Swim spas excellent for improving balance for elderly

Swim spa fitness expert, Dr Rick McAvoy, has seen amazing progress in balance, function and overall quality of life when integrating swim spa exercises with a basic land-based programme: “Swim spa exercise is medicine!”

If you are looking to improve your balance, a swim spa could be right for you. You may be aware that older people have a much higher rate of falls than younger people, often with very serious consequences. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults.

However, exercises to improve walking, balancing, flexibility and strength can reduce the risk of falls by 14 – 37%. That’s where Spa World’s swim spas come in!

The leading expert in swim spa exercise, Dr. Rick McAvoy, says swim spas are great for improving balance because:

Activities involving single leg balance in water can be very helpful for improving overall balance.

Water’s resistant forces help to improve coordination and confidence, strengthening normal walking patterns in a safe environment.

Swim spa jets can be used to increase water turbulence, creating a better balance work-out.

Dr. Rick McAvoy is a physical therapist based in the United States who has specialised in aquatic physical therapy, fitness and sports performance for more than 25 years. Spa World is pleased to work alongside Dr. Rick helping to get the word out about the health benefits of swim spas.