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OBESITY DEEP WATER CARDIO SEQUENCE

Provide a low-impact, longer-duration deep-water cardio sequence tailored to obese participants with joint protection and enjoyment as priorities.

Focus Full Body
Environment Deep area of a leisure or therapy pool with cooler aerobic temperatures and easy ladder/lift access.
Pool Depth Fully Suspended
Supervision Not required
Equipment Yes

How to Perform

  1. Fit a flotation belt securely and move into deep water where the feet do not touch, maintaining a comfortable upright posture.
  2. Begin with 2 to 3 minutes of gentle suspended marching, moving arms and legs slowly to get used to the support of the belt.
  3. Transition to a comfortable deep-water jog in place or in a small circle for 1 to 2 minutes, keeping movements low impact and controlled.
  4. Return to easy suspended marching or light sculling with gentle leg movements for 1 to 2 minutes as active recovery.
  5. Repeat the cycle of 1 to 2 minutes of deep-water jog followed by 1 to 2 minutes of easy marching or sculling for a total of 10 to 15 minutes, adjusting pace to stay at a low-to-moderate effort.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Keep breathing relaxed, avoid rushing the legs, and let the water carry some of the body weight while staying in control.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Monitor closely for heat intolerance, breathing difficulty, and cardiovascular symptoms; avoid hot water or high humidity environments.

Additional Safety Notes: Stop immediately for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or panic; avoid exercising to the point of exhaustion and encourage frequent check-ins.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Gradually extend total sequence time, or slightly increase jog intervals while keeping impact minimal.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Shorten total time, use only suspended marching without jogging, or increase recovery durations between harder segments.

Attribution

Source TypeBook
Original AuthorRuth Sova
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationAquatics: The Complete Reference Guide for Aquatic Fitness Professionals
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2025-11-30
Last Modified2025-11-30

External Source

TypeBook
Additional InfoDerived from Sova’s obesity and deep-water guidance: low intensity, longer duration, minimal impact and careful monitoring; specific timing and cues are new.