A systematic review published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine shows that aquatic-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can significantly improve exercise capacity in adults with chronic health conditions.
Even better, the research found no significant difference in results between aquatic HIIT and land-based HIIT, but had fewer adverse events and higher adherence rates, ranging from 84% to 100%!
Participants of the study (74% women) had a range of conditions including back pain, arthritis, chronic lung disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Some had more than one chronic condition.
The results showed that those who performed aqua HIIT greatly improved their exercise capacity — measured by oxygen consumption, walking, and physical fitness tests — compared with no exercise. It even distinguished a beneficial effect compared to moderate-intensity exercise.
A key finding indicates aquatic HIIT may be as beneficial as land-based HIIT, which gives people with chronic conditions an alternative and potentially more successful environment to begin and continue with high-intensity training.
So let's add improving exercise capacity to the list of things aquatic fitness offers.
But here's the real interesting takeaway for us: high-intensity interval training in the pool can provide the same effects on exercise capacity as gained on land, but with fewer injuries and a better chance for participant adherence.
If you're a land-based instructor, especially working with clients with chronic conditions, it's time to consider adding some SURF to your TURF programming!
Our Turf to Surf workshop is a literal "splash course" into everything you need to know to effectively teach an aquatic fitness class. This four-hour intensive workshop that will help land instructors learn how to build a balanced workout using base aquatic moves, as well as modifications to help your participants.
Design Strength and HIIT circuits using common pool equipment to progress or regress workouts and work together in teams to brainstorm on how to build an effective class for your students!
This course will give you a road map on what educational steps to take to continue to grow and elevate your aquatic fitness teaching skills.
CEC’s: AEA:4; AFAA: 4; NASM: 0.4; ACE: 0.4
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