April 2022 Senior Newsletter

Aquatic exercise is a great option for individuals who are looking for a low impact option and will keep you moving. Don’t have a pool membership? Visit ophfc. com or stop by the Orland Park Health and Fitness Center to see aquatics offerings and more! OPHFC Fitness Tip: Try Aquatic Exercises!

3

4

5

What are the benefits of aquatic exercise? Let’s dive in:

1

1

Low Impact Exercise

2

Aquatic exercises are low impact on your joints and can be beneficial for individuals living with arthritis, and lessen pain for those with osteoporosis. Water exercises have also been proven to improve heart health and reduce stress. You can do aquatic exercises even if you don't know how to swim. Try starting with water walking. In water that’s about waist-high, walk across the pool swinging your arms (as you do when walking on land), keeping your back straight, and avoid walking on your tiptoes. Anyone Can Do It 2

5

Lots of Options

The water provides resistance to strengthen your muscles. There is also a variety of resistance equipment that you can use to progress the resistance. Try exercising with water bells or even a pool noodle to increase muscle strength! It can be social (if you’d like it to be!). Water walk with a friend in the shallow lane to or meet new people in group classes! To join an aquatic class at OPHFC visit ophfc.com/membership . Natural Water Resistance It’s Fun! 4 3

There are a variety of options! Options vary between types of pools, water temperatures, and different modes of exercise. You can try water walking, swimming, attend an Aqua Aerobics class or even an Arthritis Aqua class catered to individuals who have arthritis – just to name a few of these options! To increase resistance as your hands and arms move through the water, wear hand webs or other resistance devices. Water shoes can help you maintain better traction on the bottom of the pool.

ORLAND PARK SENIORS | 31

orlandpark.org