F
FITNESS
30 asiaSpa India May-June 2017
Since you are working against
the resistance of water, you end up
burning eight times more calories
than any other normal floor aerobics
exercise. And, unlike other workouts, a
rigorous aqua aerobics session doesn’t
leave you drained out and sweaty;
in fact, it makes you feel fresh. The
hydrostatic pressure – that is the force
of water against the body – acts likea massage and helps the heart pump
blood more efficiently and effectively.
Apart from its uses in achieving
overall fitness, aqua aerobics can
also aid in curing a variety of ailments
such as arthritis, Parkinson’s
disease, back problems, obesity and
osteoporosis, among others.
Aquatic fitness can accommodate
all ages, fitness levels and abilitiesPOINTS TO KEEP IN MIND- For whom? Anyone
who likes the water, has
injuries, or is in physical
rehab. Water workouts
are a terri c cross-training
activity for runners, cyclists
and maniac aerobicisers.
Water workouts are also
great for pregnant women,
older people and those
with multiple sclerosis,
osteoporosis, or other
degenerative diseases
because moving through
water is much easier
on your body. - What to wear? A swimsuit
that doesn’t creep up
your rear end. Wear a pair
of old sneakers or special
aqua-exercise shoes
so you don’t scrape your
feet on the bottom of
the pool. Shoes will add
more resistance to your
workout routine. - What to look for in an
instructor? Certi cation
is a de nite plus, but
water-certi cation
programmes are few and
far apart. Never hesitate
to ask for your instructor’s
credentials, experience
and references. There’s
no dearth of gym trainers
acting as tness trainers,
or personal trainers and
lifeguards taking the place
of aqua aerobics trainers.
Make sure you know all
about your trainer so that
you are in safe hands.- What are the signs of a
good instructor? Safety
should be the rst priority
in any class. A good
instructor will identify
non-swimmers and insist
that they wear life vests
at all times during water
aerobics. In water running,
all class members – even
experienced swimmers –
wear otation vests. - What should beginners
keep in mind? Choosing
the right class is essential.
You don’t want to dive in
with a group of 90 year
olds with limited mobility,
unless you are one. If
you’re trying to come back
from an injury, look for
classes with names like
‘Rehab for Runners’. Check
with the doctor treating
your injury to make sure
you can take a class.
carrying a lot of weight while you
work out. Yet, it isn’t very difficult to
do aqua aerobics regularly. In fact,
water makes the exercises gentler
because it cushions your joints. To
make the workout more effective
and fun, equipment such as webbed
gloves, aqua shoes, step, thera bands,
buoyancy bells and belts, balls,
tubing and more are used.