Cardiovascular
fitness is the ability of the heart and blood to supply oxygen to the cells
of the body during exercise. Studies have demonstrated that oxygen consumption
during water exercise is comparable to oxygen consumption during land exercise,
with less effort required in water.
Aquatic exercise can increase the workload on
the cardio-respiratory system and, that, in turn, may reduce some risk factors
of coronary artery disease. In the water, oxygen uptake is 32% greater than
on land.
Certain aquatic movements elicit a cardiovascular response. These include:
- Rebound: pushing off pool floor with one or both feet. (jumping, jogging,
kicking, leaping)
- Suspended: feet not touching pool floor
(deep water: running,
jogging, cross country)
- Low impact: at least one foot stays anchored at all time (walking,
kicking, knee lifts, mule kicks)
|
