I don't have to tell you that many of us do not engage in any kind of physical activity.  One of the more nonstrenuous exercises that can be utilized is water aerobics, which has become one the most popular exercise today, especially for anyone just starting out on a regular exercise program.  This is due to the fact that it is a low-impact exercise that provides both resistance training for all fitness levels, loss of weight and burning calories, strength training, which provides flexibility, and is considered to be a great cardiovascular exercise.

Water aerobics keeps you active and gives you the opportunity to engage in exercises such as jogging, kicking, jumping, squats, and dance.  It is estimated that spending 30 minutes in the water can help burn 300 calories.  Moreover, not only are these exercises specific to toning the lower body, but are particularly effective in people who have back pain, obesity, joint problems, and even artritis. For any of these conditions, water exercise can make a positive difference.

In addition, water aerobics plays an important role in burning calories, increases energy levels, reduces stress, allows the buoyancy level to support half the body weight, lowers the risk of exercise-related injuries, and has a calming effect as well.

Whether you are able to swim or not, water aerobics can be an alternative to exercises performed in a gym or at home.  If you have never been engaged in this form of exercise, or are a nonswimmer, you can still take advantage of water aerobics by staying near the shallow end of the pool.

For example, you can stand in water that comes up to your hips and perform a squat exercise by bending your knees and squatting as low as you can while holding on to the side of the pool.  In this way, you will always be able to pull yourself up and will never be in water deeper than you can handle.  This routine repeated 10 times is great for toning the lower body.

Resistance training and water aerobics go hand in hand since the mere fact you are in water and are either walking, squatting, or kicking, allows for resistance to begin immediately.  Water aerobics is a wonderful way to not only stay active, but have fun as well.