Modify your aqua fitness lesson for different populations

Aqua fitness instructors should never assume that every participant in their class have the same fitness level. Neither should they assume that older participants need a gentle workout. What they should do is to observe their participants to see what they are capable of, and teach to those capabilities. Instructors should be ready to offer options for those who want a higher intensity level as well as options for those who need a lower intensity level from the rest of the class. 

Aqua aerobic and pulmonary diseases

Pulmonary diseases limit the body's ability to provide oxygen to the body's tissues. They generally fall into two categories: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. The ACSM recommends that all participants with pulmonary disease receive physician's clearance prior to participating in an exercise program. The body's need for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal is increased during exercise, so participants with pulmonary diseases must learn how to cope with diminished lung capacity and increased oxygen demands. Gas exchange impairments also create problems for the cardiovascular and muscular systems. 

Aqua aerobic for obese individuals

Overeight is a condition in which an individual's weight exceeds the population norm or average, which is determined by height and weight tables based on gender, height, and frame size. Although a standard approach, the definition lack the ability to account for significant muscle mass. A better measure might be percentage body fat, but this approach takes additional time and effort and thus has not replaced the simpler method in all situations.

Obesity is a condition in hich there is an excess of body fat, frequently resulting in a significant impairment of health. Obese individuals are at a level of 20 percent or more above ideal body weight. Obesity is generally defined and accepted as above 20 percent body fat for males and above 30 percent body fat for females. There is some variance in obesity thresholds as determined by different organizations or criteria. 

Aqua aerobic and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for diseases of the heart and the blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease includes high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, congestive heart fialure, rheumatic heart disease, and congenital defects. Some of these diseases affect the blood vessels whereas other affect the heart itself. 

Cardiovascular diseases are a result of both genetic and environmental factors. Lifestyle habits (low fat, high fiber diet and exercise) along with medications play a major role in terms of treatment and prevention. In addition, lifestyle changes can help maintain optimal cardiovascular function following cardiac rehabilitation. 

Swimming during pregnancy

Swimming is in fact one of the best forms of exercise and even more so during your pregnancy. The beauty with swimming is that there is no additional stress and strain which is placed on your body and joints while you are exercising.

Of course, during the summer months it is an added bonus as it will give you some welcomed relief from the heat.

If you used to swim on a regular basis prior to falling pregnant you can continue to swim without having to modify your routine too much. However, as with most exercise routines if you haven't been swimming on a regular basis, you wont be able to simple 'dive' in. You will have to start off slowly, being careful not to over do it too much. Don't forget that you also need to warm up before you swim, as well as spend a few minutes stretching and cooling down after your session.