(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Aqua Zumba combines everything you love about Zumbas traditional routine with effective water resistance for a workout thats too fun to pass up
The idea that aqua aerobics is reserved for the likes of pensioners is so outdated that it’s probably kept many people away from the many new water-based fitness classes on offer today. No matter your age or ability diving into fitness should be everyone’s priority.
Doing some laps on your own in the pool is always an option but if you prefer an organised class with an instructor Aqua Zumba is a great way to turn up the intensity and fun on your next workout.
Zumba the incredibly popular fitness movement that combines different elements of dance with aerobics is the foundation of its aquatic sister. It still insists on the same manic energy levels from participants but feels infinitely more comfortable and easier to cope with. As someone who suffers from constant joint pain and muscle fatigue – who also happens to dance like a reject from Footloose – the liberating sensation of water immersion does more good than I probably realised.
At a recent Aqua Zumba session I found myself surrounded by a good mix of people with drastically different fitness levels which let me know that this was an unintimidating workout that appealed to everyone. After a quick warm-up of jumping jacks and stretches our instructor turned up the music and began to move in a manner that suggested she was more ready for a night club than a gym.
I’ve tried the standard Zumba that millions have praised but it somehow fell outside my comfort zone for various reasons (dancing skill level: zero). Transfer this workout to the water and a lot of those inhibitions suddenly don’t matter anymore.
With our instructor leading poolside we begin a series of movements that are drawn from resistance training. Since there’s no impact in the water muscles end up working smarter rather than harder.
A majority of the workout is obviously aimed at the legs including squats side lunges and kicks. There was also consistent jumping throughout the 45-minute session to keep our heart rates going and calories burning. The workout does well at turning exercise into a pool party something that should appeal to anyone not keen on hitting the conventional gym.
Increased energy is probably the most important thing that you’ll walk away with when it comes to Aqua Zumba. As someone who’s tried (and failed) with a lot of different types of classes this is one workout that’s pretty difficult to get wrong. If you’re in the mood for a fun workout that’s going to leave you fresh and rejuvenated it’s probably time to hit the water. kadrykhaleejtimes.com
Try out an Aqua Zumba class at Dubai Ladies Club (+971 4 349 9922) or at Al Murooj Rotana Residence (+971 4 3073438).
UP UP AND AWAY
Learn to fly through the air with the new Bounce Flight Academy that’s being led by stunt man and five-time Spanish national trampolining and tumbling champion Cris Manero.
Classes begin on October 26 when Bounce in Al Quoz begins hosting small groups of individuals who are looking to hone their skills and learn new stunts. Beginner sessions will last one hour and focus on learning to jump in a safe and controlled way with intermediate and advanced sessions going 90 minutes where participants will learn wall running and flips among other gravity defying tricks.
Classes start at Dhs120. For details call +971 4 3211 400.
JUST TRI
It’s that time of year when the Dubai International Triathlon reminds us all that we’re humans and not machines. If you think you’ve got the stamina to handle a 1.9-kilometre swim followed by 90km bike ride and 21.1km run listen up.
The event will kick off on November 7 with a swim in the waters off the Atlantis Hotel on The Palm followed by a cycle onto Hessa Street towards Dubai Sports City and ending with a run back on The Palm’s crescent. If you’re tired just reading that consider cheering from the sidelines.
For details visit www.race-me-events.com/