With the effects of gravity countered by water’s natural buoyancy, muscles needed to keep the body upright can take a break in order to isolate others for toning.
Saltwater Pool Therapy
In Seattle, m’illumino, a movement arts studio, maintains an outdoor in-ground saltwater pool, heated to 96 degrees, that was custom-built for therapy. Own- er Bridget Thompson offers Feldenkrais sessions in the water and a specially adapted form of shiatsu. “Being in the pool is like returning to the womb,” she says. “Sounds are muffled, and it’s al- most like sensory deprivation, so you’re really able to sense the inner body.”
At the Lake
Beach surf is an ideal aquatic play- ground if you have access, but for many, the closest approximation is a lake. Carlson says, “I think the reason that you don’t see the same types of shallow water activities in a lake is that
people can’t see very far below the sur- face of the water, and the bottom may be uneven, bumpy or rocky.” She cau- tions, “A lake with a beachfront where the underwater portion is well main- tained lends itself to aquatic fitness, but be careful in your choice of location, because of the bottom and balance issues. I recommend that you always wear properly fitted and comfortable water shoes, even in a pool.”
On the River
Many rivers and streams also provide fertile opportunities for a little exer- cise and therapeutic relaxation. Float- ing downstream in an inner tube, or “tubing,” on a shallow river can give legs and arms a workout, but as Sherry Green, manager of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, in North Florida, states, “Folks truly enjoy floating down the Ichetuknee; some so much so that they have made it a family tradition. There aren’t many places that offer the visitor a cool river, a comfortable float and
MAKE WATER YOUR BFF – BEST FITNESS FRIEND
Local Aquatic Fitness for All Ages and Shapes by Linda Sechrist
S
ylvia Aizpurviete has always found water to be a friend that could lift her up. As the owner of Holistic Aquat- ic Therapy & Wellness, she shares her love of water and its many benefits with clients who enjoy pool exercises, individually or in groups, in their own pool or one owned by a homeowner’s association.
An instructor of water Ai Chi and Superswim, and master trainer for a recognized sports rehabilitation/condi- tioning system known as the Burdenko Method, Aizpurviete enjoys being able to offer a variety of water exercises for all ages and shapes. Ai Chi is Tai chi in water, a simple combination of deep breathing and low, broad move- ments accompanied by relaxing music. Superswim is stationary swim training and low-impact aerobic water exercis- es, and the Burdenko Method is rapid rehabilitation and conditioning through a program of water and land exercises
based on specific exercises that focus on balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength.
“Exercises in shallow water require no swimming ability,” advises Aizpur- viete, who notes that the buoyancy of water is exceptionally beneficial to individuals that are unable to exercise on land. As a regular physical activity, she points out that aquatic exercise can help lower blood pressure and choles- terol, as well as improve oxygen de- livery to muscles. “Few people realize that water aerobics or aquatic fitness (exercises performed in a vertical posi- tion in either shallow or deep water) can burn between 400 and 500 calories in one hour,” she enthuses.
Aquatic Noodle Exercises to
Strengthen Core Muscles n Stand in waist-deep water, with feet shoulder-width apart. Place a noodle under the right foot. Keep the back
wildlife viewing while conversing with friends and family. Daily distractions are removed while floating the river.” When exercising outdoors in a pool or another body of water, remember to stay hydrated by drinking sufficient pure water, too. Keep a reusable water bottle, waterproof sunscreen, towel and ap- propriate footwear handy. For those that first try non-swimming aquatic activities to overcome inexperience or apprehen- sion, the resulting comfortable familiar- ity will deliver multiple healthy benefits and may even result in a life-changing payoff: swimming lessons.
The Mayo Clinic provides an instruc- tional, non-swimming, water exercise slide show online at
tinyurl.com/ 42ucg77.
Martin Miron is a freelance writer and editor for Natural Awakenings, in Naples, FL. Contact him at emem.
creative@gmail.com.
straight, while bending the right leg and quickly pushing the noodle down four to five inches. Then, slowly bring the foot up, concentrating on controlled move- ments, with abdominal muscles tensed and maintaining balance while standing on one leg. Alternate with the left leg.
n Stand in waist-deep water with feet shoulder-width apart. Lift the right leg and place a noodle under the right ankle. Keep the back straight, while bending the leg and quickly pushing the noodle down four to five inches. Maintain only a slight range of motion while allowing the leg to rise and return to its initial position. Concentrate on controlled movements, with abdomi- nals tensed and maintaining balance. Alternate with the left leg.
n Sit on a noodle. Keep the back straight and do a seated jumping jack by moving the legs and arms apart. Concentrate on controlling movements with tensed abdominals to maintain core stability.
For more information call Holistic Aquatic Therapy & Wellness at 239- 860-6625 or email Sylveraqua@
gmail.com.
natural awakenings August 2011 45
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