Aqua aerobics
Aqua aerobics is aerobic exercise in a swimming pool, usually to music: walking, running, jumping and kicking in water that reaches the waist or chest. The water carries part of your weight and resists every movement, so the workout is gentle on the joints but still real work. An instructor usually leads the class from the side of the pool.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Cardio and stamina with little impact on the knees, hips and back.
- Strength: the water pushes back against every movement, in every direction.
- Mobility — the water supports you, so many people move more freely than on land.
- A pleasant, sociable workout; many people find the water relaxing.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- A sports swimsuit that stays in place, a swimming cap, pool shoes or flip-flops, a towel and what you need for the shower.
- Pools usually ask you to shower before you go in, and some ask for a medical certificate — check with the studio.
- The pool provides noodles, foam dumbbells, boards and, for deep-water classes, flotation belts.
- Bring water to drink: you sweat in the pool too, even if you do not notice it.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 45 minutes, sometimes up to 60.
- A warm-up of walking and easy movement in the water, then the main part: running on the spot, jumps, kicks, and arm work with foam dumbbells, sometimes in a circle or in pairs.
- It ends with stretching and relaxing in the water.
- Most classes are in shallow water, where you stand, so you do not need to swim. Deep-water classes use a flotation belt; tell the instructor if you cannot swim.
- Some pools run separate classes for pregnant women or for older adults.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- People with sore joints, or a higher body weight, for whom jumping on land is uncomfortable.
- Older adults.
- Pregnant women, with their doctor’s approval — see Prenatal fitness.
- People coming back after an injury, once a doctor or physiotherapist agrees.
- It is less suited to anybody with an open wound, a skin infection or an allergy to chlorine. With a heart condition or high blood pressure, ask your doctor first, and tell the instructor about any health problem before the class.