Aqua Zumba: Get fit while you party in the pool

The moves are slower in the water than they are in a regular Zumba class, so it’s easier for beginners to follow. Find a class and an instructor and jump right in. Here are a few things to know:

Aqua Zumba is suitable for people at all fitness levels. Keep in mind that Zumba encourages you to follow along at your own pace — if you’re not comfortable with a move or you can’t give 100 per cent during class, that’s perfectly fine. Do what is safe for you. Zumba can be as high or low-intensity as you make it. You will burn calories if you really get moving in Aqua Zumba, but at first, take it easy and learn the moves. That way you’ll be less likely to have sprains and pulls. Then you can move up to a more vigorous workout. 

To get the most out of your Aqua Zumba workout, the water should come up to your arm pits. A higher water level may cause you to struggle, while a lower water level won’t give you the resistance you need. You also want to think about the location of the instructor when you choose your spot in the pool. Will you be able to see and hear? This is especially important if you normally wear glasses or contacts but are taking them out while in the pool — you want to be where you can see the instructor clearly. Since the instructor leads the class from the pool deck, be sure to stand back far enough so you don’t have to look up the whole class, as this could hurt your neck. For your first few classes, the best place for you to be may be front and centre, so you can concentrate on the instructor and are less distracted by the other people in the class. 

While it may take a few classes for you to find the right balance, ideally you want to control the water and your movements in it. Focus on pushing through the water toward the bottom of the pool, not fighting against it. Aqua Zumba classes use water for a low-impact resistance workout. Over time, you’ll not only improve your cardiovascular fitness but also get better muscle tone. One way this is done is by pushing the water. The instructor may demonstrate arm movements that should be done under water, or cup their hands to indicate that you should push the water away from you. Keep in mind that Aqua Zumba is a total-body workout. Keep your muscles engaged and work with, not against, the water.