Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Floyd Farquharson uses a pair of hand buoys to demonstrate an aquaerobic exercise. - photos by Sacha Walters

Getting wet is half the fun with aquaerobics, a cardiovascular workout you do while wading in a swimming pool.

Without swimming or needing to be able to swim, participants use this exercise technique to get the heart pumping and simultaneously tone muscles.

Guided by an instructor, persons are covered in water up to their mid-torso. They get into the groove of the session by moving to the pulsating rhythms of music while the instructor adjusts the difficulty level of the exercises by changing the moves and using special equipment, much like traditional aerobics. The instructor may use a combination of hand buoys (foam insulated dumb-bells), noodles (a foam log), balls and paddles to add variety to the routine.

One of the major distinctions with aquaerobics, however, is the increased resistance the water provides, making the workout even more effective. It also greatly reduces the possibilty of joint and muscle injury.

Aside from those benefits, participants are supported by a floatation belt worn around their waist, which not only supports them, but can reassure those who fear the water.

Floyd Farquharson, the instructor at the class when Flair visited, took the students through a warm up and cool down exercises, at the beginning and the end of the workout.

Tessa Lewin, an aquaerobics instructor and one of the owner's of Splash Aquaerobics, said it's one of the most effective ways of burning fat.

"Using the same time (an hour) if you're land walking you would burn 135 calories, jogging on land 240, deep water walking 264 calories."

It's appropriate for individuals at various fitness levels, making it therapeutic for those who have difficulty moving their joints or who are recovering from surgery.

"Aquaerobics, anybody can do it as long as you can hold your urine," she said. Her company's classes are usually separated into two, water aerobics and water therapy.

During water therapy, those who have physical difficulties were gently guided through the water by instructor Mario Cummings, at the class the Flair visited.

An aquaerobics class put on by Splash Aquaerobics at the Campion High School pool recently.

Farquharson, another Splash Aerobics instructor, said the slightest movement is excruciating for many of these persons but through adhering to their doctors' and physiotherapists' recommendations along with these exercises they often move up to the advanced level.

One middle-aged lady who was taking the class for the first time found it manageable.

"They kinda ease you into the exercise and you feel the muscles working," said the woman who had back and knee surgery last year.

Lewin said people need very little to enjoy a class. "You need to have an open mind, wear a bathing suit and when you do get serious, you can get a aquasiser," she said. If a swimsuit is not for you a pair of shorts and a top can also work.

A pair of water shoes, while not mandatory provide added traction in the water. A bottle of water and rubber flip flops is also reccommended for after the workout.

The classes cost $700 per session, but a variety of packages are available.

Interested in aquaerobics class, contact Splash Aquaerobics at 851-2362.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com