The Benefits of Adding Aquatic Fitness to Your 2026 Routine
By John NassiveraThe new year has begun. Why not look for a new, fun way to improve your health?
Maybe an update to your workout routine could bring you closer to the results you seek. For a relaxing and fulfilling route to optimized health, aquatic fitness is the way to go. Bonus: it is low impact with strong results and has less risk of injuries than heavy lifting or sports.
Exercising in the water provides a not-so-average workout for your muscles and joints. This way of exercising fires up all muscle groups.
So jump into our pool to achieve your New Year’s health resolutions because there are so many benefits to adding aquatic fitness to your 2026 routine.
Key Takeaways
Building Strength for the Whole Body
Does your body need a break from heavy lifting in the gym? Take a dip in the pools at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC) for exercises that offer greater full-body strength and endurance.
The natural resistance of water allows you to build muscle tone with simple movements. Exercises such as water walking, side shuffles, jumping jacks, and pool-edge push-ups leave little need for heavy equipment.
If your core is your focus, water aerobics will keep you balanced and stable. With the water’s additional resistance, each movement you perform is an extra boost for your core.
When the occasion calls for a challenge, water weights and kickboards come in handy. No need to max out at the gym – just lift some weights in the pool now and then, and you’ll see the difference in the mirror that you’ve been looking for.
Greater Cardiovascular Strength
A healthier heart is in your future when you spend more time exercising in RAFC’s pools.
Water-based workouts reward the body with improved circulation and stamina, lending more strength to your heart and lungs. Being in the water also helps your heart move oxygen to your muscles better during your routine.
Your body will still have a tougher time moving through the water thanks to the additional resistance not found on land. With improved cardiovascular fitness, you’ll have an easier time walking, bike riding, climbing stairs, and running.
The increased blood flow and heart rate gives your heart the boost it needs for long-term health.
Low-Impact Workouts
If you suffer from joint pain while working out, then aquatic fitness is all the more necessary for your routine.
The buoyancy of a pool helps keep your joints, bones, and muscles free from a lot of stress that comes with exercises on land.
Pool workouts also grant joints and muscles more freedom in motion, helping you avoid pain and discomfort. As the water’s resistance slows down your movements, the risk of injury declines.
Research has shown the lowered intensity on joints through aquatic fitness to be a benefit for people who are overweight or suffer from conditions such as osteoarthritis. No pain, more gain!
Comfortable Exercises
Cool water can handle muscle inflammation, helping your body escape soreness and improve recovery.
When the weather is cool, RAFC’s heated pools are the place to be for water-based workouts. The warmer water relaxes your muscles and joints, creating an oasis for those with joint aches and mobility issues.
Aqua Zumba
Water aerobics turns into a dance party at RAFC’s Aqua Zumba classes.
Groove to Latin rhythms while the water’s support and natural resistance create a fun, low-impact full-body workout.
While you’re showing off your salsa and merengue skills in our pools, your cardio gets a boost and your muscles enjoy additional strength and toning.
With Latin music in the air and cool water relaxing the body, Aqua Zumba creates an entertaining fitness routine.
Enhanced Mental Health
Your brain benefits from the addition of water-based workouts to your regiment just as much as the rest of your body does.
The increased blood flow from these exercises allows for greater memory and cognition. Older adults looking for a boost in cognition function can achieve their goals with an evening in the pool.
The endorphins produced from aquatic exercises can reduce stress and anxiety while uplifting your mood. Why not make pool exercises more fun? Get a game of underwater hockey or other pool sports going for an interactive occasion that’s rewarding for both the body and the mind.
Elevate Your Health with Aquatic Fitness
This is the year that you achieve your fitness goals, and aquatic fitness is another unique tool to add to your regiment.
Your muscles, joints, and heart get the love they need with improved function out of the water and long-term benefits. Physical and mental health join hands for light exercises and games that make working out something to look forward to even more.
Stop by the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center today and talk to our team about making 2026 the year you become your best self.
