If you have been searching for a way to exercise that won't leave you feeling tired and sore then get ready to take a dip in the pool. Water exercise, also known as aquatics, is one of the best non-impact fitness activities available that provides a fun alternative to other, more strenuous exercises. Water exercise can be beneficial to pregnant women, senior citizens, overweight individuals, anyone with arthritis or back problems as well as anyone recovering from an injury.

The weight of a person is reduced by approximately 90 percent because of the buoyancy of the water. The reduced weight relieves stress on weight bearing joints, bones and muscles. For this reason, it is unlikely that a water workout will result in injuries or sore muscles. Just because the workout does not hurt does not mean it is not working. Water exercise can include all of the components of various fitness levels, including cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. When done regularly, water exercise can even help reduce body fat.

People, who find movements such as running, striding, kicking, leaping and dancing too jarring on land, will discover that the same movements performed in a pool are much smoother.

Water resistance provides a great alternative to bulky and heavy weights. One of the easiest ways to create resistance in the water is to cup your hands and push the water away from your body and then pull it back toward your body. Other devices, such as paddles and water chutes can be used to create even more water resistance, resulting in a more intense workout.

Another benefit of water exercise is the effect it has on flexibility. Stretches that might otherwise be difficult on land, are easier to perform in the water. And because the effects of gravity are lessened, joints can move through a wider range of motion to achieve long-term flexibility.

Once you have decided to try water exercising, finding the right class for your personal fitness level is important. Check with local health clubs or a YMCA to see if they offer aquatics classes. Ask the instructor for permission to sit in one of the classes to get an idea of how the routine works. A good class should include a warm-up, a period of cardiovascular and muscle conditioning that gradually increases and then decreases in intensity, and ends with a cool down. The cool down should include plenty of flexibility exercises for the entire body.

Contact your local county Extension office for more information on the benefits of aquatics.