Exercise is important whether you’re 8 or 80. However, as you age or your loved one is aging, it is important that you exercise safely while getting the most benefit. One way to do that is with water aerobic exercise. This is less impactful on the joints of your body and will also give you a maximum workout with minimal effort. It is great for those who deal with pain from arthritis too as it is not jarring the body as activities such as running, or walking can do.

Whether you’re running a senior home care business yourself or just want more information for your senior loved one, check out these tips on water aerobics safety below.

Always Consult Your Doctor

No matter what age or ability be sure with your physician that the water aerobics plan you’re considering is a safe option for you or your loved one. They can tell you different things to watch out for depending on medications or your current physical well-being. If you already have a pre-existing condition, it could be exacerbated with any sort of activity, even low-impact ones. That is why it is crucial that you are sure you consult your physician before starting any type of exercise regimen.

Always Have a Partner Nearby

Whether you work out in a class or by yourself, be sure you never workout alone. You want to have someone nearby that you can trust and count on if something were to happen. You need to have that support system so that you’re protected. Whether this is a lifeguard at the pool who is keeping a watchful eye or your loved one working with you, this is very critical that it is not skipped.

Know Your Pool

Make sure to get to know the pool you’re going to be working out in. Learn where it changes depth, what type of surface you’re on, and where the exits are. You want to make sure that your loved one is very familiar with the pool they are working out in so that they are protected. Remember, when you’re exhausted from a workout, the shallow end of the pool will seem a lot farther away than it truly is. Knowing your pool is vital to your safety during your workout.

Don’t Let Symptoms Go Unnoticed

If you’re the head of the senior home care business or you’re the watchful partner of your loved one, pay attention when they seem to be struggling. Dizziness, nausea, temperatures swings can all happen suddenly. Be sure that your loved one knows that if they are experiencing any symptoms such as these, they need to get out of the pool quickly. They do not want to be in the water when a health event happens as that can cause more safety issues for them.

Use Safety Equipment

Make sure you or your aging loved one always uses a device such as a pool noodle or supportive flotation device while walking or jogging in the deeper end. If something happens, this can help to support them until someone can reach them and give assistance.

Stay Hydrated

Remember that working out in a pool does not protect you from dehydration. It is important that you or your loved one drinks plenty of water both before and after the workout in the pool. If the pool is outside, try to avoid working out during the highest heat of the day. This will help to prevent dehydration during the workout.

Spread Out Workouts

Some people try to cram their entire week of working out into one or two times. Do not do that. Be sure you and your loved ones spread the workouts out evenly during the week. This helps to reduce the possibility of overdoing it and causing the injury that will put them on rest.

Take is Slow

Remind your loved one that going slow is better than moving too fast too soon. Going too fast can cause issues such as injury to your loved one and it will take longer to recover from than maybe when they were younger. It is important that a slow buildup of routine is followed to get the most benefit and reduce injury.

These are just a few of the safety tips your loved ones can use to enjoy water aerobics and get the biggest advantage from working out in the pool. Pool aerobics can be a great way for all ages to get in shape, reduce excess weight, and strengthen their muscles when they need low-impact routines.