Water aerobics is a special type of aerobic exercise that is performed in shallow water, usually at a swimming pool. This kind of exercise is usually done with the person standing upright with at least one of their feet touching the bottom of the pool.

Water aerobics has been shown to be an extremely effective way to stay healthy, lose weight, and alleviate conditions such as lower back pain, aching joints, and other mobility problems. 

In previous articles, we explained what water aerobic exercises are and listed the main benefits of aquatic aerobics. Now we’ll expand further on this topic by giving you a list of 5 useful tools that will help you get the most out of your aquatic aerobics classes in San Diego. Keep reading to learn more. 

What equipment is needed for water aerobics?

If you’re a newcomer to the world of aquatic aerobics, the only equipment you really need to get started is a swimsuit and a towel. Goggles may also be helpful if your water aerobics class involves a lot of splashing or your eyes are sensitive to chlorine.

In addition to that, here are 5 great tools for aquatic aerobics:

1. Kickboards

Kickboards are a tried-and-true way of exercising your lower body during an aquatic aerobics class. They can be used to perform freestyle kicks, breaststroke kicking, and fly kicking (also known as dolphin kicking). 

2. Water jogging belt

Water jogging is a great way to get all the benefits of running without any of the strain it can apply on your hips and knees. Having a water jogging belt enables you to remain buoyant while doing water jogging, without having to worry that the belt will chafe your skin or slide upwards as you jog.

3. Aquatic dumbbells

Unlike standard weight lifting exercises, the challenge with water dumbbells comes from how hard they are to submerge rather than lift. For this reason, these dumbbells are made out of buoyant foam and available in a few different resistance levels. They can be used for tricep pushes, flies, bicep curls, and more.

4. Wrist and ankle weights

A simple way to make your aquatic aerobic exercises more intense is by adding weights to your arms and legs. Furthermore, you can get adjustable weights that enable you to increase the weight as you grow stronger without having to invest into additional weight sets. 

5. Swim bar

These bars can be used for a number of different purposes such as stabilization while kicking (similar to how you would use a kickboard), as well as strengthening exercises. 

Do I need shoes for water aerobics?

More advanced (and strenuous) water aerobics workouts require you to wear special water shoes. When choosing the right shoes for your water exercises, make sure to pick a model that uses foam padding, rubber souls, and has good ventilation.

Although many water shoes come in one-size-fits-all styles, it’s highly advised that you find water shoes that perfectly fit the size of your feet. Doing so will prevent unnecessary discomfort while training. 

Where can I enlist at top-quality aquatic aerobics classes in San Diego?

Having the right equipment is all well and good, but it’s the swimming pool itself and the group you’re exercising with that will ultimately determine the effectiveness of your water aerobics workouts. 

Located right next to the gorgeous Mission Beach, The Plunge is a landmark pool in San Diego that offers its clients first-rate water aerobics classes that include both shallow and deep water workouts. Visit us today and take full advantage of our state-of-the-art facility and our many water-based programs.