For some people, running is a healthy, free activity to boost your cardio health. For others, it’s their worst nightmare! While running is good for weight control and exercise, it can be tough on joints and it’s not suitable for all weathers. Cardio fitness can be improved in many other ways including swimming and water aerobics. Every member of Osprey Leisure Club in Naas has access to both our gym and swimming pool, ideal for a change of scenery or to try something new. Contact us about membership options and to find out how pool fitness is the new running!

Benefits of Cardio in the Pool

1. Aquatic Workouts are easier on your joints.

Exercising in water is low impact and requires minimal weight bearing. The water provides buoyancy which removes some of the impact that jumping or running causes. Because of this, water workouts are ideal for those who are overweight, injured, pregnant or have pain with traditional workout methods. It allows for greater movement otherwise not tolerated due to pain.

2. Builds Strength and Endurance

When you exercise, the only resistance you have is the air and your own limitations. When you exercise in water, it gives you extra resistance, even for the slightest movements. You have to work harder to lift your arms and legs but the impact on your hips, knees and ankles are reduced. The body has to push through the water, which can help build endurance and strength when performed regularly for increasing periods. Remember, moving in deep water is more difficult than shallow.

3. Water is Cooling

If you struggle to stay cool during a regular workout an aquatic workout will help. You’ll be in the water for a prolonged period, allowing your body to climatise to the water temperature, which is usually between 26°C-30°C. The average body temperature is around 37°C. You’ll be cool starting off but as you heat up, the water in the pool will maintain its cool temperature, allowing your temperature to stay regulated. You’ll need to shower after your workout either way so why not get a head start in the pool?

4. Swimming for Cardio Health

Swimming is excellent for cardio health. It gets your heart rate up and increases the amount of oxygen your body consumes, which is the definition of what cardio exercise is. Swimming creates healthy changes in the heart allowing the left ventricle to get larger and stronger so it can better handle pumping blood quicker. The water resistance increases the use of your muscles eventually strengthening muscles and ligaments. You can burn as many calories swimming as you can running but you might have to swim for longer than you run to achieve the same calorie burn. One of the best things about swimming for exercise is the range of options. You’ll find a pool, a sea or a lake almost anywhere you go and you never have to queue for a treadmill!

5. Water workouts don’t always involve swimming.

While it’s the most frequent form of exercise in a pool, not all activity in a pool involves swimming. A couple of laps is great for cardio health but dozens of low-impact exercises are similarly effective. Walking in the water is a great option for those who experience joint pain. Exercises like squats and lunges have a much lower impact in water too. There are many workout classes available in water, including Zumba, water aerobics, and water spin classes on submerged bicycles.

Osprey Leisure Club Naas

If you live, work or travel through Naas, Osprey Leisure Club is a great place to start your fitness journey. Our 20-metre swimming pool is ideal for swimming laps, exercising, or walking around at a pace that suits you. We have our pool at a comfortable temperature, so you won’t feel the chill on those winter mornings and won’t overheat during your workout. As well as full gym and pool access, our facilities include a sauna, steam room, hydro pool, gym assessments, free fitness classes, free parking, and an aerobic & spin studio.

Osprey Leisure Club perks include;

Free Fitness Assessments
10% off food in Osprey Hotel
10% off full-price treatments in Osprey Spa Monday-Thursday
Preferential rate in PREM Hospitality Hotels.