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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

Make Water Your BFF – Best Fitness Friend: Local Aquatic Fitness for All Ages and Shapes

Aug 01, 2011 08:34AM ● By Linda Sechrist

Sylvia Aizpurviete has always found water to be a friend that could lift her up. As the owner of Holistic Aquatic 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/conditioning 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 movements accompanied by relaxing music. Superswim is stationary swim training and low-impact aerobic water exercises, 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 Aizpurviete, who notes that the buoyancy of water is exceptionally beneficial to individuals who are unable to exercise on land. As a regular physical activity, she points out that aquatic exercise can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as improve oxygen delivery to muscles. “Few people realize that water aerobics or aquatic fitness (exercises performed in a vertical position 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

● Stand in waist-deep water, with feet shoulder-width apart. Place a noodle under the right foot. Keep the back straight, while bending the right leg and quickly pushing the noodle down 4 to 5 inches. Then, slowly bring the foot up, concentrating on controlled movements, with abdominal muscles tensed and maintaining balance while standing on one leg. Alternate with the left leg.

● 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 4 to 5 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 abdominals tensed and maintaining balance. Alternate with the left leg.

● 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 [email protected].

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