A study reveals the power of pool exercises to lose inches off your waist.
A Chinese-Korean research team has reviewed the scientific literature on the effects of water aerobics and concluded that they are significant in terms of body weight , and especially noticeable in women. The impact of aqua aerobics has not gone unnoticed , and although this practice is often associated with older adults, science confirms that it is beneficial for all ages .
The novelty of this recent study is that its authors emphasize the effect of aquatic exercise on body weight loss, and specifically on the possibility of reducing waist circumference. This would make aquagym an ideal activity for overweight or obese people of any age. An interesting finding considering that these individuals are also more prone to joint pain or other injuries, so training in the water would eliminate this obstacle.
The scientific team has indicated that results can be seen after a training routine of at least 10 weeks . While aquagym or aquaerobics is especially popular among older adults, the researchers point out that swimming, walking, or jogging in water , combined with strength and endurance exercises , can achieve excellent results.
Special impact on women over 45 years of ageThe studies analyzed included 286 participants aged between 20 and 70 years, all of whom shared one common characteristic: overweight or obesity based on their body mass index . After training with aquazumba, aquayoga, and aquajogging routines for periods of between six and ten weeks, the scales confirmed the results.
Women, especially those over 45, lost approximately three kilos and reduced their waist circumference by two and a half centimeters . The impact was less significant for men and for those of both sexes younger than that age. The researchers themselves emphasized that the number of men who trained was also lower , and therefore, new, more equitable analyses are needed.
The fact that various types of exercise were analyzed makes it difficult to determine which type is most beneficial for losing BMI . Nor has it been shown to provide better results than land-based physical activity.
The truth is that the benefits of aquagym are not limited to its impact on the musculoskeletal system; in recent years , its relationship with other pathologies , such as the risk of dementia , has been investigated. Along these lines, research has also investigated how losing weight can also reduce the risk of cognitive problems : obesity has been established as one of the preventable factors in this type of disease.
ReferencesDing Z, Gao Z, Zhou H, Park J. (2025). Effects of water aerobics on body composition in obesity and overweight people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open.15(3):e091743. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091743
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