Living with arthritis can affect more than just the joints.
For the 54.4 million adults living with the chronic disease (and that’s a conservative estimate), arthritis can affect their mood, make it more difficult to work and limit their activity.
After all, it’s hard to do things when you are experiencing joint pain, sometimes severe, as a result of arthritis.
But arthritis sufferers have the opportunity to benefit — and benefit more than others — with regular exercise.
“People with arthritis who exercise regularly have less pain, more energy, improved sleep and better day-to-day function,” according to the American College of Rheumatology.
The group suggests that sufferers seeking arthritis relief have exercise options that limit boredom and “provides alternatives on those days when getting out of the house seems impossible.”
A Master Spas Swim Spa not only offers a convenient exercise option but an environment that is designed with wellness andwell-being in mind.
Benefits of Exercising in the Swim Spa for Arthritis Relief
- Improved strength and balance
- Water takes the pressure off the joints
- Massaging jets ease muscle aches
- Warm water helps with recovery time
Exercise Recommendations for Arthritis Relief
Federal guidelines recommend that adults engage in moderate aerobic activity for 150 minutes, or two and a half hours, per week. And that guideline doesn’t change if you have arthritis.
But those seeking relief from arthritis should start slowly with low-impact exercises, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Activities should be joint-friendly, too.
Can we say aquatic exercise?
Swim Spa for Exercise
A Master Spas Swim Spa offers a safe environment for arthritis suffers to exercise — whether they are starting out or continuing an exercise program.
Exercising in water provides an ideal environment, no matter what type of arthritis a person suffers from. The natural resistance and buoyancy of water takes the pressure off joints, allowing users to increase muscle strength and range of motion in a safer environment. There’s no need to be scared about falling when exercising in the swim spa!
Fun fact: When immersed to neck level, water supports 90 percent of the body’s weight, and in waist-depth water, buoyancy can support 50 percent of your body weight. The weight “loss” means that there’s less stress on the body, and it helps strengthen weak muscles.
So if a 160-pound woman was exercising in a Master Spas Swim Spa, which is about 5 feet deep, she will only “weigh” 16 pounds in the water.
Swim spas made by Master Spas are available in two depths — 51 inches and 60 inches — so that those with arthritis can get the most out of aqua therapy.
Plus, with a swim spa, you are in control of the temperature. Arthritis sufferers can set the temperature, usually between 88 degrees and 92 degrees, so that they can realize the benefits of warm-water therapy. Exercising in warm water will helps to loosen up tight and stiff joints. It also raises your body temperature, causing blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation in your body. This can ease joint pain and improve flexibility.
How to Exercise in a Swim Spa
Walk, jog, dance, strengthen, stretch — almost anything you can do on land, you can do in the water. Plus, you can swim!
Swim spas have current systems that create a flow of water. Master Spas Swim Spas have adjustable currents that range from a therapeutic flow to strong current so that you can swim, walk or jog.
Every swim spa from Master Spas comes with the H2Xercise Fitness System so that you have a range of options and never get bored. A rowing kit, resistance bands, dumbbells and fins are included. Rowing is a great aerobic exercise, and the bands and dumbbells help improve strength and balance.
There’s also a comprehensive guide to aquatic exercises, “H2Xercise Aquatic Workout for Every Fitness Level: A new way to exercise,” by Dr. Rick McAvoy, PT, DPT, CSCS and Professor of Hydrotherapy. Follow a program or explore new moves to mix up your routine.
Swim Spa as Therapy
When you buy a Master Spas Swim Spa, you are getting more than a self-contained pool. You are getting a hot tub, too.
Increase the temperature of the water to a soothing 99 degrees and relax as the warm water and jets ease aches and pains.
All of the swim spa models manufactured by Master Spas include contoured therapy seating with adjustable jets that deliver a custom massage. From gentle to muscle-kneading, a unique pattern of jets targets your back, while additional jets focus on the hips, thighs, calves, arms, wrists, and hands.
Water Facts
Buoyancy. This water property counteracts the effects of gravity, reducing the impact on the body. It’s the feeling of “weightlessness.” In water up to your neck, you are 90% buoyant — or “weigh” 90% less. For example, a 160-pound woman would “weigh” 16 pounds in the water.
Resistance. There is continual resistance in the water, as opposed to land. The water offers 12% to 14% more resistance.
Cooling Effects. Water cools the body, making it more comfortable to exercise. It also disperses heat so there is less chance of overheating.