Spa Pool Exercises and Light Weight Equipment

Aquatic exercise has moved out of the therapy and rehabilitation room and into the mainstream. And for good reason - the low impact, and the support given to the joints, mean this is a type of exercise that people of all ages, and physical conditions, can enjoy without worrying about injuring their bodies.

This is particularly true of the elderly, pregnant women, and those with conditions such as arthritis, and the plethora of spa pool exercise and light weight equipment available is a reflection of this diversity.

You can enjoy aquatic exercise without any special equipment, but using specially designed weights, belts, paddles, shoes and other accessories, allows you to add depth to your exercise program. Most of this equipment is designed to add resistance and so increase the intensity of the workout, though some equipment actually allows people with physical problems to more easily exercise.

When it comes to aquatic weights, you may want to check out Wet Bells, which are hand held exercisers that are similar to dumbbells. When wet, they add an extra level of resistance to continue strengthening and toning your muscles. Wet Bells can be used to enhance almost any aquatic exercise program. You can use them like weights or just hold on to them while you're doing your aerobics. If you've got one of the water treadmills, you could try incorporating these, or ankle weights, with that machine. And many people use them whilst jogging in water.

When jogging in water, you may want to try the Water Jogger. This is a floatation device that helps keep your head above deep water, and your body in the right posture, whilst you're jogging. It isn't a lifesaving device but rather something used to enhance your workouts. Depending on the depth of the water you are exercising in, you may not need one of these. However, they can help your alignment. Jogging underwater is quite a different experience to jogging on land. And you don't need to worry about your feet not being supported as you do your spa pool exercises. Underwater shoes give you the support, and the grip you need in water.

Sometimes participating in a water sport is an easier way to get exercise because it's fun and involves more than one person. Of course, you can get an incredible workout in the water with no equipment at all. If water exercise is appealing to you, check out the classes at your local fitness center. If you want to exercise at your home pool, there are books and DVDs that can teach you the basic moves.