Meet Shruti Adhav, Dwarka’s young aqua-aerobics trainer. In a freewheeling conversation with City Spidey, she explains why this underwater training scores over ground workout.
Aqua aerobics trainer Shruti Adhav
Aqua aerobics is as effective as traditional aerobics, and is yet less strenuous on muscles and joints. For those who want a refreshing change from on-ground, high-intensity workout, aqua aerobics is a great option. And since you are working against the resistance of water, you end up burning double the calories than normal floor exercises.
Shruti Adhav, 36, a resident of Ranjit Vihar 1, Sector 22, Dwarka, has been taking aqua aerobics classes across the sub-city and Gurgaon for more than four years now. According to her, “The concept of aqua aerobics is not new. It has been there in the West for a long time, but in India it has gained popularity only recently.”
An Odissi dancer, Adhav got into aqua aerobics after she found it difficult to pick up dance again after a gap of three years. “I realised my joints had become weak, because of which I couldn’t dance. Then someone introduced me to this form of workout. I was in Pune at the time. Eventually, I started feeling better, and that’s when I decided to teach this workout to others.”
On the effectiveness of aqua aerobics, she says, “The buoyancy of water holds more than 85 per cent of our body weight, and this is the reason we don’t feel any strain in our joints and muscles. Water itself behaves as a liquid weight machine, so you are actually getting a chance to hit your muscles with more intensity by doing only a simple stretch.”
She adds, “Also, water helps you stretch more and stretch gently, through which different muscles come into play, unlike on-ground aerobics.”
Anyone above the age of 11 can try aqua aerobics, says Adhav. “Even non-swimmers can opt for it. Underwater exercises can prove beneficial for the elderly. It helps their joints regain strength without putting too much stress — and, of course, it ensures sound sleep at night. Pregnant women can also go for aqua aerobics.”
However, patients suffering from any chronic disease must consult their doctor first before taking up aqua aerobics or any other form of physical activity, advises Adhav.
But unfortunately, due to the lack of infrastructure, not many people can pursue it. Adhav admits, “There are only a handful of professionals in the city, so the fees are pretty high. And that acts as a deterrent for people to join.”
But if you are interested, take the leap.
Adhav will be starting her classes in the next few days at Paramount International School, Sector 23. She also gives personal training.
