A 'cool' way to workout

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
As fitness is a big part of military life, Airmen at Yokota Air Base, Japan, are always on the lookout for different ways to reach their fitness goals.

The Natatorium indoor pool offers a wide variety of water based exercise classes, such as water aerobics, and equipment to help individuals reach these goals.

"Swimming and water aerobics are a good way for people to exercise, especially those who can't necessarily do physical training exercises on land," said Mikito Kurihara, 374th Force Support Squadron water fitness instructor. "Swimming benefits those individuals who are recovering from an injury and undergoing rehabilitation exercise therapy. It is also ideal for those suffering from chronic pain from existing injuries or disorders like arthritis, and it's also a great way to get yourself fit and toned."

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several benefits that come from regular physical activity. Exercise helps improve a person's mood, combats chronic diseases, assists with weight management and boosts energy levels.

In addition to the benefits gained from regular exercise, swimming and water aerobics have an added benefit. The requirement of only needing to use half of your body weight, which is what is used to perform water activities, helps reduce the risk of muscle or joint injury due to its low-impact nature.

"Currently I am on a physical fitness program restriction profile pending surgery on my foot. I have to wear a walking boot so it really limits what activities I can participate in for a workout," said Staff Sgt. Robin Stanchak, NCO in charge of operations projects for the 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office.

"I find swimming to be extremely beneficial because the water provides resistance naturally and working out doesn't hurt me. It also reduces the added stress and strain that land-base exercises put on my body and is a great way for me to still workout four to five times per week."

When the body moves through water it places less stress on joints and muscles and can allow for a greater range of motion. Exercising in the water can also prevent overheating through continuous cooling of the body.

According to the dieabticlifestyle.com website, the following calories are burned during a 30-minute workout:

Walking on land:  135 calories
Deep water walking:  264 calories

Jogging on land:  240 calories
Deep water jogging:  340 calories

The free water aerobics classes are offered Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

For swimming information contact the Natatorium indoor pool at 225-6133. For more information on other alternative exercise classes offered at Yokota, contact the Samurai Fitness Center at 225-8889.