Aqua aerobics is your best bet if you’re looking for a dynamic cardio and strength-building workout, minus the impact on joints. Time to join the pool party.
Aqua aerobics will tone and sculpt you in ways you didn’t imagine. Photo: 123rf.com
Thinking of trying out aqua aerobic gym classes as a way to stay or keep fit? Aqua-based fitness is stigmatised as the domain of the older exerciser – and more often than not a body-conscious woman. Very few men consider aqua aerobics and “serious” gym goers discount it out of hand. Well, you’re all missing a trick.
In fact, vigorous aquatic exercise will easily burn 500 calories an hour, providing an impact-free cardiovascular and muscular-endurance workout. Plyometrics (power-building explosive movements) form a major component of any class – and will add a valuable boost to your fitness if dynamic exercises are not part of your normal routine.
Large, sweeping arm and leg movements emphasise the water’s resistance and tax areas of your body rarely worked in the gym such as deltoids, mid gluteus, tibia anterior, abductors and adductors. Your core will also work over time as you try to stay balanced in the choppy water.
(Also read: We Tried FloatFit HIIT, Singapore’s First HIIT Workout On Water)
There’s also an emotional benefit for the first-time gym-goer: it cures the early anxiety and fear of being the out-of-shape/uncoordinated one in the room. The pool is like a comfort blanket – no one can really see your physique once the water starts splashing!
The moves in aqua aerobics are the same bio-mechanically as other classes, which means that when you move from this class to another, it’s given you a basic foundation of movement and workouts!
Rehab-wise, for those carrying workout battle wounds and scars, this zero-impact resistance workout keeps your fitness levels up without any aggravation to your condition. Anyway, who doesn’t like water, and the happy thoughts and endorphins that come with water activities?
Check out these aqua aerobics classes in Singapore.
(Also read: Bored Of Your Workout? Try These New & Exciting Fitness Classes)
Virgin Active H2O Sculpt
What They Say: “Glide through the waters as we strengthen the body in this low impact workout! Gentle on the joints, but get ready to feel the burn in our muscles as we challenge the body in a fun way away from the gym floor.
Aquaspin
What They Say: “We proudly incorporate a wide range of programs tailored to your specific needs so you can achieve your fitness goals at your own pace. Whether you are looking to build muscle strength, increase your cardiovascular endurance, or simply maintain a healthy, fit body, Aquaspin™ has the perfect class for you.”
Fitness First Aqua Fit
What They Say: “Improves cardio fitness levels and muscle tone by using the water to create resistance. Challenge your body with cardiovascular and strength exercises under the water, with various non-stop movements. As it’s a low impact activity, it’s safe for pregnant women too.”
Active SG Aqua Aerobics
What They Say: “Enjoy a perfect low impact deep aqua workout complete with music accompaniment. ”
The Fitness Project’s Hydrofit Zen/Pump
What They Say: “The HydroFit Zen programme takes you on a journey away from the hustle and bustle of hectic urban life, into a world of rejuvenation and respite. The programme is a combination of Yoga and Pilates inspired movements performed on floating BOGA FitMats. The HydroFit Pump programme pushes you beyond your comfort zone, adding a new dimension to regular workouts. The programme consists of a variety of bodyweight callisthenics exercises, like push ups, sit ups, and squats, performed on floating BOGA FitMats. The instability of the floating BOGA FitMats fires up different stability muscles rarely used when bodyweight callisthenics exercises are performed on land. This results in a more intense, fun and wet workout!”
(Also read: 8 Best Strength Training Exercises For Women, According to Trainers)
A version of this article first appeared on www.menshealth.com.sg.