Benefits of water sports

The search for a healthy life is increasingly evident and the gyms increasingly crowded. Water sports are popular because they shape the body, relieve the stresses of everyday life and are very fun.

Exercises performed in water promote muscle strengthening, due to hydrostatic pressure, exerted when the body is submerged, and have massaging effect that favors blood circulation.

Doing activity in the water keeps the body temperature stable, which helps the student maintain the intensity of the exercise throughout the class, resulting in better physical results.

Second, Alexandre Vieira, Specialist Professor at UNIFESP? Paulista School of Medicine in Methodological and Physiological Bases of Sports Training, water sports are excellent because they work the various muscle groups, help reduce body fat and can contribute to the recovery of injuries, as it does not impact the joints.

As it is a low risk activity in relation to injuries, it is a perfect sport to be practiced also during pregnancy.

Water facilitates physical activity for pregnant women, as the sensation of body weight reduces 90% when submerged. The practice of sports during this phase improves circulation, reduces cardiovascular stress, increases strength, increases muscle endurance, improves sleep quality and increases caloric expenditure, avoiding excessive weight gain.

Exercises in the water are also excellent for people with breathing problems such as asthma or allergic bronchitis. This type of activity reduces the hypersensitivity of the bronchi, reducing seizures and attacks of breathlessness.

Older people and people with disabilities are another group that can substantially benefit from water activities, increasing levels of strength, endurance, balance and especially mobility, prolonging their functional independence and allowing them to live in a self-reliant and dignified manner.

Ask your doctor for help in assessing and guiding the right activity for you and choosing which of the water activities will help your health, physical, psychological and social well-being.

Water activities

• Swimming: Displacement into the water by movement of arms and legs. It works the heart and respiratory system, making the fitness improve.
• Water aerobics: Gymnastics in the water. Improves aerobic capacity, cardiorespiratory endurance, endurance and muscle strength, flexibility and overall well-being.
• Hydrobike, hidrospinning or acquabike: Method is based on conventional spinning, but the submerged bicycle has no load. Causes bone and muscle stimulation and promotes cardiorespiratory resistance.
• Hydro Jump: Collective and choreographed activity on top of a small trampoline. Impulses develop body balance, being an indicated activity for those who want to lose weight and gain muscle strength.
• Deep Water: Various exercises with the aid of a flotation vest, with which the student does not touch the bottom of the pool. Improves flexibility and works the respiratory system.
• Deep Water Running: Running in the pool where moving forward or staying relatively in place depends on subtle changes in body position. Improves posture and promotes muscle strength.
• Water Yoga: Traditional yoga adapted for the aquatic environment. Water resistance intensifies exercise for greater calorie burning.
• Water Polo: Similar to handball, only practiced in water. It also works the coordination and the reflex.
• Synchronized swimming: Synchronized swimming movements. Assists in improving flexibility, agility and fitness.
• Watsu: Zen-Shiatsu in the water. Stimulates circulation and improves body balance.
• Surfing: Movements standing on a board over the water. Develops motor coordination and works all muscle groups.
• Integral Surf Training: Surf-focused fitness program that includes bodybuilding, stretching and water movement lessons. Improves fitness and balance over water.
• Canoeing: Canoeing or kayaking (usually with smaller internal space) with paddles. Strengthens muscles and fights stress.
• Stand up paddle (SUP): Stand up paddle surfing. Reeducates body posture and promotes good fitness.
• Kitesurfing: Movements standing on a board with a kite at the waist over the water. Stimulates balance, reflexes and physical endurance.

It is very important to have the support of a professional when practicing any physical activity. Only accept to take classes with physical education professionals.

Health Benefits of Water Sports Activities (April 2024)