Making a Splash

A new breed of aqua-cardio classes is gaining popularity. Pilates fans are finding they’re a great way to round out their practice, especially now that it’s pool weather. Bust out the swim cap.

- Sharon Liao

When it comes to water workouts, many people picture senior citizens splashing around at the YMCA pool. But a new batch of aqua-based cardio workouts, including running, dance and boot camp classes, are actually as challenging as many of their land based counterparts. “These are high-intensity routines,” says Aida Johnson-Rapp, a Pilates instructor and director of group exercise at East Bank Club in Chicago.

At her fitness center, she teaches strengthening and fast-paced conditioning classes in the pool. “But because of the buoyancy of water, they’re also low-impact and gentle on the joints,” she explains. Because of these factors, water-based cardio classes are growing in popularity at studios, gyms and fitness centers across the country.

NEWS ON THE WATER FRONT

Water’s buoyancy can also add an extra challenge to a workout in comparison to doing it on the studio floor, says Nancy Brouillette, owner of Wet Yet? Water Fitness in Rockville, MD. She teaches a number of cardio classes in the pool, such as boot camp, deep-water running, conditioning and core strengthening. “In boot camp, our toughest class, we start with high-intensity drills, plyometrics and calisthenics in the shallow water,” says Brouillette. This 30-minute workout is followed by 15 minutes of strengthening moves using aqua weights and pool noodles. “For example, we’ll do a simple cross-country skiing move with the arms and legs,” she says. “We’ll gradually shorten the leg distance until your feet are side by side. Its takes tremendous core strength to stabilize the body in the water while your arms are moving at a good pace.”