Aqua aerobics: Join the pool party

Nawaz Singhania's aqua aerobics classes are a sea change from the sweaty workouts and gritty weightlifting routines most of us are used to. Not only is it fun to get into the pool, but it has the added benefit of being a complete workout. Here's what Singhania says you can expect:

Aqua aerobics is...
Aqua aerobics is a cardio activity involving a pool full of people working out to fun choreography and music. The resistance of the water is used to challenge the body and muscular structures for greater benefit. The use of water as a medium of therapy dates back to many centuries. Early Romans and Greeks used hot baths for healing and recreation. Hippocrates advised water treatments for a string of ailments. By as far back as 330AD, the main use of the Roman baths was for healing of a variety of a host of diseases and injuries. However, the use of water then was passive. It consisted mainly of drinking the water and soaking oneself in it. Former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt popularised therapeutic water exercises and swimming in the 1920s when he used water exercises to treat his own polio.

Why should I get into the pool?
If you have an injury or sometimes struggle with aches and pains, then aqua aerobics is the best therapy for you. Even otherwise, you can try aqua aerobics to lose adipose tissue and weight, get a strong back, build stamina, rehabilitate (knees, neck, spine, hips), improve your balance and posture, become flexible and get a full-body workout.

Is it safe?
Aqua aerobics is an extremely safe workout. Since 90 per cent of your weight is borne by the water, there is no pressure on the lower limbs – which would otherwise be the case when exercising on land. The instructor guides participants through all the dos and don'ts of alignment, form and technique, ensuring every participant's safety.

What if I can't swim?
There's no need to know swimming. The pool is shallow and the water reaches upto the chest level.

Gear grab
Just bring your swimwear. All other equipment, such as aquabells, aqua noodles, aqua gloves and aqua balls are usually supplied by the fitness facility.

In which cases should I avoid it?
Under certain medical conditions, one might be asked to avoid being in the water for extended periods. For instance, if someone has sustained an injury and has an open wound, it would be best to avoid wetting the same. Someone with hydrophobia too may not be comfortable being in the pool.