Aqua Pilates is a pool-based exercise that uses water resistance to provide a full-body workout. It is beneficial for those with health conditions that prevent the use of mats or reformers. The only necessary equipment is a pool, and some exercises may require a pool noodle or gloves. Aqua Pilates can improve body image, mental outlook, and emotional psyche. Certified instructors are recommended to avoid injury.
Aqua Pilates turns mat-based Pilates and reformer Pilates exercises into pool-based exercises. It’s similar to traditional Pilates in that it works to lengthen the body and increase abdominal and back strength. Like traditional Pilates, it is also helpful for better posture and balance. It is most beneficial for people affected by health conditions that prevent the use of mats or reformers, such as arthritis, scoliosis, and chronic obesity. In most cases, very little equipment is needed for Aqua Pilates.
With Aqua Pilates, the water and muscles of the body provide the resistance needed to receive a full body workout. The water also allows people to focus on the fluidity of their movements and gives them a sense of grace. By feeling fluid and graceful, participants can improve their body image, mental outlook, and emotional psyche.
The only truly mandatory equipment for aqua Pilates is a pool. Some exercises may require the use of a pool noodle. Also, people looking for a more strenuous workout can use gloves that have membranes to tone their arms and shoulders. They can also use leg cuffs to strengthen their leg muscles. Water shoes are not necessary, but some people find that they prevent slipping.
In some cases, a Pilates mat-based exercise like “the 100” is adapted for a pool. In that case, a person would wrap a noodle around the lower section of their ribcage. He would then bend his body into a V shape with his buttocks pointing towards the bottom of the pool. The next step would be to hold the “V” shape as you pulse your arms up and down 100 times. This is done while you are suspended by the noodles in the pool.
Other Aqua Pilates moves are less derivative of traditional Pilates. For example, a common Aqua Pilates move is to suspend the body, parallel to the pool floor, while holding the pool noodles. More advanced moves can incorporate stretches, twists, and splits. Most of these movements are slow, fluid, and very deliberate. By asking for balance in the body, the abdominal and back muscles are strengthened.
Some aquatic centers and gyms offer aqua Pilates. Also, there are DVDs available so that people can learn and perhaps memorize exercises or entire routines. As with traditional Pilates, certification is available to instructors. To avoid injury, it’s best to find a certified instructor who is confident in aqua Pilates. Any injuries should be addressed before beginning the program, and the participant should discontinue this form of exercise if there is any pain associated with the workout.
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