Losing weight can be fun.
A recent review of research has found that water aerobics can be an effective way to reduce waist size and promote weight loss. The study revealed that people who participated in water aerobics lost an average of 6 pounds and saw a decrease of over an inch in waist circumference. These findings were published in the journal BMJ Open.
The review, led by Jong-Chul Park from Pukyong National University in South Korea, concluded that water aerobics, particularly those lasting more than 10 weeks, resulted in significant weight loss and reductions in waist size, with women showing more noticeable results. The research team analyzed data from 10 clinical trials involving 286 participants.
Water aerobics is especially beneficial for those with excess weight, as the water’s buoyancy reduces stress on the joints, making it easier to exercise without risking injury. The types of water exercises involved in the trials included aerobics, Zumba dance, yoga, and jogging, typically done two to three times per week for 6 to 12 weeks, with most sessions lasting about an hour.
While water aerobics helped participants lose weight and shrink their waists, it did not show a significant impact on Body Mass Index (BMI) or body fat percentage. The study also noted that there were very few male participants, which made it difficult to assess how effective water aerobics is for men. Despite this, the researchers concluded that water aerobics is a helpful tool for reducing body weight and central obesity, which are key factors in managing obesity-related health risks.
The researchers emphasized the importance of water aerobics for overweight and obese individuals, noting that it offers substantial benefits for body composition and overall health. They called for future studies with larger participant groups to better understand its full potential, including the long-term effects and how it compares with other forms of exercise.
Discussion about this post