In short my answer is yes but what are the reasons for this and is there any proof to actually back up this claim?

Weather

Well one of the main reasons people take up exercise during the summer months is because it isn’t constantly raining and cold and funnily enough the combination of the last two help to put exercising at the back of everyone’s minds in the winter.

A lot of people cannot afford to go out to the gym all of the time which makes it tough to exercise by running in the winter unless you are seriously dedicated. The summer brings sunshine and this means that people want to go out for that jog in the mornings.

Light

The summer also brings us more light hours of the day which is fantastic and it once again encourages people to go out and take part in physical activity. The great thing about this is that the light is still around at around 7-8 in the evening which means you get the light and the cooler temperatures and in case you didn’t realise this means perfect running conditions!

Vacation

Many people want to drop a size or two when it comes to the summer because they are hoping to get away on their summer break and wear bikinis and other revealing garments of clothing. Confidence really is key when it comes to wearing things like this and losing a bit of weight before you go away on vacation can be key to feeling comfortable around the pool.

Thanksgiving/Christmas

It would seem that people do worry about these events towards the end of the summer and they start to exercise way before the event itself so they can stuff themselves (excuse the pun) when November and December finally arrives.

Water Is Open

During the cold winter months it is safe to say that you will not often come across people swimming in outside pools and in lazing around the beaches with a follow up swim. The summer opens up both of these options to the public and there is not really a better way to cool down than a leisurely swim in the sea. The more of this you do the more likely you are to lose weight because swimming is one of the best things you can do for weight loss. So there is the proof, more people seem not only exercise but enjoy exercise during the summer.

Ryan is a keen internet marketer who represents a company that specialise in SEO. He knows how important it is to keep fit, especially when it is more accessible to do so.

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Exercising in a swimming pool is almost always a great idea to somehow diversify your workout routine. So if you’re bored of same exercises you did at the gym, maybe now it’s time you try something new.

These are five things which make your swimming pool a great place to have some water exercise:

1. Water provides greater resistance than air

Aqua aerobics gives you 20 times more resistance to the whole body than any land-based exercise. This means your body actually works more and your muscles are better trained. Therefore water-bound exercise is believed to be even more effective than regular one.

2. Water improves balance and coordination

Water exercise encourages the opposition of movement between the arms and legs

3. Water helps improve cardiovascular conditioning

The heart pumps 10% to 20% more blood per beat when the body is submerged in water.

4. Water reduces the impact on joints by ~ 50%

Water relieves tension. Thus water aerobics is not as stressful on the joints as other types of aerobic activity and you are having nice work out without placing extra stress on the joints.

5. Water provides the massage effect

There is little or no post exercise stiffness after a water workout. The massage effect of water promotes relaxation.

6. Water prevents the body from over-heating

Cool water will prevent you from sweating, so after thirty minutes of exercising you still feel fresh.

7. Water removes the stress of feeling tired

The body is almost weightless in the water, so you don’t feel you are working. You are having a rest while actually working out!

8. Water reduces the risk of getting injured

Water supports the body, so unlike with jogging you do not risk falling down and getting injured.

9. Water allows for wider range of movements

The gravity-reduced environment encourages you to perform more movements which you are unable to perform in reality.

10. Water is an ideal way to exercise for elderly or sick / injured people

All those benefit listed above makes water aerobics a perfect way for sick people to get fit. It is recommended to elderly or obese people and those with conditions such as inflexibility or arthritis.

That’s also a reason why aqua aerobics is prescribed to pregnant women: there is no stress, fear of strain, or discomfort.

And the best thing of all is that water aerobics can be an awesome way to diversify your workout! Having a swimming pool at home becomes even more fun! And you don’t necessarily mean you should work in Florida or California for that. If you have cold winters at your place, consider winter pool covers and the problem is solved!

Do you have any experience with doing water exercises? Please share it!

If you have ever passed a community pool and witnessed what appeared to be water ballet with elderly people, then you were probably seeing a water aerobics class, otherwise known as aquatic or pool therapy. Whatever you care to call it, humans have long been aware of the restorative properties of water. One of the more well-known instances of early aquatic therapy in the United States is that of late former president Franklin Roosevelt. His “little White House” and accompanying warm mineral springs was where Roosevelt went to alleviate the physical pain from the remnants of a childhood bout with polio. The draw for Roosevelt was the minerals in the water, purported to be helpful for those suffering from different injuries and disorders of the musculature and bones. What the springs just outside bustling Atlanta, Georgia have in common with modern aquatic therapy is the ability of the the warm water to soothe sore muscles and tendons, and loosen stiff joints, and promote quicker, more efficient healing of injuries and physiological dysfunction.

Undoubtedly the former president probably did exercises to help ensure fluidity of motion, at least to whatever degree he could. Such is true for patients of today’s pool therapy. Dr. Laura Inverity, D.O., is a contributor to About.com’s Health, Disease and Condition content. Her January 22, 2008, article regarding aquatic therapy on About.com is a moderately in-depth look at an ever-more popular trend for physical rehabilitation. The water-bound exercises are less traumatic to the body than traditional exercises performed on land because the water absorbs what could normally be bone-jarring foot falls and potential for serious falls and injuries. It also allows the patient a safety net should they be unsteady on their feet. Instead of worrying about falling and hitting carpet over concrete in a gym or workout studio, they can be free to perform a variety of exercises that would normally be impossible for them, due to pain and limited range of motion. If they are in a typical pool that begins at about three feet at the shallow end or a hot tub, they will have water all around them so they have a perceptibly lesser risk of falling and getting hurt. The buoyancy provided by the water also allows the patient to relax more, thereby making the workout even more effective. It lessens the chances of sprains and tears. The water provides a cushion for their bodies. This is also true for people who are extremely overweight.

Natural Proponent Aspects of Aquatic Therapy

• Increases joint mobility from both the warmth of the water and the buoyancy qualities
• Decreases potential for trauma to joints and other tissues and organs
• Provides cushioning properties for people who are overweight or elderly, or have limited coordination due to injury or illness

For patients who already have injuries, rehabilitation in the form of water exercise is tremendously helpful in the mending process, by allowing proper healing thanks to lessened friction and distress to joints. For instance, patients who have had back injuries, and those who suffer from arthritis, will find value in exercises done with “kick boards” and other flotation devices. The boards allow the patients to be able to swim around and kick, which works out their legs without the impact normally found out of the water. On the other hand, for those who want to concentrate on healing a shoulder or back injury or disorder, the water can provide resistance for strength-building, without the damaging effects of weight-lifting.

Proponent Effects of Water Exercise

• Allows re-strengthening of injured muscles and joints with less risk of strain and tearing
• Provides a “softer” workout method for unsteady, tender bodies
• Provides resistance through water’s natural viscosity, instead of the use of weights
• Allows for more fluidity of motion in exercise, due to the warmth of the water, thereby putting less friction on already injured or unwell muscles and bones and other organs
• Can promote faster healing time

Generalized “back pain” is a complaint of epidemic proportions, especially in our society. Americans deal with a lot of stress, much of it self-inflicted, due to worries over debt, jobs and relationships. It is a well-known fact stress can lead to many physiological ailments, back pain included. Stress can cause nervous disorders, strains and sprains from tension injuries, and a myriad of other ailments, commonly referred to as “back aches”, or “back pain” or something akin. There are also numerous chronic disorders stemming from everything from heredity to diet, and unknown sources, such as fibromyalgia. Muscles spasms can often fall into the same mysterious category. There are uncountable numbers of people walking around with as yet undiagnosed aches and pains they just put up with. Some patients are told they have degenerative diseases such as arthritis, and many of them find quelling relief in warm water. Many an arthritic patient will gladly swear by the curative effects of a spa or hot tub. A considerable number of the patients would find relief in the some of the types of therapy discussed previously.

Inverity cautions her readers to be sure to talk to their doctor before beginning any exercise program. She points out there are people who are not candidates for aquatic therapy, such as people with infections or symptoms thereof, or incontinence. She also mentions those who have cardiac disease, and interjects, for some others like these type patients, water therapy is not recommended. However, for the elderly, obese, injured and chronically ill who find it difficult to perform traditional therapeutic exercises outside the water, the risk of furthering or causing injury is decreased substantially. Aquatic therapy is a healthy alternative to traditional rehabilitative exercises for those with debilitating conditions.

Trina L. Grant is a health and fitness blogger, and professional freelance writer.

Image “Aquatic Ballet” courtesy sxc/berka
Image “Thermal Baths at Harnay” courtesy sxc/hbrinkman
Image “Health Gymnastics” courtesy sxc/hbrinkman