Water aerobics for all ages! Photo by Hbrinkman on sxc.hu by jstarr

You've seen it. There you are on vacation, sunbathing by the pool, and a bunch of vacationers start dancing and doing odd-looking exercises in the pool while an instructor stands on the pool edge and barks orders.

These exercises and dances are none other than water aerobics.

Now, I don't think much about exercising while on vacation. The last thing I want to do is any movement that involves getting up from a pool-side chair. However, last week, while on vacation in the Dominican Republic, I discovered that water aerobics is not to be dreaded.

My friend was able to convince me to let my guard down about the weird phobia that I had against water aerobics and just enjoy myself. I discovered that not only is water aerobics a great idea to get in shape, but you can also expand your horizons by meeting new people from all over the world.

I must admit that after 20 minutes of dancing, conga lining, and lifting my arms in the air, I felt great! I felt every single muscle in my body being worked, and not to mention I also worked up a huge appetite.

Water aerobics does not have to be solely based on just moving your arms and legs. You can add water weights, weight belts, or even floatation devices in order to increase your workout.

I promise you, coming from this convert, a little movement every now and then will not ruin your vacation, or your time in the sun! If you are not a work-out fanatic, not to worry! You can go at your own pace and work to the best of your ability. You do not need to be any sort of “professional water aerobics” person to enjoy this type of exercise.

Some of the benefits of water aerobics include:

Not sweating much, because of the cool water. Not overheating, because of the cool water. Moving muscles that you're not used to moving. Full control of the level of difficulty, since there is nothing holding you back. Burning massive amounts of calories Improving endurance and posture Improving balance and flexibility Toning muscles Reduced stress on joints and bones Safe for all ages and people who know how to swim

To find out more about water aerobics please use these sites to get your feet wet:

Diabetic Lifestlye

Water Aerobic Workout

Diets in Review