Water-based
aerobics offer an excellent way to improve cardiac conditioning and - because of the consistent resistance from
water - can
increase strength.
Classes generally include a variety of gentle, rhythmic movements, usually performed standing in waist- or chest- deep water. At waist-level, water supports around 50 percent of your body weight; chest-deep, it supports 80-90 percent of your weight. This makes
aerobics very low -impact. Occasionally floatation devices are used in deeper water for a completely impact- free work-out.
A range of special equipment is also available, including waterproof dumb-bells and webbed resistance gloves, designed to increase the resistance of water.