The Best Physical Activity for Pain

If you are struggling with pain, but want to be physically active there is hope! Water aerobics is one of the best forms of exercise that you can participate in, and it is for everyone. There are numerous benefits associated with water aerobics. This article will cover the benefits of water aerobics, and the best water aerobic exercises to do.

Benefits of water aerobics

Water aerobics is a very low-impact activity, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t get your heart pumping. Your heart will become stronger, and more efficient if you regularly participate in water aerobics. It has been found that aquatic workouts may lower your blood pressure.

Aquatic workouts bring a different element to exercise because there is constant resistance. In every direction, your body is constantly fighting resistance against the water. Changing the speed of the movement makes it easy for you to control the intensity of the workout. Water aerobics is one of the best activities to hit those hard-to-get muscles.

The low impact of aquatic workouts makes this type of exercise very appealing to many. Water aerobics adds minimal stress to your bones and joints, which decreases your chances of aggravating an injury. Water aerobics is great for rehabilitation, elderly populations, or individuals suffering from osteoporosis or arthritis. 

The best water aerobic exercises

  • Jogging: Imagine that you are running outside, but instead you’re jogging in place in a pool. Keep in mind, that the more shallow you are, the more weight you will have to carry. Turn up your jog by adding water weights.

  • Pool plank: In waist-deep water, stand up straight and hold a water noodle with both hands. Keep your arms and body straight as a board and slowly lean forward, while pushing the water-noodle into the water. Hold the plank for around 30 seconds. 

  • Jump squats: With your feet about hip-width apart, squat down and immediately jump up. Similar to squats outside, make sure that your knees do not fall outward or inward. Try to do three sets of 10-15 squats. 

  • Tricep dips: Line up your back against the side of the pool, with your hands firmly gripping the edge of the pool. Keep your elbows toward each other. Push your hands to lift your body out of the water, and then slowly and gently lower your body back into the water. Try to do three sets of 10-15. 
     

If you are dealing with pain, and want to become physically active, consider a consult with a chiropractic doctor Shawnee, KS who can help create a healing treatment plan for you. Certain exercises and stretches can be designed to help relieve some of your muscle discomfort. A specific exercise regimen can also be prescribed based on your needs. Chiropractors are trained in providing treatment plans to help manage pain and heal injuries in a holistic manner.

Thanks to LifeWorks for their insights on the best physical activity for pain, as well as alternative medicine.