Swimming is an activity many people enjoy during the warm summer months. But it’s also a powerful form of exercise and a proven tool for physical therapy. Swimming and water workouts provide low-impact movement that benefits those with joint or back pain, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, or anyone looking for a gentler way to stay active. It is also safe and beneficial for pregnant women.
Aquatic exercise is not just gentle. It’s effective. Water provides resistance that helps you increase strength, build endurance, and improve flexibility. At Aquafit Physical Therapy we offer specialized aquatic therapy services designed to support recovery and strength. If you are looking for physical therapy in Severn, MD, contact us today.
Pool Exercises for Arms
Aquatic therapy combines the healing power of water with guided movement to improve function, strength, and range of motion. If you want to tone your arms and build upper body strength, try these simple but effective arm-focused pool exercises.
Arm Toning with a Ball
Stand in chest-deep water with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a water ball in front of you with both hands. Push the ball down into the water. The ball will float, so pressing it down requires effort and activates your upper body. Keep your back straight and your core tight.
Arm Lifts
Stand tall with your feet apart and your arms at your sides. Slowly lift both arms out to shoulder height. Then return them back to the starting position. The resistance of the water will make this movement more challenging and help strengthen your shoulders and arms.
Arm Rotations
Start in the same position as arm lifts. Raise your arms to shoulder height and slowly rotate them forward in small circles. Count to 20, then switch directions and rotate backward. This movement helps tone your arms and improves shoulder flexibility.
Treading Water
Treading is a great full-body aquatic exercise. It works your arms, legs, and core. Move into deeper water where your feet do not touch the bottom. Use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Try to tread for three minutes while keeping your head above water and your core engaged.
Water Dumbbell Lifts
Use foam dumbbells or water weights for this one. Stand in chest-deep water with your arms underwater. Keep your feet planted and your back straight. Lift one or both arms toward your chest. You can also press the weights above your head for a more advanced movement. This exercise targets the biceps, triceps, and shoulders.
These pool exercises are a great way to tone your arms, improve upper body strength, and support joint health. They are also excellent additions to a full-body water workout routine. Using the natural resistance of water allows you to challenge your muscles without putting stress on your joints.
Contact Aquafit Physical Therapy in Severn, MD
At Aquafit Physical Therapy, we offer expert-led aquatic therapy programs for people of all ages and ability levels. If working out in the pool sounds like a good fit for you but you are not sure where to start, we are here to guide you.
Aquafit Physical Therapy is a trusted provider of physical therapy in Severn, MD. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your first aquatic therapy session.