By: Simran Punjabi
The word exercise reminds one of sweat and exhaustion, but let’s stop you before you think of the rigours of a work out. How about floating in water and yet being able to lose fab and stay fit?
Well, aqua fitness is the latest fad in the world of fitness and this trend is fast catching up in India too.
Aqua Aerobics can be broken into two major areas which relate specifically to sport, exercise, fitness and health. Firstly, aquatic exercise is any exercise done in water to complement and enhance your regular training and exercise.
Secondly, aquatic therapy is any activity performed in water to assist in rehabilitation and recovery from hard training or a serious injury. Aqua aerobics is refreshing as water calms and relaxes one’s body. As a low impact exercise, anyone can do aqua aerobics. Individuals usually love to play with water. The body remains submerged in water and this acts a cushion and prevents any form of injury. Moreover, as one has to do the workout against water, the effect is three times multiplied than any exercise done on land.
Aqua Noodle
Due to the buoyancy effect of water one has to use specialised workout instruments. The ‘aqua noodle’ helps people to stay afloat and enables them to cycle in water. Water dumbbells of varying weights and sizes also help one perform different kinds of exercises under water . Balls on the water surface also assist in floatation drills. Though it’s not a new water resistance programme in the West, here in India people are just opening up to this new concept and steadily it’s gaining popularity. It can be done on all sides, as compared to land based exercises. Impacts on the lower joints are much less than the land based exercises and resistance is much higher. Age is no bar for this type of exercise.
Aqua Fit
Aquatic exercises are done at different water levels as the body weight varies accordingly. While there is a 15 per cent reduction of body weight in knee deep water, in neck deep water, the decrease is almost 90 per cent. This facilitates easy movement for more effectiveness. It also helps one to develop active muscle tissue for everyday use, particularly the core muscles that keep an individual upright. Resistance devices, such as paddles, can be used to make such a workout more challenging. Arthritis patients also stand to gain relief from exercising in water. Aqua therapy is conducive for people with severe backaches, pregnant mothers and individuals recuperating from accidents.
With all its benefits, this form of weight loss will still take some time to gain steam. Though the benefits and advantages are multifarious, the bottom line is fun. So, while the heat is still on, splash around in the pool for a cool experience.
Benefits:
- Thirty minutes under water is as effective as 2 hours on land.
- It helps to burn twice the calories of land exercises.
- It alleviates the tedium factor by offering new challenges.
- Water’s buoyancy lowers the risks of stress-related injuries.
- It serves as an excellent cardio-respiratory exercise.
- Immersion in water also reduces the pain perception and provides pain relief.
Places that provide for aqua fitness in Mumbai
- Body Art Fitness Studio: One of Mumbai’s oldest fitness centres, Body Art offers courses in aqua aerobics apart from regular fitness regimes and gym training. The trainers are experienced and reliable, and the sessions are a good mix of work and play. Totally worth a try!
Price: Rs. 2,500 per month, approx
Contact: +912233126232
For more details check out their website here. - The Body Craft House: Apart from exercise routines like yogalates, zumba, power yoga and kickboxing, The Body Craft House also offers regular classes of aqua aerobics.
Price: Rs. 2,800 for 12 sessions (1 month)
Contact: +912261229448
Check out more details here. - Deepali Jain: : Deepali is a specialist in aqua aerobics, who also teaches hydrotherapy, and aqua-lates (water-based pilates). She conducts classes at various clubs in the city like Willingdon Club, Bombay Gym, Breach Candy Club and Body Rhythm. She also gives personal training provided you have a pool facility.
Price: Rs. 650 – 800 per session (depending on which club)
Contact: Call – +912261344362 / 98200 94323 or email – jaindeepali@hotmail.com
Check out Deepali’s website here. - Mickey Mehta’s 360° Gym : They usually have short-term courses in aqua aerobics especially during the summer. But this is offered only at outlets that have access to a swimming pool like at Acres Club in Chembur.
Price: Rs. 3,500 for a one month session
Contact: 23804621
For more information checkout their website. - C’est La Vie: C’est La Vie in Bandra has a huge swimming pool which offers swimming courses and aqua zumba. Taught by experienced trainers, their aqua zumba is famous for its quick results and fun vibe.
Price: Rs. 2,500 per month, approx
Contact: 02261322222
For more information click here.
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