Swim for health

Have you noticed that the snow is finally gone? Time to panic? Yes, that dreaded swimsuit time has rolled around again.

I'll lay odds that you can't remember where you hid your swimsuit last year. Maybe you burned it? Ask your husband, he'll know. Maybe he burned it.

Now is the time to try a water aerobics class. Build and hold muscle tone and enjoy the feel of water all at the same time.

Those of you who are not at ease in the water are probably not good swimmers. Or maybe you're just afraid to get your face wet. Neither one of these factors will stop you from getting a good water workout. All you need is the nerve to climb into that swimsuit.

The standard water class includes the same ingredients as a proper floor workout: warm-up movements for arms, shoulders, back and legs -- either done out of or in the pool. Aerobic conditioning is great when done in waist-deep water. Your moves need to be a little slower and have more push behind them, but other than that, any running, jumping or hopping movement will work for heart conditioning.

You will find that a good 20 minutes of heavy exercise will be a lot easier in water than on land. And one of the side benefits is a general overall slimming from water resistance.

Water not only conditions muscles, it eases impact. Impact is a very real problem for those who are arthritic, pregnant, overweight or have an injury or disability that worsens with impact moves. Water supports the body between 80 to 90 percent, depending on how deep you submerge yourself. Also, water moves are slower because of the resistance; therefore, seniors who like to move slowly will enjoy the slower pace of a water class.

Even students with breathing difficulties will benefit from water exercise. Getting the chest underwater means having to push against water resistance to breathe.

Thirty minutes of water exercise is enough for beginners then slowly increase your water stay to one full hour. You'll be amazed how quickly your hour of exercise goes by.

I have done water exercise in Mexico, Idaho lakes, hot tubs, swimming pools and numerous rivers. It's fun -- and everyone needs a change from the hard, hot grind of classroom exercise.

Jerry Vance is certified by the American Council on Exercise and teaches fitness at the Carson City Community Center and Healthsmart.