Join the pool party

MAKE a splash this summer with a cool aqua zumba workout in the pool instead of gaining calories sitting by it.

SuperLiving caught up with Soul Motion aqua zumba instructor Jeany Schall to find out the benefits of plunging into this workout.

“It is similar to an aqua aerobics session,” she said. “It’s just that we have different moves.”

The aqua zumba program follows the traditional zumba formula, the difference is it uses water resistance for a safe and effective aquatic workout. For those of us who do not know much about zumba, it is a blend of Latin and international dance moves that make up a workout. With water added to the equation we are able to complete a workout in half the time because the resistance of water is 12 times that on land.

“In zumba we have samba and regethon moves and with aqua zumba we translate this into moves in the water,” she said.

A benefit of aqua zumba when compared to aqua aerobics is we burn more calories but it does depend on the instructor.

If you seem to think you “lack coordination”, fear not.

“It is not important how you do the moves,” Schall said. “This is not ballet where it needs to be perfect and structured.”

Aqua zumba is not about looks or coordination, it’s about getting out there, moving and having fun, so come along and give it a go.

“Zumba is about getting everyone moving. It’s for all fitness levels and if someone does have a previous injury, they certainly can do aqua zumba. They just do the moves at a level they are comfortable at.”

Age is no limit. The oldest person Schall had in her class was about 70 years old, with the youngest about 14. The classes are also an alternative if our movements are confined due to injury, chronic pain as well as those going through rehabilitation.

In the hotter summer months, water exercises are a great way to stay cool. Plus getting some exercise into our day does not have to be boring.

“Aqua zumba is a great way to come together … you have some aqua zumba classes where we sing along. People remember the songs and the moves and they enjoy it and have a good time.”

For more information or to find a class near you, visit the website.

If you have been to an aqua zumba class, we at SuperLiving want to know what you think. Tell us in the comment section below.