Aqua aerobics rides wave of popularity in post-pandemic Australia

Past a certain age, many people say they find it gets harder to keep fit. But there’s one physical exercise class that’s easy to start and take part in. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, aqua aerobics has been growing in popularity in Australia, even in some rural areas. Every day, thousands of Australians are taking part in aqua aerobics. “I just love it, I do about eight to ten classes in five days,” says participant Lynn. “So, it just gives you stability, and friendship and a bit of a laugh,” explains participant Allison. Over the past year, enrollment in aqua aerobics classes has been steadily rising, according to instructors at leisure centers. Now, close to 80 percent of Australia’s aquatic facilities and swim schools offer sessions of the exercise. “Pre-COVID, everything was around a 50 percent attendance mark, and now you’re looking at overall around 82 (percent attendance rate) across the board,” says Melissa Janisch of SA Aquatics. From strengthening muscles, improving balance and building a healthy heart, aqua aerobics has many potential benefits. Experts say the benefits aren’t just physical. “It’s not just looking at cardiovascular fitness, or strength or balance, it’s looking at mental health and well-being and having a purpose and catching up with people,” says physiotherapist Caitlin Prior. Aqua aerobics is no longer a staple of just big cities. More and more people in regional communities are signing up for the water exercise sessions, according to instructors. It’s getting to the point where swimming centers are finding it hard to keep up with demand. “From when I first started, we barely had anyone coming in, up until now (where) we have 20, sometimes even 30, people in the pool,” says Aqua Instructor Sarah James. Brett Rogers suffers from arthritis. He decided to try aqua aerobics to reduce his pain and he and his wife Sue are now regulars at a weekly class in the town of Renmark, which is miles away from their home. “Although we live just out of Barmera, we don’t mind the trouble because the benefits outweigh,” says Rogers. This article was provided by The Associated Press.