Stay fit with aqua aerobics

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 China 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," remarks Vanita Choudhary, an aqua aerobic professional from Hyderabad. "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," further confirms Vanita.

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." strongly affirms Vanita. 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," says L. Balasubramaniam, master trainer in Technogym Olympic, Mumbai.

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" adds Balasubramanium.

For variety, do an aquatic circuit-training workout which incorporates exercises such as boxing punches, soccer kicks, and cross-country skiing movements. Some exercises offer multiple benefits like the yoga "warrior" position performed in waist-high water that is known to provide relaxation, relieve stiffness in the waist and rib areas, help stretch the entire body and strengthen one's arms and legs. The workouts done under water also focus on relaxation, strength and toning, cardiovascular and aerobic exercise, or flexibility.

With all its benefits, this form of weight loss will still take some time to gain steam. Balasubramanium explains, "Good infrastructure, easy availability of pools are a major priority in this form of exercise. To shed of clothes and step into swimsuits is still a hitch at times. The awareness is more amongst the youth, but others also have to come out of the closet and shed their inhibitions.” In spite of all these constraints, water aerobics is the perfect answer to your fitness needs. 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
Good for weight loss & fat burning
It offers great relaxation during summer
It's painless, and sweat free and yes, lots more fun.