Aqua aerobics is another type of exercise class performed in shallow or deep water such as a swimming pool. The participants do rhythmic dance or exercise steps with or without water aerobics equipments. It is an exercise for all body parts like limbs, chest, abdomen, neck and back. The buoyancy offered by the water causes less strain on your joints and muscles unlike any exercise on ground.

1.	Aqua aerobics: although generally more low-impact than land-based aerobics, these classes have most of the fat-burning and endurance-building benefits that you get from other forms of aerobic activity. The classes will include things like jogging, kicking, jumping, squats, and dance movements, and may or may not be accompanied by music.
	The main benefits of this type of exercise are:

• Great for all fitness levels
• Good for weight loss / fat burning
• Builds strength and flexibility
• Excellent cardio-respiratory exercise

2.

Aqua exercise: resistance/strengthening classes aimed at improving tone, strength and mobility. The main advantage of exercising in water is that it offers resistance in all directions, compared to land exercises where you work only against gravity. Because of the cushioning effect that water provides, this form of exercise is particularly beneficial to anyone at risk from bodily stress, including the elderly, overweight, or those recovering from soft tissue injury. It’s also particularly good for pregnant women and is an ideal post-natal exercise.

Its benefits include:

• Increased aerobic endurance
• Greater flexibility
• Increased muscle tone

Anyone, of any age, who is interested in water aerobics, can start doing Aqua Fitness exercises from a trained Aqua Fitness Instructor.

It is a perfect exercise regimen even for fitness novices. It is not essential to be a swimmer to participate in water aerobic exercise. Some water exercises are performed in waist level water and chest level water while some water aerobics exercises such as jogging are carried out in deeper water where the person's body is completely submerged.

Not all forms of exercise are suitable for everyone. Some groups however, may need to adapt exercises according to their specific conditions. Special classes can be designed for these groups or they can be mainstreamed into regular Aqua Fitness classes. But before they are allowed to attend classes they are advised to present a clearance from their physician.

With land aerobics, the cardio exercise is done separately from the resistance training (weights). In aqua aerobics, you can do both at the same time. Since water is around you all the time, it acts as resistance or weights with each and every move that you do. Each class usually lasts for one (1) hour.

The results will vary depending on the following factors: (a) effort exerted during the classes, (b) diet and nutrition, and (c) frequency of classes, but we usually see results after two (2) months of attending classes at least twice a week.

Yes you may practice on your own because the risk of getting injured is much less. Water buoys up the submerged people to the extent of up to 80% of ones body weight. This kind of supports the joints causing least strain unlike any exercise on ground.

Majority of the participants feel more energetic and alert after each class. Aside from physical benefits, it also reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, and improves emotional well-being.

In swimming you are in a lying horizontal position,  so you move smoothly with less drag or resistance.

In aqua aerobics you are in standing position so if you move forward there is more resistance. You always have to have core control or contract the abdominal muscles to execute a movement or travel in balance.

Swim suit
Wear proper swimming attire. That yellow polka dotted bikini might look stunning on you at the beach, but it's not very practical in a water aerobics class, especially if it's 'itsy-bitsy' as well. Settle on a comfortable one-piece bathing suit instead.

Towel
Plan to bring at least one clean towel to the class with you, preferably two. Over-sized towels or beach towels make the best choice for their absorbency and ability to wrap around you when you get out of the pool.

Water shoes
Invest in a pair of water shoes (also known as pool shoes) to wear in the pool, around the pool area and the locker room. These shoes are made to be worn in water and protect your feet from rough surfaces and the spread of certain fungal diseases, such as athlete's foot. Some water aerobics classes may require that you wear them, in fact. They also come in a range of vibrant colors to complement your style and personality.

Sunscreen & Sunglasses
If you are going to attend Aqua Fitness classes during the day l, we recommend that you apply waterproof sunblock at least 30 mins prior to sun exposure.

A nice pair of sunglasses will also come in handy when attending Aqua Fitness classes in an outdoor pool  as it protects your eyes from the harmful UV rays and the glare from the reflection of the water.

Non-slip Shoes / Slippers
The pool area can be very slippery since it is always wet, so to avoid  from any accidents , we recommend that you wear non-slip shoes / slippers when walking around the pool deck and locker rooms.

Crocs™ footwear is perfect to wear before and after your swim lesson as they are not only very comfortable, light-weight, and slip-resistant, but also very fashionable.