If you are looking for a good all-around form of aerobic exercise, why not try water aerobics?

Running, jogging and walking underwater in a pool not only strengthens the leg and hip muscles - the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals - but helps to develop cardiorespiratory fitness.

If you are a novice to this form of exercise, the key is to take it easy at the start. At first, lightly exercise in the shallow end -- walking at this stage will be enough.

As your confidence improves, move gradually move to thigh-deep then chest deep water, increasing your speed as you do so.

Whilst moving, aim to use the water as resistance, landing in a heel-ball-toe action and maintaining an upright stance. Pump your arms as if walking or jogging on land.

Once you have developed a good technique which is comfortable for you, aim to walk or jog underwater for between 20 to 40 minutes per exercise session.

Water aerobics has an added benefit -- it enables you to burn up calories much more efficiently. Compare the following estimates of calorie consumption for a 30 minutes workout:

• Land walking: 135 calories
• Deep water walking: 264 calories
• Jogging on land 240: calories
• Deep water jogging: 340 calories

So, why not seek out classes in your local area?

� HealthChat 2000.

Dr. Sims is the Medical Director of FitStop, the UK's foremost group of health and fitness centers, and an expert on matters relating to fitness of body and mind. Having trained as a GP, he now works full-time in health promotion and has written extensively on the subject, including a monthly medical column in Mensa magazine with the TV psychiatrist, Dr Raj Persaud. Dr. Sims was the original Virgin.Net online doctor.

Article courtesy of MediaPeak