« Climb all the way to the top with this playlist | Main | Holiday Nutritional Best Bets »
What’s better, Land or Aqua Aerobics?
By Christina | December 12, 2008
Aerobics is a term that has been given to group exercise classes where the music is thumping and people are jumping but aerobics can also apply to other types of classes. Aqua aerobics has many of the same benefits as land aerobics. Here are some of the differences between the two besides the obvious land versus water.
Toning and Shaping:
Land Aerobics:The standard moves such as marching, jumping jacks, and knee lifts work the calves, glutes, hips and thighs. Land aerobics are not excellent for the upper body because there’s no resistance to work against unless there are dumbbells in the hands.
Aqua-Aerobics: More toning potential because water has 12 times the resistance of air. Unlike gravity, the resistance exerted by water applies in both directions, so each movement works two muscle groups.
Fat Reduction:
Land Aerobics:Aerobic classes or cardio on stationary equipment is a 30 minute minimum nonstop cardiovascular exercise which incorporates the whole body, so it’s high on calorie expenditure, although less so in low-impact classes, where one foot is always on the ground.
Aqua-Aerobics:Aqua aerobics used to be perceived as the workout for the overweight, pregnant or injured. It is now believed to be a valid alternative to the standard aerobic workouts as long as the intensity is kept high.
Skeletal System
Land Aerobics: Weight bearing exercises are important to maintaining a healthy bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Aqua-Aerobics: Because aqua aerobics does not really allow you to reach more than 40% of your body weight resistance, it is not the best workout for increasing bone density.
Pregnancy
Land Aerobics: When you are pregnant, high impact exercise is not recommended unless it is what you are accustomed to but low-impact classes are fine.
Aqua-Aerobics:The absence of high impact makes this perfect for pregnant women. Good for physical and mental well being.
Balance and coordination
Land Aerobics: These exercises which include multi-directional moves improve coordination and agility.
Aqua-Aerobics: Not as good at improving coordination, it is good for those with poor balance.
Topics: Aqua Fitness |
