Although I spent some time water skiing and at swimming pools as a youth, I never really swam a lot. The June 2025 issue of HARVARD HEALTH LETTER interested me, however, with an article suggesting that readers may want to try water aerobics for weight loss and waist reduction.

While we are unlikely to take up swimming, the new study is an eye opener.

The researchers looked at 10 trials of about 300 people (ages 18 to 72) who were overweight or obese.

They took part in various types of water aerobics two or three times a week for up to 12 weeks.

Those who did at least 10 weeks, especially women 45 or older, lost about 6 pounds and trimmed their waistline by about an inch, which is a good reduction and an important one as the researchers tell us that obesity contributes to an estimated 2.8 million deaths every year.

So you may want to try water aerobics for a change of pace and an excellent way to continue to have an active lifestyle, with benefits. You may enjoy moving through water smoothly as good or better than the pounding around a track or down a street.

The researchers are not saying that swimming gives better results than jogging or running, just that the results are similar and offer a good alternative.

A combination of running and swimming may be ideal for many people. It would make training more interesting with as good as or better all around results.

An additional factor to consider is balance: "Exercising in water can help you achieve better balance without the risk of falling. Water workouts in a swimming pool are a great way to work on your balance. If you have access to a pool with a current or a lazy river at a water park, walking against the current is also helpful.”

Weight loss, a trimmer waistline, balance training, and fun to boot!

Photo by Bill Reynolds

This body is not the result of swimming, but it does show the results of careful eating and weight training.

August 1, 2025

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