Everybody into the pool: aquatic exercise equipment can literally make waves in your water workout - includes related article

American Fitness, July-August, 1993 by Debra Sykes

Aquatic exercise equipment can literally make waves in your water workout.

Spinning on its axis, the earth sloshes billions of tons of water across 75% of its surface. Our bodies themselves consist mainly of water. When it comes to fun and fitness, how natural to take to the pool.

Enthusiasm for aquatic exercise has grown from 200,000 participants in 1987 to 5 million today, according to the American Fitness Association. Nearly a dozen manufacturers offer products for the aquatic exerciser. Made of plastic, rubber, PVC, ethafoam and various other fabrics, there are accessories to strap onto arms, ankles, waists and wrists. Even hands can be dressed up for aquatic exercise with webbed gloves. Participants also incorporate floats and weights to work every muscle in the body.

Benefits

People of all fitness levels can benefit from using aquatic exercise products, especially those recovering from back and knee injuries. With the many aquatic exercise products, nonswimmers can enjoy the pool without the need to take swimming lessons.

Pushing and pulling against the sheer weight of water contributes to a more effective workout due to water's natural resistance. In fact, exercisers can burn more calories and accomplish a total body, aerobic workout. Water also disperses body heat more efficiently than air, maintaining body temperature so there's less chance of overheating. And since water is the lowest impact medium for training, chances of injury are much less.

Equipment

From Hydro-Tone International, the Hydro-Tone System is an efficient, multi-purpose water exercise program. Users hold the Hydro-Bells in their hands and slip Hydro-Boots on their feet. A Hydro-Jogger can also be worn around the waist. Included in the program are an instructional video and exercise charts.

The Hydro-Tone products deliver even resistance, directly opposite the course of movement. Users control the degree of resistance with the amount of force they apply. Hydro-Tone works both the flexing and extending muscles. Bending the knees works the hamstrings and straightening the legs works the quadriceps.

With the adjustable Hydro-Jogger belt around the waist, users can jog without jarring impact. The belt holds them steady while supporting the spine. Since no negative muscle contractions are involved, users won't feel sore the next day. The Hydro-Tone System, with carrying bag, sells for around $200.

Imagine a flattened out airline seat and you can picture the Bodyciser Aquatic Exerciser, manufactured by Bodyciser International Corporation, for aquatic sit-ups. A system of floats and hinged panels allows users free and controlled arm, leg and body flexing. Because it can be used in water as shallow as 20 inches, it's ideal for the hot tub and spa too. Users can exercise in horizontal, seated or vertical positions.

While lying on the back, users can do sit-ups and buttocks exercises. While seated, they can do knee extensions and leg raises. Vertically, users can deep water jog and perform other lower-body exercises. Because the lower-back and tailbone support decrease risk of injury, this product is useful for people recovering from back injuries. The Bodyciser is available in one-size-fits-all or custom lengths. The two models sell for $69.50 to $99.50.

Distributed by Nuvo Sport, the Spabell Total Fitness System consists of two hand-held devices for upper-body strengthening and cross training. Accessories include "Dome Caps" and "Power Vanes" to increase workout intensity. Filled with air, the Dome Caps trap water inside the Spabells. Filled with water, they work as free weights. Power Vanes create a more resistant exercise. Together or separate, all three components are designed to provide maximum conditioning for people of all fitness levels.

For water aerobics, the Bell-Buoy is an aquatic barbell which can also be used as a flotation device. By filling each end with water, users can modify buoyancy or use the Bell-Buoy as a free weight. The complete system sells for $98.50. The Bell-Buoy is available separately for $26.95.

The AquaJogger is a buoyancy belt for deep-or shallow-water exercise, manufactured by Excel Sports Science. With this product, users can move arms and legs in a full range of motion and variety of body positions. With the belt around the waist, exercisers can remain stable and upright in deep water. In shallow water, the belt provides added buoyancy and mobility. The adjustable, one-size-fits-all belt sells for $49.95.

Designed for use with the AquaJogger is AquaRunner impact-free footwear. With a 45-minute instructional video, they sell for $19.95. DeltaBells, also manufactured by Excel Sports Science, are hand-held dumbbells made of buoyancy foam with removable triangular shaped ends to adjust resistance. They sell for $23.50 per pair.

Manufactured by Spenco Medical Corporation, Spenco Fitness Weights enhance aerobics, running and walking in water. A set includes one and one-and-a-half pound weights made of Spenco Biosoft Gel covered with terry cloth. Safe and comfortable, the weights are also beneficial out of the pool--though they're more effective combined with water resistance. The weights come in several colors and are sold in pairs for about $15.