WEEK 2

It had been raining earlier and the water was freezing cold. I had a few minutes before class so I relaxed in the warm Jacuzzi for a bit. When Deno showed up, I went back to the pool and nervously tested the temperature with my toes. “Come on, let’s warm up,” suggested Deno, as I remained shivering by the edge of the pool, clutching my legs to my chest and shaking my head. Eventually I joined the others and was surprised at how fast one could warm up in icy waters. Then again, the rules of buoyancy mean you could be working out several times as hard underwater without even feeling it.

That said, it was still a challenge, especially if your instructor decides to up the tempo and introduce fancy new moves like kicking up and swinging your legs from side to side while staying afloat. By now, I could suss out Deno’s taste in music and I loved how his upbeat selection added flavour to the party atmosphere.

By the way, I was wrong about not being seen underwater. Apparently, Deno had a rather good view from where he was standing. Of course, when everyone’s twirling or bobbing up and down, punctuating the grooves with cries of “woo hoo” and “oh yeah”, who really cares if you missed that last step-ball-change?

WEEK 3

I had pretty much got the hang of things now. I could move faster underwater, and my arms and legs definitely felt stronger. What I love most about Aqua Zumba is how immediately it takes your mind off things just like any regular dip in the pool or ocean. Like a good old swim, you condition your cardio and tone your body with each move. You also burn extra calories with every laugh and shout of exhilaration. The verdict: Splash-two-cha-cha-cha, dive-four-ra-ta-ta ... and pose! Dive in at Celebrity Fitness, Lot T-011, Third Floor, Mid Valley Megamall. Tel: 03-2295 0088.