Duration: 30 minutes
What it is: Love exercising but hate the sticky and sweaty feeling afterwards? Working out in water eliminates the problem and you’ll be twice as toned compared with going to the gym because you’re exercising on a hydro bike, treadmill and moonwalker while using floatation restraints such as hand paddles, leg cuffs and water dumbbells. Since water provides 12 percent more resistance than movements on land, you’re actually engaging in a higher workout intensity. For example, a 30-minute run on the treadmill in water will help you burn the same amount of calories as running 5km on the road.
Wearing a swimsuit, you’ll be half submerged in the pool that’s maintained between 28 to 30C (so don’t worry about the chill). Start by swimming a few laps or go straight to the 30-minute aerobic exercise video that includes warm-up and wind-down sessions. The instructors will then guide you through exercises such as jumping jacks, punches, kicks and circuit training in shallow water to achieve your fitness goals.
What you’ll achieve: Water-based workouts give your joints a break – the low-impact exercises improve the cardiovascular system, muscles and bones without overstressing your body. The water resistance augments the actual workout so you burn more calories. Best of all, you can still sculpt a six pack without knowing how to swim.
Try it at: Water Aerobic Gym, 3 Jalan SS4D/2, PJ (03 7806 5815/watergym.com.my). Walk-in, RM30; once-a-week session, RM80 per month; fees from RM150 for unlimited pass. Mon, Wed & Fri, 10am–7pm; Tue & Thu, 10am-9pm.
