How can one even think of retirement communities in Florida without visualizing a lifestyle surrounded by water? Beautiful beaches. The sound of waves approaching the shore. Opportunities for aquatic sports and excursions on the water. The availability of so many high-end water amenities in gulf-side communities like The Glenview at Pelican Bay.
There are definitely perks to living in Pelican Bay – beaches, nature preserves, Pelican Bay golf resorts, beachfront dining, and shopping in Naples. But one perk that does not automatically come to mind is the senior lifestyle benefits of abundant water amenities that could positively impact your personal health and wellness.
Here, we’ll tell you how to use water to help you meet your fitness goals. We’ll explain why swimming and water aerobics are so good for you and will even provide you with a few easy and safe water exercises that could enhance your quality of life as a senior.
As your reliable resource for all things senior living-related in the Naples area, we at The Glenview found valuable information through research that explains why exercise—while partially or fully submerged in water—offers such an advantage. According to the AgingCare Newsletter, exercising in water offers:
You don’t have to travel far to reach the gulf in Pelican Bay or Naples. So, let’s first address water aerobics in the gulf as opposed to water exercises in a swimming pool—that’s next!
Pushing through waves is tougher than swimming laps in a pool, so it will work your heart, as well as shoulder and leg muscles, even harder. In addition, the waves make you work harder to stabilize yourself, which is great for the core muscles. Gulf swimming is a REAL workout—building endurance, strength, and cardio fitness. Did you ever wonder why you—or your visiting grandchildren—are so hungry after an active day at the beach swimming in the gulf?
Water Aerobics has gotten a bad rap in the past. The term seems to connote a lot of work! So, here we’re sticking to easy, safe, and helpful water exercises. Our research led us to a great online video resource by Todd R. Parry, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon from Revere Health Coral Desert Orthopaedics in St. George, Utah. In his video, Dr. Parry takes you through each exercise—step-by-step—from the comfort of a beautiful swimming pool in a lush tropical setting.
Finding a beautiful setting for water exercise is the first of Dr. Parry’s two prerequisites for an enjoyable water fitness experience. At The Glenview, against a backdrop of the gulf, nature, three miles of pristine beaches, and a beautiful new sundeck, you would enjoy Dr. Parry’s exercises in the community’s new outdoor swimming pool. In addition, as a resident at The Glenview, you’d also enjoy pool amenities at the Pelican Bay Community Center.
“Just get in a pool and MOVE,” Dr. Parry says—his second prerequisite. He goes on to explain that “water is the perfect physical therapy medium because it helps lift and support, and when you get stronger (after inactivity or following accidents, ankle sprains/other injuries, and surgeries, especially knee or hip replacements), the water will provide great resistance.”
Before you get started, invest in a pair of good goggles and a pair of water shoes. The shoes will help protect the bottom of your feet from the plaster on the bottom of the swimming pool. As you get into a regular water exercise routine, you may also want to purchase a pair of webbed water gloves that make your hands extra resistant and able to push more water.
The following are good for shoulder and elbow strengthening. And remember, the harder you push with your hands (positioned like fans) the more the water resists. Dr. Parry suggests alternating within your routine the lower extremity exercises above with these for the upper body:
Anytime is a good time to add a new dimension to your health and wellness routine. It just may be swimming or other forms of water exercise—and we know the perfect place. The coastal living opportunities at The Glenview—Florida’s only nonprofit equity-owned LifeCare community—are endless, especially during the winter months. At The Glenview, residents are the primary managers of their community—they have a say in how the community operates. This start of a new year is the perfect time to investigate the privileges of homeownership at The Glenview.
Start with our online virtual Parade of Homes, and then contact us to arrange for a personal onsite tour.
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