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What is Water Exercise Equipment?

By , About.com Guide

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Question: What is Water Exercise Equipment?
Sometimes therapy for your back can be done in a pool, with aquatic equipment. Pieces of aquatic equipment are specially shaped items made of lightweight material that floats.
Answer:

Water exercise equipment, also called aquatic equipment, takes advantage of water’s special properties to assist, resist and/or support you when you work out. There are several functions of aquatic equipment. Some increase the resistance of your movement through the water, while others increase the surface area of water that you will displace as you go. Both will cause you to use more muscle power and develop strength. Still other types of aquatic equipment support your body weight, leaving you free to move each part with minimal joint pain and pressure.

The flotation belt is the most basic piece of aquatic equipment. Other items include swim bars (which look like dumbbells), fins, kickboards, and hand paddles.

Sources:

Kisner, C., & Colby, L.A. (2002). Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques.Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.

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