Not every workout has to leave you breathless or drenched in sweat to be effective. Low-impact workouts—especially aquatic exercise—are gaining popularity for a reason. They’re joint-friendly, stress-reducing, and surprisingly effective for building strength, endurance, and mobility.
At Summit Athletic Club, we offer aquatic classes and swim facilities to help members of all fitness levels enjoy the powerful benefits of water-based exercise. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing joint pain, or just looking for a refreshing change from the gym, aquatic exercise might be exactly what your fitness routine needs.
What Is Aquatic Exercise?
Aquatic exercise includes any physical activity performed in the water, typically in a swimming pool. These workouts range from aqua aerobics and water walking to lap swimming and aquatic strength training.
Because water provides natural resistance and buoyancy, it offers a unique environment for exercise that’s easy on the body but effective at building strength and improving cardiovascular health.
Why Aquatic Workouts Are Considered Low-Impact
“Low-impact” means the exercises minimize stress on your joints, muscles, and bones. In water, your body weight is supported by buoyancy, reducing the impact on knees, hips, ankles, and spine. That makes aquatic workouts ideal for individuals with:
- Arthritis
- Joint pain or inflammation
- Mobility limitations
- Post-surgical recovery needs
- Chronic back or knee pain
Even seasoned athletes benefit from the reduced strain of water workouts while still achieving solid gains in endurance and muscle tone.
Key Benefits of Aquatic Exercise
1. Gentle on the Joints
Water cushions your movements, providing a low-impact environment that’s ideal for people managing joint issues or recovering from injury.
2. Increases Muscle Strength
The natural resistance of water is 12–14 times greater than air, which means every movement requires more effort. This helps tone and strengthen muscles without the need for heavy weights.
3. Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Water workouts can elevate your heart rate in a controlled, sustainable way, improving overall cardiovascular endurance.
4. Improves Flexibility and Balance
The resistance and support of water make it easier to perform stretching and balance exercises. Many people find they have a wider range of motion in the pool than they do on land.
5. Reduces Stress and Tension
Being in water is soothing. The hydrostatic pressure can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
6. Burns Calories Effectively
A 30-minute aquatic workout can burn just as many calories as land-based cardio, especially when it includes intervals or resistance-based movements.
Aquatic Programs at Summit Athletic Club
At Summit, we offer a variety of aquatic fitness options designed to meet you at your level:
- Aqua Aerobics: Group classes with upbeat music and instructor-led cardio movements.
- Lap Swimming: Perfect for solo workouts focused on endurance and rhythm.
- Water Walking: A great option for seniors or beginners to increase heart rate and mobility.
- Recovery Sessions: Gentle movements in water can aid post-workout recovery.
Our indoor pool is available year-round, making it easy to stick to your aquatic fitness goals in every season.
Who Should Try Aquatic Exercise?
Aquatic exercise is ideal for:
- Seniors looking for a safe, effective workout
- Pregnant individuals seeking low-risk fitness options
- Athletes in recovery or off-season training
- Beginners easing into a new workout routine
- Anyone managing chronic pain or joint conditions
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for variety in your workout routine, aquatic fitness is a valuable tool that supports total body health.
Dive Into Your Fitness Goals
Aquatic exercise is more than just a refreshing workout—it’s a powerful form of movement that supports long-term fitness, recovery, and joint health. At Summit Athletic Club, our aquatic programs are designed to give you results without the strain.
Join us today to experience the benefits of low-impact workouts and take the plunge into better health.