In the dead heat of an Aussie summer – when you drip sweat just reaching for gym gear – going for a run down the road isn’t quite as desirable as, say, lying on the beach. Now, normally, a workout would lose out – but not anymore. Finally, mixing business (exercise) with pleasure (hitting the beach or pool) is catching on.

“Aqua exercises are a mix of good fun and a top workout, yet they never feel as difficult as land exercise,” says Judi Mead, NSW/ACT area group manager for Fitness First. “Getting fi t in the water is great for all fitness levels, helps weight loss and fat burning, builds strength and flexibility, reduces the risk of injury and makes you work harder,” Mead says. Not to mention that it keeps you cool when it’s scorching outside.

You have absolutely nothing to lose (except weight), so jump into ...

… the ocean

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUPB)
Although it’s been in Oz for a few years now, SUPB has only just recently become mainstream. And thanks to its simplicity (anyone can do it), it’s now one of the fastest growing sports. With famous hot-bodied followers like Jen Aniston, Cam Diaz and Kate Hudson jumping on board (literally), we certainly won’t object to it!

Michael Lance from Victoria’s Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (supb.com.au) describes it as, “Balancing on a board that’s longer, wider and more buoyant than a surfboard, and paddling yourself around.” Hayden Stintman from Queensland’s Stand Up Paddle Surfing Australia (standuppaddlesurf.com.au) says it’s best to learn paddle boarding with a qualified instructor, so you don’t form bad habits. “If you learn to do it the right way, it’s incredibly easy and has many health benefits, especially on your core,” he says. “Start out on flat, enclosed water, like an inlet or lake – once you’re proficient, it’s a lot of fun in the surf.” And the effect on your body? Yep, that’s awesome too: “SUPB is ideal as a form of cross-training,” says Lance.

“It brings together legs, back, feet, arms, neck and stomach muscles, so it’s one of the more enjoyable ways to get an all-over cardio, strength and balance workout. Plus, you can burn over 1,500kJ an hour.”

… the pool

Aqua zumba
Just like a normal Zumba class, but a touch slower. The water resistance makes it hard to move fast, but easier to get an intense workout without noticing. Set to upbeat world music, it’s guaranteed to be the best pool party you’ve ever been to.

Hydro riding
It’s the underwater version of spin class – that thinly veiled form of torture where you ride a stationary bike for all eternity. The water makes your legs work harder, but also cushions your muscles, so you don’t feel the workout until later. Hydro riding is relatively new here, so keepyour eyes peeled for a class near you.

Aqua gymstick
A Gymstick is basically a stick with one resistance band on each end. You can use it to test strength, fitness, balance and coordination through a series of movements. International Gymstick program coordinator Marietta Mehanni (mariettamehanni.com) says, “An aqua Gymstick class not only elevates heart rates, it also provides an excellent full body workout. Plus, it’s easy to modify and adapt for your individual needs.”

Aqua aerobics
A gentler form of water training, this is ideal for those who want to take it easy, or are recovering from an injury. Expect to do standard aerobics and resistance moves, jogging and some stretching.

Aqua anything!
Don’t have access to classes? Do it yourself! The resistance water provides means doing something as easy as walking or jogging in a pool will be a solid fitness session. Wanna go harder? Throw lunges or squats into your routine. The increased resistance will work your legs and bum, and that’s never a bad thing.

Does aqua exercise get results?
Damn right! It’s hard to determine exactly how many kilojoules you’ll burn in the water, since everyone differs.  However, Mehanni says you can bank on ditching upwards of 1,500kJ an hour. Numbers mean nothing to you? That’s equivalent to a large piece of cake.

For more ideas on making changes to your health in 2012, visit www.myspecialk.com.au

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