A flotation belt is a buoyant device worn around the waist during water exercises to maintain correct posture and relieve lower back pain. It is commonly used in water aerobics and can be adjustable, but should not be used as a flotation device. The belt is usually made of durable foam and should be worn above the hips and below the ribcage.
A flotation belt is a device made of any buoyant material, such as closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, that is attached around the waist. The belt is typically worn during cardiovascular exercises and resistance training while submerged in shallow or deep water. Perhaps the most popular use for flotation belts is in water aerobics classes. Flotation devices are believed to help maintain correct posture, thus relieving the lower back while exercising.
Water activities where a buoyancy belt might be used include running and practicing drills. Other exercises involving the device include water aerobics, which are often part of the physical rehabilitation process after injury. The elderly may also find water aerobics easy on the joints, but still build muscle mass through endurance. Using a flotation belt is one way to help make aquatic exercises safer, as it can help the body maintain a natural, upright position. However, most product manufacturers advise that belts should not be used as flotation devices, as small belts may not support full body weight.
Although the body’s natural buoyancy in water can dramatically decrease stress on the joints, many people find that the lower back can become tight over time. This can happen during aerobic exercise, because the body tends to hunch forward, lifting the feet off the ground. Therefore, the feet, knees and hips do not absorb any pressure. A flotation belt can help you fit properly so that any impact is distributed properly.
Flotation belts are usually made of durable foam that floats on water. A good product will be made with closed cell foam that prevents the belt from getting tangled which could lead to bacteria growth inside the belt. The flotation belt can also be uncomfortable and heavy if it’s made of cheap material that isn’t waterproof.
Many times, a flotation belt will be adjustable. The belt should be worn above the hips and below the ribcage for maximum effect and minimum discomfort. Some argue that flotation belts can ride up your back during exercise; others complain that chafing occurs along the belt line and where the inner arms rub against the belt. Many belts offer waist measurements to help ensure these problems don’t occur.
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