Just add water
While awaiting the birth of my second son, I swam. So, too, did a wiry old man who shuffled into the water every day at around the same time as I was lowering my beach-ball-sized belly into the pool. Hunched over, leaning heavily on his walking stick for support, he winced with every slow and measured step. But, as soon as he was submerged, a transformation ensued.
Surrendering to the support and buoyancy provided by the water, his movements became graceful and effortless. He swam like a fish. A seal. A dolphin. For those 20 laps or so, he was young again, free of pain and the physical constraints of an ageing body. I shared his reluctance when the time came to climb the pool steps and return once more to the heavy, gruelling embrace of gravity.
More recently, I’ve discovered yoga is another way to reap the benefits of working out in water. The benefits of hydrotherapy have long been recognised. They include enhanced circulation, improved balance, increased core stability and reduced pain. Now yoga teachers, too, are beginning to unlock the benefits of practising in aquatic environments.
So are you looking to delve deeper into your yoga practice? Master balance poses that have thus far eluded you? Sink into challenging stretches without straining muscles or joints?
