?
As with any other type of exercise, the more you put into aquatic exercise, the more calories you're going to burn. Keep in mind, though, that you do not want to push yourself too hard in the beginning because then you may sustain an injury and get burned out. Whether you're swimming, doing water aerobics, or participating in some other water sport, ease your way into it and push yourself a little harder each time.
Having the right swimwear can also make it easier for you to torch calories through aquatic exercise. If you're comfortable in the water, you'll be able to work out longer, and you won't have to deal with painful issues like chafing. For indoor aquatic exercise, you want a chlorine-resistant bathing suit that offers plenty of support. This does not mean it has to be ugly; there are plenty of more athletic bathing suits with attractive cuts and colorful patterns. For those that cool in the pool indoors or out swimwear made with neoprene is a good choice.It helps retain your body heat and insulate you from the cooler water for a more comfortable workout. Neoprene garments should fit snug on your body to reduce the flow of water between you and the neoprene garment. The water that is between you and the garment has been warmed by your body heat.and you do not want to replace it. .For outdoor aquatic activity, swimwear made with neoprene is a good choice, as it will insulate you from the cold water, making longer workouts possible.
To keep yourself motivated and keep your calorie burn high, also change things up once in a while. If you're used to swimming, try a water aerobics class now and then instead. You'll use different muscles, which will not only help tone your physique, but will also burn more calories.
Aquatic exercise is easy on the joints and bones, but it can still pack a punch in terms of calorie burn. If you want to burn more than 500 calories an hour without having to pound the pavement or sit on a boring piece of exercise equipment, there are lots of water-based options to explore. Find the perfect chlorine-resistant swimwear from H20 Wear, and get ready to feel the burn!
