STA Highlights the Effectiveness of Aquacise with New Research Findings
Posted on 14th March 2025
STA is reinforcing the importance of its Aquacise qualification in light of new research published in BMJ Open this month, which highlights the significant benefits of water-based exercise, particularly for women and middle aged + older adults.
The research, a pooled data analysis of 10 clinical trials conducted across multiple countries, including Malaysia, Brazil, India, the USA, and the Netherlands, found that participating in water-based aerobics for 10 weeks or more can effectively reduce waist circumference and aid in weight loss.
Specifically, the study revealed that such exercise can lead to an average weight reduction of nearly 3 kilograms and a waist size reduction of approximately 3 centimetres in overweight and obese participants. These benefits were particularly pronounced in women and individuals aged 45 and older.
Given the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide – where an estimated 504 million women and 374 million men are classified as obese – water-based exercise offers a viable and joint-friendly alternative to traditional land-based workouts. The buoyancy of water reduces the risk of joint injury, making aquacise a particularly attractive option for those who may struggle with high-impact activities.
STA’s CIMSPA-endorsed Award in Aquacise qualification equips fitness professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver structured, safe, and effective water-based fitness classes. The qualification encompasses a range of aerobic exercises, aligning with the research findings that highlight the effectiveness of these activities in reducing central obesity and improving overall health outcomes.
Helen Done, STA’s Qualifications and Business Development Manager, commented:
“This research reinforces what we have known for a long time – water-based exercise is a fantastic way to support weight management and improve health, particularly for those who may find land-based exercise challenging.”
The health benefits of water exercise could also help reduce the demand on the NHS, and our Aquacise qualification continues to play a key role in providing instructors with the tools to deliver high-quality, impactful sessions that benefit a wide range of participants.
The research also acknowledged the need for further studies to examine the long-term effects of water-based exercise and compare its efficacy with other forms of physical activity. However, the findings strongly support water-based exercise as an effective intervention for weight management and overall health improvement.