Water aerobics is a popular way for seniors to exercise in a safe, fun environment, and there are many health benefits that can help seniors meet their fitness goals and improve their health and well-being. No pool? No problem! Seniors living in Amelia Island and the surrounding area can visit the Atlantic Recreation Center and use their heated pool for a nominal fee.
The Atlantic Recreation Center’s outdoor pool is open year-round and heated to about 85 degrees during the cooler months. The pool is closed when the outside temperature drops below 35 degrees, so if in doubt, call 904-310-3350 ext. 1 for the status of pool closure.
How Seniors Benefit from Aquatic Exercise
Exercising in water is low impact, but it provides resistance, which is needed to build muscle; allows greater range of motion for stiff joints; improves heart and lung function; and keeps body temperature down to a safe level during the workout, which is critical in Florida.
Types of Aquatic Exercises
There are five main types of water exercises that are perfect for seniors:
1. Lap Swimming
Swimming is probably the best exercise a senior can do. It’s easy on the joints, it gets the heart pumping, it builds muscle, and you aren’t likely to overheat. To get started, any stroke will do, but set your eventual goal for 30 minutes of lap swimming and start working your way toward it.
2. Walking and Resistance
Water walking is just like regular walking, only better! The water resistance gives you a challenging workout but without the joint stress.
3. Balance and Relaxation
Falls are a common cause of injury for those 60 and older, so improving balance should be a priority for all seniors. Aquatic yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are all excellent ways to build up your balance and flexibility without the danger of a fall — and they’re relaxing, too.
4. Water Aerobics
A strong heart is crucial to living life to the fullest during retirement. Water aerobics is a proven way for seniors to get an amazing cardiovascular workout, even if mobility is limited by arthritis or other challenges. Exercising in water will get your blood pumping whether you’re doing flutter kicks, arm circles, or marching. Here is a list of eight aerobic water exercises to help you build a strong heart.
5. Strength Training
If you need more of a challenge than water resistance alone, try bringing the weight room into the pool. Water weights give you the same benefits as their on-land equivalent, such as building muscle and increasing bone density, but you will find the workout to be much kinder to your joints.
Getting Started
For those interested in informal exercise, the Atlantic Recreation Center pool is open daily for scheduled public swims and lap swimming. The Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department also offers private swimming lessons and senior-friendly, instructor-led water fitness classes, including a basic shallow water exercise class, deep water fitness, and aqua gym, which combines both shallow and deep water exercises. You can find a list of the spring 2020 aquatics programming here.
It’s important to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, but if your healthcare provider gives you the all clear, signing up for a water aerobics class at the Atlantic Recreation Center, swimming laps, or trying any of the exercises mentioned above are excellent ways for local seniors to stay fit, have fun, and meet new people.
Additional Information
To learn more about aquatic fitness programming at the Atlantic Recreation Center, contact Aquatics Manager Kaitlyn Brown by email at kbrown@fbfl.org or by phone 904-310-3362.
Atlantic Recreation Center
2500 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
