Final answer:
The primary purpose of wearing hand webs during aquatic workouts is to increase resistance and intensity for a better cardiovascular workout and muscle toning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of wearing gloves, also known as hand webs, during aquatic workouts is to increase resistance and intensity of the workout. This is the primary function, as gloves are not primarily intended for improving grip or protection against cuts and abrasions in this context.
Just as hitting water with the full palm creates more resistance than diving in with fingers first, hand webs increase surface area, making movements in the water harder to perform. This increased resistance helps to intensify workouts by requiring more strength and energy, thereby improving the efficacy of the aquatic exercises. For example, swimming or doing aqua aerobics with hand webs can lead to a greater cardiovascular workout and better muscle toning. It is important for users to perform exercises correctly with hand webs to avoid strain and to maximize effectiveness.
They also protect the hands from the rough surfaces in the pool, such as the pool floor and walls, which can cause cuts and abrasions. Additionally, water gloves increase resistance and make the workouts more challenging, leading to greater strength and endurance gains.