The basics
Just like the land-based version, aqua aerobics is a cardiovascular-based fitness regime that combines rhythmic exercises to get the blood flowing. The difference here being that it’s performed in waist- to chest-deep water, or typically your average community swimming pool. The buoyancy factor makes each movement low impact and opens up a whole new window for resistance and strength training. Musical accompaniment is common and makes the process more fun than your regular lap of the pool. In this instance, it was a faultless selection of The Beatles.
Giving it a bash
The instructor opened with a disclaimer that the one-hour class may feel quite long for first-timers, and to take each exercise at your own pace. The class then began with basic jogging on the spot, followed by reps of splashy arm movements like jabs, uppercuts, and hooks. Exhibiting a punching pace at least double the speed of my fellow classmates, I was told to ‘‘chill out’’ by the instructor. It’s about slow and solid movements, not blowing your gasket in the first 10 minutes. Classic on-land aerobics exercises followed: star jumps, side steps, pendulum leg swings, and the running shopping trolley. The most difficult drill was made up of high knee jumps that played out several times during the class. The routine included front frog leaps, backwards jumping kicks, and rising out of the water with hands on hips. The sensation of burning hamstrings and buttocks underwater was definitely a new one. After a length of doggy paddle, the second half of the class continued, this time with the addition of florescent pink pool noodles. The noodles were submerged for most of the time to focus on training the upper body and core through resistance. One particularly challenging exercise was jumping through a U-shaped noodle held underwater, forwards and then backwards. My floppy pool noodle flew across the pool several times, prompting laughter throughout the pool. We finished with some underwater noodle surfing to focus on balance and tighten the core.
Why you should try it
As well as being a credited cardiovascular exercise, aqua aerobics is a moderate form of strength training because of the resistance of the water. The buoyancy takes out the impact of body weight on joints, making it ideal for people with osteoporosis and arthritis, or those weary of getting injured while training. You can also attempt exercises you’d never even think of trying on land; jumping through a pool noodle for instance. The cooler temperature of the pool is an obvious deterrent for overheating and masks the appearance of sweat. When the water is around 29 degrees, it can also optimise the consumption of oxygen.
Risk rating
Slim. There’s more chance of contracting a recreational pool illness or getting eye irritation from chlorine than any real physical injury. But as with any form of exercise, you should consult a registered medical professional first.
The buoyancy takes out the impact of body weight on joints, making it ideal for people with osteoporosis and arthritis, or those weary of getting injured while training.
Any surprises
Prepared for an hour-long session of jogging on the spot, aqua aerobics was far more physical than I expected. It would be a great low-impact workout to do between more intense training sessions at the gym.