Fitness mantra: With aqua-fitness, take workouts underwater

Does the humidity of Chennai put you off from working out? Is the monotony of going to the same old gym every day demotivating you to stay fit? Well, aqua-fitness could be just the solution. You probably guessed it right, performing certain exercises in shallow or underwater is essentially what this new trend is and Vinoth, a certified trainer in this, brings us up to speed.

Once a body builder-trained-personal coach, he tells us that fitness has become a way of life for him and water workouts make things even more fun. “I have been into body-building for quite some time so naturally, I am a health freak. When a fitness-based company imparted a training and certificate course in aqua fitness, I took it up,” says Vinoth.

He works with a group called Beat Crossfit that provides crossfit training and also specialises in aqua-workouts. “Our main aim is to educate people that fitness isn’t restricted to a gym — there’s more to it. We try to incorporate elements from various exercise regimes into our training, including intensive military-style exercises because it helps strengthen the core,” he explains. 

According to him, water workouts can broadly be classified into two categories — shallow and underwater. Most of the sessions happen on the beach or in an apartment’s swimming pool that they have taken on rent. “On the beach, we do a combination of exercises on the shore and in shallow water using techniques like battle ropes, tyre flips and hammock holds and more. This is suitable for those who don’t know swimming or are medically unfit to exercise much. It is an ideal form of exercise for pregnant women, seniors, overweight individuals, those with arthritis or those recovering from an injury and other chronic illnesses,” he says.

As for underwater regimes, they may not be everyone’s cup of tea since they are not suitable for beginners but can be learnt over time. He says, “Using equipment like dumbbells, knee pads and noodles the exercises are carried out below the water surface and the massaging effect water has on the body makes it a soothing and therapeutic experience. While the higher intensity workouts are ideal for athletes or sportspersons, our team can modify sessions according to each individual’s requirements and capabilities.” 

For all you water babies out there, here’s your chance to work out without sweating while enjoying a day by the pool!