Aquatic therapy for weight loss is an effective low-impact way to burn calories. When it comes to weight loss, exercise is key, but for many, the idea of high-impact workouts can be daunting or even painful. That’s where aquatic therapy comes in. By combining the power of water with targeted exercises, aquatic therapy offers a low-impact yet effective way to burn calories, boost metabolism, and support healthy weight loss. Those looking to achieve weight loss in the New Year should consider aquatic therapy now!
Aquatic Therapy Benefits
- Low-impact on joints
- Increased resistance
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Enhanced flexibility and mobility
- Improved balance and coordination
- Decreased risk of falls
- Pain relief and pain management
- Improved circulation
- Decreased swelling and edema
- Progression to land-based exercise
- Helps treat Orthopedic conditions
- Variable levels of intensity for any level
- Burns up to 20-25% more calories than land-based exercise
How Aquatic Therapy for Weight Loss Works
The following are four reasons why aquatic therapy for weight loss works:
- Water Resistance Burns More Calories:
Water is denser than air, so moving through it requires more effort. Whether you’re walking, swimming, or doing water aerobics, the resistance from the water in all directions increases the intensity of your workout, helping you burn up to 25-50% more calories than land-based exercise! - Low-Impact Exercise:
For those with joint pain, arthritis, or other mobility issues, aquatic therapy provides a gentler alternative to traditional workouts. The buoyancy of the water supports your body, reducing stress on your joints while still allowing you to perform effective exercises that help shed pounds. - Full-Body Workout:
The water engages your entire body, from your core to your legs and arms, ensuring a full-body workout that tones muscles and helps you burn fat. - Improves Cardiovascular Health:
Many aquatic exercises, like water aerobics or swimming, get your heart rate up, helping improve cardiovascular fitness while burning calories. A strong cardiovascular system also supports weight loss by improving circulation and metabolism.
Who Else Can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy?
- Aquatic therapy for weight loss is one of its many benefits. However, is beneficial for a wide range of people, including:
- Those recovering from surgery or injury
- People with chronic pain or arthritis
- Elderly individuals or those with balance issues
- Athletes looking to improve mobility
- Individuals with neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease
Aquatic Therapy Featured Exercise: Step-Up in the Pool
About the Exercise
An exercise as simple as a step-up in the pool offers a wide array of benefits. On land, a step-up may be a challenging exercise for many individuals. However, when performed in water, it becomes accessible to a broader range of people. As an aquatic therapy exercise, step-ups help improve balance, promote lower extremity strength, and provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, which aids in burning calories. This exercise is perfect for utilizing aquatic therapy for weight loss and overall wellness.
How to do a Step-Up in the Pool
- Stand in the water at a depth that feels comfortable and safe for you. Ensure that the water level allows for full range of motion without feeling too deep or shallow.
- Identify a step or ledge at a height that is appropriate for your current fitness level. It should be low enough to step onto easily but high enough to provide a challenge. Hold onto the pool rail or edge for added stability if needed.
- Start with one foot flat on the pool floor. Bring the other foot up and step onto the ledge or step, ensuring that the entire foot is placed securely on the surface.
- After stepping up with one foot, return to the starting position by stepping back down with the same leg. Then, repeat the motion on the opposite side, alternating legs with each repetition.
- Continue alternating legs in a controlled manner until you reach muscle fatigue or your desired number of repetitions. Focus on maintaining good posture and steady movements throughout the exercise.
Aquatic Therapy Testimonials & Photos
Aleta and Lynn are two wonderful ladies who have connected on their appreciation of the benefits that aquatic therapy provides. Having initially joined us as patients, they have since transitioned into pool members. Now, they are consistently in the pool, supporting each other as they work diligently to achieve their goals together.
“With the help of aquatic therapy, I am able to move and walk better. Additionally, I improved my normal functions of life, improved my balance, and loosened my back.” – Aleta
“Being in the water keeps me moving. I can balance, use resistance to work my muscles, and I can even run/walk on the treadmill. The pool allows me to keep my mind and my body active.” – Lynn
Aquatic Therapy Options & Pricing
We offer flexible options to support your unique wellness journey, whether you’re working toward weight loss, pain relief, or simply enjoying a fun, low-impact environment. Our plans cater to those using insurance, self-pay, or FSA/HSA funds.
Option 1: Insurance Coverage
If we’re in-network with your insurance, schedule an evaluation with our Doctors of Physical Therapy to create a personalized aquatic therapy plan of care that is right for you and your condition.
Not sure if we accept your insurance? Call us at 920-648-2400 to check your benefits, as some out-of-network plans cover aquatic therapy.
Option 2: Self-Pay
No insurance or prefer not to use it? Our self-pay bundles are FSA/HSA eligible and include:
- 1-Month Bundle “I want to get started” ($480): Includes initial PT evaluation, 3 one-on-one pool sessions to develop and progress your pool exercise routine, and 1 free month of pool membership ($574 value). 1st month auto renewing pool membership will be added at time of purchase.
- 3-Month Bundle “I’m committed” ($1,250): Includes initial PT evaluation, 10 PT sessions (land or pool) to develop and progress your pool exercise routine and includes 3-months of your Basic Pool Membership for FREE ($1,397 value). Your monthly auto renewing pool membership will be added at time of purchase.
You can purchase our self-pay bundles at: Vagaro.com/optimal/services.
Option 3: Independent Use
For those who prefer to work out independently in the pool, we offer Basic and Unlimited Pool Memberships with access to videos and workout guidelines. A 20-minute introduction to pool access is required. For this option: You have no comorbidities or risks* that would be a contraindication to working out independently in the pool.
*If you are unable to demonstrate safe entry and exit into the pool or you have risk factors that would potentially place you at risk for independent pool exercise, we will schedule a free 20 minute consultation with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy, or may recommend the need for a full PT evaluation to move forward.
