Splashing around in a pool isn’t just for kids or beach vacations—it’s also a fantastic way to shed some weight and trim that waistline! According to a recent study published in BMJ Open, diving into water aerobics for more than 10 weeks can have impressive results, especially for women and adults over 45. Ready to make a splash?

Why Water Works Wonders

Water aerobics, also known as aqua aerobics, combines the benefits of traditional exercise with the gentle support of water. Thanks to buoyancy, your joints are spared the stress that often comes with land-based workouts—perfect for anyone who’s overweight or just doesn’t love the pounding of pavement runs. The added resistance of water means you’re still getting an effective workout that targets those pesky fat stores.

And let’s face it: doing aerobics, zumba, yoga, or even jogging in the water feels way more fun than a regular gym session, right?

What the Study Found

Researchers analyzed data from 10 clinical trials involving 286 participants (aged 20 to 70) across five countries, including Brazil, the U.S., and the Netherlands. Participants tried a variety of water exercises, working out for 60 minutes, 2-3 times a week, over periods of 6 to 12 weeks. Here’s what they discovered:

• Weight loss: Participants lost an average of nearly 3 kilos (about 6.6 pounds).
• Waist trimming: They reduced their waist circumference by an average of 3 cm (over an inch!).

Even better, sticking with water aerobics for 10 weeks or longer was particularly effective for women and people aged 45+. What’s not to love about feeling lighter and healthier while having fun?

The Catch (or Splash!)

While water aerobics worked wonders for weight and waistline, it didn’t significantly reduce body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, or that stubborn midriff bulge (waist-to-hip ratio). The study also highlighted that its impact on men and younger participants wasn’t as clear—so it might be time to rally more guys to dive into the pool.

Time to Make a Splash

Water aerobics isn’t just exercise; it’s a low-impact, accessible gateway to better health. Whether you’re looking to slim down, ease joint pain, or just shake up your routine, the pool might be calling your name.

And while this study shows promising results, the researchers remind us that there’s always room for more research. But one thing’s clear—dipping your toes into water aerobics is a step (or splash!) in the right direction.

So, grab your swimsuit and dive into fitness—your waistline and wellbeing will thank you!