Are you ready to take the plunge and try a new fitness activity? How about water exercise? University Recreation offers several regularly scheduled Water Fitness classes throughout the week in the HPER Natatorium. Regular participation in water exercise classes can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility.

Water provides an excellent workout, especially for participants with joint issues or for those who don't like the wear and tear of high-impact activities such as jogging.  According to the American Council on Exercise, exercising in water makes you feel about 90 percent lighter, and reduces the burden on stress-bearing joints and muscles. When you jump or run in the water, your body does not experience the same impact that these moves cause on land. For this reason, water fitness classes will less likely cause injury and muscle soreness.

While water exercise goes easy on your joints, it still guarantees that you will receive a great workout because of the natural resistance of the water. Have you ever noticed how challenging it is to walk through the shallow end of a swimming pool? The extra resistance of the water makes it ideal for providing full-body resistance thus building lean muscle mass. Many of our water fitness classes also use resistance tools that include buoyant water weights, noodles, and gloves to provide additional resistance.

The water environment allows for high levels of energy expenditure with relatively little strain to the body. Water fitness classes use both the buoyancy and resistance of water to raise participants' heart rates and provide an efficient cardiovascular workout.

The reduced result of gravitational force in water leads to enhanced flexibility in the body.  Water’s buoyancy reduces impact and supports the body allowing the joints to move through a wider range of motion.

“Water fitness classes are a really fun way to work out with a group of friends”, says Zoe Naylor, UREC Water Fitness Instructor and University of Arkansas Law student.  She encourages students, faculty and staff to come try water fitness classes at the HPER. “The motivation to come and work out with a group can be a useful way to make you work out longer and stay committed to your fitness program,” says Naylor.

University Recreation water fitness classes are open and free of charge to University of Arkansas students and faculty/staff members with UREC memberships.  Alumni and family members may participate for $40 per semester.  Participants in water fitness classes are able to work at their own intensity. The UREC Water Fitness classes are suitable for every fitness level – from beginning to advanced participants. 

Water fitness classes are a great way to cross train and diversify your workout.  For a fun, challenging and effective workout, try a water fitness class at the HPER Natatorium. Jump right in, the water’s great!

UREC Water Fitness Classes:

• AquaStride, Wednesday, noon to 12:30 p.m.
• AquaSculpt, Wednesday, 12:30-1 p.m.
• AquaCore, Monday and Wednesday, 5-5:30 p.m.
• AquaFitness, Monday to Friday, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Aqua Strength and Flow, Thursday, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

For additional information or questions about the University Recreation Group Fitness programs, contact Casey Fant, Fitness Programs Coordinator, 575-3542, cfant@uark.edu