Take the plunge! The benefits of aqua yoga
The average Dutch person spends 9 hours a day sitting. In addition, everyday life is sometimes fraught with stress. In short: it's high time to relax and move more — preferably in an accessible way and at your own pace.
In addition to swimming, aqua yoga also fits this profile perfectly. By moving in (warm) water in a focused way, you can relax physically and mentally - great!
Yoga in the water offers many options for both experienced yogis and yoginis and beginners. Whatever your background, it's worth exploring this versatile yoga style.
Aqua Yoga: what (isn't) that?
Aqua Yoga (also water yoga) is the practice of asanas (yoga postures) in shallow, warm water. Normally, the water reaches your chest, so you have one or both feet on the floor of the bath almost all the time.
In addition, you could also do yoga exercises on a mat that floats on the water. This type of workout is sometimes called Floatfit whether Aqua Float mentioned and goes in the direction of SUP yoga (yoga on a stand-up paddling board). Aqua Float is a lot of fun (and healthy), but this article is about water yoga that is much more accessible.
Poolside yoga
In Western language (and also in the context of this article), yoga usually means a series of physical exercises and postures (the asanas) that come from the more than 2,000-year-old Indian philosophy of yoga.
Some exercises require a certain level of flexibility, balance and/or strength, but by far most asanas - sometimes with minor adjustments - are suitable for everyone.
It is scientifically proven that yoga, when practiced regularly, has numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. It improves, among other things, the flexibility and it body awareness, reinforces the muscles and works soothing and relaxing.
The asanas focus on different muscles (groups) and; you can therefore use them in a targeted manner to prevent stiffness muscles weather to work separately or to reduce pain. Be careful and never overestimate your body.
This spectrum of benefits makes yoga a perfect addition and counterbalance for swimming, among other things. Muscles and joints remain flexible, your brain and muscles work even better together and you can also be active in your “down time”.
In many layers of swimming, the focus is (also) on your shoulders and (upper) back. Some asanas also target these muscle groups and are therefore particularly suitable for swimmers.
Yoga in the pool: aqua yoga
The surroundings
Aqua yoga is usually practiced in hot water (around 28 °C - 32 °C). Contact with (hot) water works relaxing on your body, your heart has to pump less hard and blood flow improves.
By the way: You also experience these and other positive effects while swimming, which is why these sports are sometimes just a little better suited for someone than walking and fitness .
In addition, your body is carried by the water and gravity - especially when the water is at chest level - is largely switched off. Falling is almost impossible.
Because the water takes over most of your weight, you can also do asanas hold on longer. This way, you can benefit even more from the positive effects of the postures.
The reduced gravity is good for anyone who has problems with coordination, muscle strength or balance. If you need even more support for your balance, you can sit on the wall of the bath retain.
People with adiposity also benefit from doing the asanas in the water.
This is what makes aqua yoga special approachable.
Even if you don't have these restrictions, yoga offers you in the water extra chances. The headstand and certainly the handstand are also among the most challenging poses in yoga. If you go into chest-deep water, you need less balance and much less muscle strength.
If you prefer to keep your head above water, simply skip these types of exercises.
The adjustments
Yoga can adapted to every level, limitation and intensity become; the same applies to aqua yoga.
The hot water makes you muscles a little looser and some exercises work better or faster.
For some asanas that you normally do “close to the ground”, you should hold (or omit) your breath in the water. Many exercises such as the shelve for example, you can also leaning on the wall get off the pool.
Other, especially lying positions, can be done quite simply in the water floating do. If you like it, grab a swimming noodle to support it.
During a water yoga course or by browsing the internet, you can learn which postures are particularly suitable for what. You will also find inspiration on how to adapt yoga exercises so that you can do them in the water. Once you have mastered the basics, you can fully enjoy yourself and also come up with and try out variations yourself. this playful character ensures that aqua yoga remains fun in the long term.
The perfect pool for aqua yoga
You can adapt the aqua yoga exercises to any age, sporting level and physical disability. This makes water yoga extremely accessible and reduces the risk of injury.
Apart from warm water that you can stand up to your chest, you don't need much for aqua yoga.
The Intelligent Pools by Swimm have a depth between 1.25 m and 1.5 m. An ideal depth for aqua yoga for adolescents or adults.
Our pools have a swimming area of 4 m x 2.25 m or 6 m x 3 m; you can stretch out without touching the edge. But if you need it for some extra support, it's nice and close.
The compact size also makes a huge difference in running costs. Less water in the swimming pool costs less energy to clean and heat.
Of course, such a compact, energy-efficient Intelligent Pool is not just a great place for water yoga. Despite the relatively small surface, it also swims perfectly — thanks to the built-in countercurrent system.
Have a look at our website or make an appointment to come and test swim.
