Aqua Zumba, the get fit pool party

Aqua Zumba brings new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. It combines the South American Zumba rhythm and dance steps with a pool party.

It offers a fun but challenging, water-based, body-toning workout. So, liven up your working week with some Latin fever.

What to expect at an Aqua Zumba class

Known as the Zumba ‘pool party’, Aqua Zumba classes are about an hour long and are taught by instructors. Fast and slow rhythms combine with resistance training to make you sweat.

Like a Latin Strictly Come Dancing in the water you’ll dance yourself fitter with Zumba styles such as salsa, mambo, cha-cha-cha, soch, and samba.

Expect to do exaggerated dance moves. The tempo is slower than normal Zumba because of the resistance of the water. You’ll do large muscle movements such as:

• Reaching up with your arms and lifting your legs in the water.
• Slow exaggerated circling of your hips and shoulders.

Aqua Zumba is different to aqua aerobics. Aerobics goes from one point to another. Zumba has you doing something different for the verse, chorus and even bridge of a song.

If you want to get a little fitter and are the sort of person who has to swing their hips to the right song, then Aqua Zumba is for you. You’ll also burn around 350 calories a class.

Here are some places to search for classes.

• Check out the Zumba website here to search for a class near you.
• Virgin Active also runs classes in 7 centres. Find out more here.