Is Swimming The Only Way To Get A Workout In The Pool??

Perpetual Wellness Episode 14 explores the various ways a pool is a great workout….beyond just swimming laps…Check out our latest episode on our Perpetual Wellness Youtube Channel!

Our core message is that working out in water gives you a unique combination of benefits:

• The buoyancy of water lightens the load on your joints and bones, making movement easier and less painful.

• The natural resistance of water (drag as you push, pull, or move) functions like built-in strength training.

• Because water wraps around you, you often engage muscles stabilising your core, shoulders and legs more than you might expect.

• It can be an enjoyable alternative or complement to land workouts — meaning you might stick with it longer, which is key for wellness.

• Water workouts can improve circulation, flexibility, and even mood — sort of a full-body & full-mind package.

Why Water Workouts Rock: More Benefits Worth Knowing

Beyond what the video covers, here are some extra perks of aquatic workouts — for bodies, brains and long-term wellness.

1. Reduced injury-risk & better recovery
   Because the water supports a portion of your weight, you lessen impact on knees, hips, spine. That makes water workouts ideal for injury prevention, rehab, or anyone with joint issues. Mayo Clinic News Network+1
   Also, doing “active recovery” in water (light movement, mobility work) can help circulation and healing post-workout.

2. Improved balance & core stability
   Water is never static — even standing still requires stabilising. Moving in water thus engages your core and stabiliser muscles in subtle ways you often don’t feel on land. Over time that supports better balance, posture, and reduces fall risk (especially for older adults). piedmont.org+1

3. High calorie burn & full-body challenge
   Moving through water takes more effort: the resistance is omnidirectional (front/back/side). Even simpler movements can challenge your cardio and muscular systems. So if you’re looking to move well and move more, water gives you a lot of return. Facebook+1

4. Cooling & mental reset
   Being immersed in water can have a calming, refreshing effect. The change in environment, the sensation of water, the rhythmic movement — all contribute to mood elevation and a break from “land-mode”. Some research links aquatic training with mood/anxiety improvements. Mayo Clinic News Network

5. Enhanced flexibility & range of motion
   Since water supports your body and reduces gravity’s pull, you can often move joints and limbs with less restriction. This helps improve range of motion and keeps mobility-rich as you age. piedmont.org

How to Make It Work for You

Here are some practical tips to integrate water workouts into your wellness routine:

• Start simple: Use water walking or light aqua-jogging in waist-to-chest deep water. Get comfortable with movement in the pool.

• Add resistance: Use water dumbbells, paddles, or move faster to increase resistance. The drag does the “weight” work.

• Mix cardio + strength: Alternate between higher tempo moments (sprints in the water, fast laps or high-knee jogs) and strength-focused (slow controlled arm/leg movements pushing against water).

• Use the depth: Deep-water workouts (with a flotation belt) allow you to “run” in place, work the core, glutes, and stabilisers without foot impact.

• Finish with mobility: Stay in the water for some deep stretches, gentle leg lifts, or just float/move slowly to cool down and allow circulation to settle.

• Stay consistent: Even 30 minutes in water 2-3x/week can shift your endurance, mobility and recovery patterns.

Final Thought

Water workouts offer a remarkable blend of gentle and effective, fun and functional. Whether you’re looking to manage joints, recover from a land-intense week, switch up your routine, or just enjoy movement in a different way — the pool is a wellness playground.

So next time you’re contemplating your workout, think: “Could I make a splash?” Because when the water supports you, the body rises — and the mind gets the benefit too.

Here’s to making waves in your wellness journey.