Spa spy Balanced approach

Core muscles get a good work out during a Floatfit class with Edinburgh Leisure

The treatment

A 30 minute Floatfit class with Edinburgh Leisure at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre. Classes are £4.40 for non-members, £3.30 with an Edinburgh Leisure Discount Card, or free for full members (see website for membership prices).

Why go?

If you’re a waterbaby who wants to reach the muscles other exercise classes can’t. They suggest participants wear swim-shorts, vests or tankinis, to avoid any potential flashing-related embarrassment. Speedo (www.speedo.com) has even created clothing, H20, specifically for this new trend.

Our spy says

I once tried paddle-boarding, and could barely stand up, so I’m slightly nervous when I turn up for this class, which takes place in a roped-off area of the pool. Along with four other participants, I push the reassuringly large white float that is the Aquabase into the water, and clip it, on either side, to the climbing ropes that make sure it doesn’t drift away.

We kick off with standing up. Easy, right? Not for me.

As the others spring to their feet, I wobble, like a newborn foal. Once up, we’re supposed to rock the board from side to side, which works the legs and makes you feel slightly more confident about your stability. I create teeny lapping waves, while the over- enthusiastic woman beside me is going for the full tsunami. I try not to shoot her The Look.

We’re then told to jump off, so we get used to falling in, but I can’t work out how to get the traction, so just tumble, like a felled tree.

I’m relieved the first set of exercises are to be done on all fours. One leg is lifted, then the opposite arm at the same time, so core muscles are working hard to stabilise your body. It’s similarly tricky doing endless planks and mountain climbers on the board, and then there are various twists and squats.

There are some other exercises standing up, including lunges and an impossible 180 degree jump, all of which pass in a blur for me, as, now that my legs are also shaking with exhaustion, it’s even more impossible to get to my feet. The instructor helps by telling me to focus on a fixed spot a few metres away, and I manage to get to a Gollum-like crouched pose.

Nobody else is having any trouble. So who are they – pro-surfers? According to my instructor, they’ve all been to the classes before, but only once or twice, and were as rubbish as me on their first go. There is hope.

The results

The next day my muscles are aching, especially odd ones, like my trapeziums, lats and inner thighs. This half hour HIIT class is certainly effective, and, as soon as I track down my sea legs, I’m going to try it again. n Ainslie Park Leisure Centre (92 Pilton Drive, 0131-551 2400, www. edinburghleisure.co.uk)