Aquatic exercise helps develop muscle balance.
The body has a natural imbalance between frequently used muscles and less frequently
used muscles., between muscles on the front of the body vs. those on the back of the body.
Many muscles come in pairs. One muscle is usually stronger; one weaker. Muscle imbalance
can lead to injury. Opposing muscle groups include: quads, hamstrings, biceps,
triceps, pectorals, lats. Less gravity in the water reverses land- based principles
and can work weaker muscles more. Consider the following example of how gravity affects one
pair of muscle groups: Hip Flexors and Gluteals.
Land: Hip flexor works against gravity as the hip
flexes. Gluteals work with gravity as the hip extends.
Hip flexor becomes stronger, gluteals do not
Water: Hip flexion is fairly easy
because of buoyancy, fat on leg, and decreased gravity. Hip extension is more difficult
as gluteals contract forcefully to push the leg back down.
Gluteals are worked more strenuously than on land.
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