Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels, which is a primary goal for diabetes management, but it also contributes to positive changes in body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps increase overall quality of life, study authors note.
Exercising in water, also known as aquatic exercise or water-based workouts, offers a wide range of benefits due to the unique properties of water. Here are some advantages of exercising in water:
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Low-Impact Exercise: Water provides buoyancy, reducing the impact on joints and bones. This makes aquatic exercises suitable for individuals with joint pain, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries.
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Reduced Risk of Injury: The buoyancy of water minimizes the risk of falling and impact-related injuries, making it a safe option for people of various fitness levels and ages.
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Resistance Training: Water offers natural resistance, making every movement in the water more challenging and effective for building strength and muscle tone.
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Cardiovascular Conditioning: Water workouts can provide effective cardiovascular training, improving heart health and endurance without the stress on joints associated with high-impact activities.
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Improved Flexibility: The water's resistance allows for gentle stretching and improved flexibility, helping to increase range of motion in joints.
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Enhanced Circulation: The pressure of the water on the body can aid in improving blood circulation, which is beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.
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Cooling Effect: Water helps dissipate body heat, keeping you cooler during workouts, especially in warm environments.
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Whole-Body Workout: Water exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, offering a comprehensive full-body workout.
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Balance and Core Stability: The instability of water requires engaging core muscles for balance, enhancing core strength and stability.
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Low Risk of Overheating: Water workouts reduce the risk of overheating and dehydration often associated with high-intensity land-based exercises.
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Pain Relief: The water's hydrostatic pressure can provide pain relief for sore muscles and joints by reducing inflammation and promoting circulation.
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Mind-Body Connection: The calming effect of water can contribute to a relaxed mental state, reducing stress and promoting a positive mindset during exercise.
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Accessible: Water-based exercise can be accessible to a wide range of people, including pregnant individuals, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those in rehabilitation.
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Variety of Activities: Water offers versatility for various activities such as swimming, water aerobics, aqua jogging, water yoga, and more.
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Social Interaction: Group water classes can provide a social and supportive environment, encouraging consistent participation and motivation.
Whether you're swimming laps, participating in water aerobics, or engaging in other water-based exercises, taking advantage of the benefits of exercising in water can be a fun and effective way to improve your fitness and overall well-being. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.For people with type 2 diabetes, exercising in water is just as effective at improving blood sugar as other types of workouts, according to a review of existing research.