Active Southern West Virginia is looking for community members interested in obtaining a water aerobics instructor certification to teach group water aerobics in their community. As we prepare for the winter months, we recognize opportunities for activity will be more difficult to create so we are willing to contact local hotels and other indoor pool facilities to request use of their space for community members to come in and stay active through winter.
Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity can reduce risk factors for chronic disease. Common modes of aerobic physical activity include walking, running, cycling, or swimming. Water-based physical activity has many benefits, especially for those just starting to get active. It allows for low impact on bones, joints, and muscles as well as a natural resistance.
The benefits of water-based exercise include:
- Water allows for a longer workout than would be possible on land due to a decreased amount of joint and muscle pain.
- Water aerobics offers an indoor exercise option during long winter months.
- Water aerobics classes allow for a sense of camaraderie among participants and therefore allows for increased social support.
- Water-based exercise is useful for those with arthritis because it allows strengthening of the joints without worsening the symptoms.
- Water-based exercise has also proven to improve functional mobility of joints and reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Water-based exercise has proven to have positive effects on mental health, such as decreasing anxiety, depression, and improving mood.
- Water-based exercises improve bone health in post-menopausal women.
Water-based exercise is the preferred mode of exercise for pregnant women, overweight and obese populations, older adults, and kids/adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about instructing water aerobics, email Program Assistant Courtney Roark at [email protected].
Sources: cdc.gov, mayoclinic.org
