About Calories Burned in Water Aerobics

About Calories Burned in Water Aerobics
Page content

Overview

Before learning the number of calories burned in water aerobics, you might want to also learn some of the basics behind these aquatic workouts.

Water aerobics uses standard dance moves, toning exercises and even jogging, but in a swimming pool. Most people new to aquacise visit a fitness center, gym, or swimming club to take a water aerobics class. Like any other group exercise routine, water aerobics classes vary in intensity. You can take a shallow water class with gentle toning, moves and stretching. Others might want to put on a floatation belt and go into the deep end of the pool for intense jogging.

Additional Details

No swimming ability is required for any water aerobics class. Even deep water courses use floatation belts; your stress level about being in the deep end might be greatly reduced if you have some aquatic experience but this is a matter of personal preference.

Water aerobics is considered non-impact and is often used in physical therapy. If you have mobility issues due to weight or an injury, you’ll be relieved to know that the water makes your virtually “weightless.” However, those with serious health concerns should always consult their doctor or other medical professional before engaging in any exercise program.

Calorie Burn Factor for those Around 150 Pounds

Calorie burn is the meat of any exercise program for most people.

A typical water aerobics class can last from 45 minutes to one hour, though some fitness facilities offer 30 minute workouts and even 90 minute programs.

If you weigh 150 pounds and take an average intensity, 45 minute aquacise class, you should burn an estimated 215 calories. If this figure sounds low, don’t be discouraged. Upping your intensity or length of workouts can add more calorie burn. Also, keep in mind that exercise offers many benefits outside calorie destruction. Your metabolism will speed up, making it easier to burn fat and calories and lose weight. Your body will become stronger and more toned. Your heart will get stronger, and daily activities will take less energy to complete.

Calories Burned for People Over 200 Pounds

If you weigh 200 pounds or more, likely you’re really concerned about the number of calories burned in water aerobics. Keep in mind the advice in the previous section; aquacise will also strengthen your body and increase your metabolism. Also, exercise creates endorphins which often act as a “natural antidepressant.”

A 200 pound person completing a 60 minute average intensity water aerobics class should burn about 380 calories. If you weigh 300 pounds and complete a 30-minute water workout, you’ll burn about 285 calories.

Remember that to lose one pound of fat, you must burn 3,500 calories. Changing your eating habits and regularly exercising can greatly aid your weight loss efforts.

References

“Glamour: Water Aerobics Calories Burned Calculator.” https://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/activity/calculators/water_aerobics

“Mayo Clinic: Exercise for Weight Loss.” https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109

Dozens of water aerobics classes taken in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Los Angeles, California since 2005.