Aqua Aerobics vs Pilates
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Looking for low-impact workouts, aqua aerobics vs pilates comparisons that are kind to your joints yet still effective? In Canberra, two standouts are aqua aerobics (water aerobics) and Pilates (mat or reformer). This guide compares aqua aerobics and Pilates. It helps you choose the best workout for weight loss, core strength, mobility, and long-term fitness. You’ll see how each option impacts joints, calories burned, muscle strength, and body composition.
You'll also learn who benefits most. Is it seniors? Adults with limited mobility? Postnatal parents? Or anyone wanting a great workout with less strain?
Low Impact Exercises: What Counts and Why It Matters? Low Impact Workouts Aqua Aerobics vs Pilates
Low impact exercises are workouts avoiding heavy landings or joint stress. They're ideal for people with joint pain, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease or limited mobility. Examples include walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi, water yoga and aquatic exercise.
These workouts provide numerous benefits. They boost fitness and endurance. They also support muscle strength and build it safely, reducing injury risk. They also enhance body composition and lean body mass.
Another advantage is the mental health component. Low impact activities help lower stress, improve mood and encourage a healthier heart rate. Healthdirect explains the benefits of low impact exercise.
At a Glance Comparison: Aqua Aerobics vs Pilates
Joint impact
- Aqua aerobics: Buoyancy reduces load; best for joint pain and injury recovery.
- Pilates: Controlled dry land training; low impact with focus on form.
Calories & cardio
- Aqua aerobics: Cardio led; helps burn calories and supports weight loss.
- Pilates: Builds lean body mass to burn more calories at rest.
Strength & tone
- Aqua aerobics: Whole body resistance in the pool; works upper body and balance.
- Pilates: Targeted strength training and core strength; improves posture and muscles.
Best fit
- Aqua aerobics: Low-impact activities for high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, limited mobility.
- Pilates: Precision training for posture, balance and endurance.
Aqua Aerobics (Water Exercise): Benefits, Calories Burned, Injury Risk
Aquatic Exercise Class Format: Deep Water vs Shallow Water
Aqua aerobics, also called water aerobics, involves guided classes in shallow or chest deep water. Sessions use movements like jogging, kicks and resistance training with noodles or dumbbells. At Aquatots, programs include Aqua HIIT, Aqua FIIT, Parent & Bub and Seniors Aqua.
Weight Loss & Heart Rate: How Water Resistance Burns Calories
Water provides natural resistance, so movements raise heart rate without high impact. Classes burn calories effectively. They also support weight loss while improving endurance and cardiovascular health. Aqua aerobics especially suits people with high blood pressure or chronic disease.
Benefits for Joints, Muscles and Mood
Aqua aerobics protects joints and lowers injury risk, making it suitable for people of all ages. It engages both the upper body and lower body muscles simultaneously, which builds overall strength.
Classes also improve balance and coordination through water resistance. The environment reduces stress and boosts mood, especially in fun, social group sessions. Arthritis Australia highlights exercise as a safe option for joint pain.
Pilates (Mat & Reformer): Core Strength, Muscle Strength, Body Composition
Strength Training on Dry Land: Form, Balance and Support
Pilates focuses on controlled, precise movements. Mat Pilates uses bodyweight and small props. Reformer Pilates uses a spring-loaded machine for resistance training.
Benefits for Core, Posture and Flexibility
Pilates boosts core strength, posture, and balance. This makes it a great choice for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. It builds muscle strength and lean body mass, which supports long term body composition goals.
The exercises enhance flexibility and endurance through controlled movements. Pilates also helps with injury prevention and pain management when performed with correct form.
Another benefit is that it supports overall body composition and muscle tone. Better Health Channel explains Pilates for health and fitness.
Who Pilates Helps Most: Back Pain, Posture, Stability
Pilates suits people wanting improved posture, balance and form. It's often recommended for those with back pain, limited mobility, or anyone aiming to build muscle while reducing risk of injury.
Aqua Aerobics vs Pilates: Which Low Impact Workout Fits Your Lifestyle?
Joint Pain and Risk Reduction
In the pool, buoyancy unloads hips, knees and ankles, reducing significant strain. Pilates also protects joints but requires careful form and control on dry land.
Build Muscle vs Burn Calories
Aqua aerobics excels at cardio and calorie burn. Pilates builds lean body mass, increasing metabolism and supporting long term fat loss. Together they can improve body composition effectively.
Cost, Access and Class Type in Canberra
Aqua aerobics is affordable and often included in pool memberships, with casual classes costing around $9 to $12. Pilates, by contrast, has premium pricing, typically $30 to $35 per class, though intro packs can offer discounts.
In terms of access, pools like Civic Pool and Aquatots regularly host aqua classes throughout the week. Pilates studios across Canberra, Queanbeyan and Goulburn provide a range of reformer and mat programs.
Read more on water aerobics for weight loss.
How to Choose Your Workout Routine (or Combine Both)
If your priority is joint care, injury recovery or chronic disease management, aqua aerobics may be the best fit. Pilates is ideal if you want posture correction, strength training and core stability.
For those seeking a balanced approach, you can combine both. Aqua aerobics provides cardio and calorie burn, while Pilates builds muscle strength, tone and balance.
Conclusion
Both aqua aerobics and Pilates are excellent low impact activities. Aqua aerobics is great for cardio, protecting joints, and building community. Pilates, on the other hand, emphasizes strength, posture, and balance. Choose the option that matches your goals, or combine both for the best of each.
Spots are filling fast. Book your aqua aerobics session in Canberra today and enjoy the benefits of a fun, low impact workout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aqua aerobics easier on joints than Pilates?
Yes. Buoyancy in the pool reduces load on knees, hips and ankles, making water exercise ideal for joint pain and injury recovery.
Which burns more calories: aqua aerobics or Pilates?
Aqua aerobics typically burns more calories during class. Pilates builds lean body mass, which helps you burn calories at rest.
Can low impact workouts help with high blood pressure or diabetes?
Yes. Both aqua aerobics and Pilates are safe low impact activities. They support cardiovascular health and can help manage chronic disease. Most effective when done regularly through regular exercise.
Does Pilates build muscle strength and improve body composition?
Yes. Pilates boosts core strength, muscle strength, and lean body mass. This helps create a healthier body composition.
Which is better for limited mobility?
Aqua aerobics is often more accessible for people with limited mobility or arthritis. Pilates can be modified, but water-based exercise often reduces strain better.
How often should I do these workouts to see results?
Aim for 2 to 4 sessions a week of low impact exercises. A mix of aqua aerobics, Pilates or other low impact activities like yoga, swimming or cycling gives balanced benefits.
Are there any risks with aqua aerobics or Pilates?
Risks are low. Aqua aerobics requires safe pool conditions; Pilates requires correct form. Always seek professional guidance if you have chronic disease, heart disease or injuries. Especially when comparing low impact workouts aqua aerobics vs pilates.
