Great exercise that's easy on the joints.

Aquatic therapy can reduce pain and stress while providing an efficient workout.

Move of the Month: Sidestepping

Strengthens hip and abdominal muscles. Stand in chest-deep water near one fringe of the pool along with your arms outstretched for balance. Then take a step forward along with your right leg. Pull your left foot toward your right in order that your legs are Keep moving towards it together other side of the pool. Then return to the side. Step forward along with your left leg, in your starting position. Example: Alayna Paquette

Why does it help?

Aquatic therapy has many advantages. “One of the things people love about it is the euphoric feeling. It takes the pressure off your body, and it gives instant relief to sore spots,” explains Olson. are Prosperity is just a part of the magic. Water provides resistance to your body, which helps you construct stronger muscles and bones. And the warmth of the water encourages you to maneuver, which has a helpful side effect: the repetitive motion pumps natural lubricants into the joints.

Another advantage of aquatic therapy is that it's a secure exercise: not only is it gentle on arthritic joints, which might help prevent further injury, however it also poses a lower risk of falling than land-based exercise. . “If you fall during hydrotherapy, you just get wet, not hurt,” says Olson.

How it really works

A typical aquatic therapy class takes place in a big pool and lasts 30 to 60 minutes. If you're disabled or have balance issues, you could be encouraged to bring a partner along to assist keep you regular within the water. After swimming for a couple of moments to get used to the water, often with the assistance of a small flotation device (think pool noodle), you'll begin the exercise.

The variety of exercises you may do within the pool might be as different as on land. “You can move your arms to work on improving posture, do compound movements for a good core muscle workout that supports your back, or do balance activities. You Aerobic exercise can also be done by marching, walking, running, jumping, and swimming,” says Olson. You may also work with special weights that float in water.

Where to seek out it?

If you're serious about taking an aquatic therapy class, Olson recommends testing a neighborhood YMCA, fitness center, senior center, or hospital. But don't expect insurance to pay for it. “Medicare and other insurers rarely cover the costs, although some insurance plans offer reimbursement if you participate in a fitness activity,” says Olson. You may have the opportunity to get coverage for aquatic therapy in case your doctor prescribes it as physical therapy. And many physical therapy groups offer therapy within the pool.

Look for either group-based rates of as much as $15 per class or personal trainer fees of $35 to $60 per half-hour, says Olson. This might be an expensive approach to exercise. So Olson recommends watching a category or training session first before jumping in.

Who is the candidate? Almost anyone can take an aquatic therapy class. It is useful for individuals with chronic pain from arthritic joints or fibromyalgia and for people who find themselves disabled. It can be considered secure for individuals with balance problems or disabilities from multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or stroke. Can't swim? Usually this shouldn't be an issue; You can wear a life vest. Olson also recommends therapy for people recovering from surgery, once the injuries have healed. But hydrotherapy shouldn't be right for individuals with open wounds, infectious disease, seizure disorders, or incontinence. Image: Thinkstock