When you think of strength training, you likely think of the gym and activities such as lifting dumbbells or using rubber tubing and cables. However, there\u2019s another place where people with Parkinson\u2019s can have fun, find freedom and work on fitness goals \u2013 the water! Water is a fantastic medium for a full-body workout.<\/p>\n
Here are 10 water exercises to help you stand taller and stronger and move more freely.<\/p>\n
Balance and core muscles<\/strong><\/p>\n Let the water\u2019s continual movement help stimulate your balance receptors and activate your core muscles.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stand with both feet together and scull your hands in front of your body (moving hands side to side as if smoothing two piles of sand). Resistance and strength training<\/strong><\/p>\n Use the resistance provided by the density of the water to increase the power of your workout and strengthen the muscles along the back of your body.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stand with your feet hip-width apart and palms together in front of the body. Push arms away from each other as if giving someone a big hug. Throw your arms out and slowly bring them back together. Gait improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n Let the buoyancy of the water help you naturally lift your legs and take bigger steps. Work your gluteal (butt) muscles as you push each leg down to the floor.<\/p>\n \u2022 Practice walking forward, backward and sideways. Use the lines on the bottom of the pool as a guide.
\n\u2022 Stand on one leg and scull your hands in front of the body.
\n\u2022 Stand on one leg. Scull with the opposite hand and lift the other hand out of the water.
\n\u2022 Take five steps, stop and stabilize on either one foot or both.
\n\u2022 Lean forward in the water until your feet rise off the pool floor. Push your arms down and pull your knees in until you can bring your feet underneath you and stand up tall.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Stand with your feet hip-width apart, palms up and elbows at your sides. Press your hands down into the water until your arms are straight. Return your hands slowly to the starting position.
\n\u2022 Place your hands at your sides and scull the water for balance. Let one leg lift to a 45-degree angle in front of you. Push it down and behind you slightly.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Practice starting and stopping.<\/p>\n