Aqua Activities - Get Fit in Water!

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Aqua aerobics

Most swimming centres offer aqua aerobics at a range of levels: from beginners to advanced. Some centres offer deep water aerobics too, which involves a lot more work to stay afloat!

Aqua aerobics is a great, low-impact way to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Not only does it help to tone muscle and improve posture, it's also fun. Aqua aerobics is low impact and is easy on your joint. While you might not get as sweaty or puffed out as when you do land aerobics, you'll still be working hard! Aqua aerobics makes use of the resistance provided by the water to strengthen and tone muscles.

Try it today: Join a class at your local swimming centre.

Swimming

Swimming is a full body workout. Unlike many other exercises that concentrate on specific body areas, swimming benefits the upper body, mid-section and legs all at once. It is one of the fastest ways to improve general strength, stamina and cardiovascular fitness.

Swimming has a low risk of injury because the water supports your body as you move. It's a great exercise for everyone, regardless of age or weight - just take it at your own pace.

Good breathing technique is often overlooked in many sporting activities. The advantage of swimming is that it requires you to concentrate on good technique. Good breathing is important for everyone, and especially so for those with asthma.

Try it today: If you are new to swimming, start out slowly or sign up for swimming lessons. Training clubs are a good way to get advice on your swimming technique and make new friends. If you are a regular swimmer, try a different stroke and use some different muscles in your body.

Snorkelling and scuba diving

If you're looking for a fun way to burn calories, give snorkelling or scuba diving a try. While scuba diving requires specialist breathing equipment and a licence, everyone can try snorkelling. Snorkels and masks are easily purchased from a swimming store, dive store, or from a variety store, like K-mart. Flippers aren't a must-have but they will help stop your legs getting tired.

Although both scuba diving and snorkelling are quite physically challenging, they are also relaxing and bring you back in touch with nature. You'll enjoy the fascination of seeing coloured fish, coral and spectacular seaweed.

Try it today: Grab your family or a friend and hit the beach. Ask at dive stores for places of interest for snorkelling in your area. Or enrol in a scuba diving course.

Last updated: May 14th, 2005