Do you suffer from arthritis or another potentially painful condition?  Or are you simply looking for a way to exercise that’s fun and not too hard on your body?

Look no further – water aerobics might be your answer.  It’s a cool way to keep active this summer, and Health Alliance Plan headquartered in Detroit, has teamed up with metro Detroit-area pools to offer free water aerobics classes for seniors and moms.

Moms in Motion and Senior Splash Bash classes take place throughout the summer and are ideal for people who find it hard to exercise on land, especially those with health conditions that limit mobility.  Water aerobics is easy on joints, bones and muscles while providing an excellent workout – a good choice if you suffer from aches and pains with other forms of exercise.  (As with any new exercise program, if you are not normally physically active, check with your doctor first before starting any new activity.)

People with both diabetes and arthritis in particular might benefit from exercise in the water.  A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control found that over half of adults diagnosed with diabetes also suffer from arthritis, and of those, 29.8 percent are physically inactive, possibly because of pain due to arthritis.  Read more here. While exercising with arthritis can be difficult, for diabetics it’s especially important for controlling glucose levels and other diabetes risk factors.  In many cases, exercise can also help ease the pain caused by arthritis.

HAP’s Moms in Motion and Senior Splash Bash classes are popular.  In 2007, nearly 5,000 metro Detroiters participated in the classes, with an average daily participation of more than 500.  HAP hopes to continue to grow participation this summer, as it has done each year since the program began.

“Four years ago, when we launched our inaugural water aerobics class, we didn’t expect the program to be as popular as it has grown to be today,” said Chrystal Roberts, director of community relations at HAP.  “Participants across metro Detroit are so pleased with the program that they have asked us to bring it back for another season.

So, whatever your shape or reason, grab your suit and head to the pool for a free aerobic workout!  You’ll feel better and your body will thank you.

Interested?  Click here for the complete Moms in Motion and Senior Splash Bash schedule.

(Photos by Bill Sanders)