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If you're interested in finding a new fav sport or exercise,  but are just a little bit nervous about actually taking the plunge and want a few pointers first, Active nzgirl is perfect for you!
Julz Darroch (you might have seen her on Good Morning), our resident fitness guru, will try out a range of new and different fitness classes and bring you her very own verdict.
It's a little like trying before you buy - without you having to ever step foot outside your home! This week she explores the world of aquatic exercise...
 Background
Aqua exercise takes the principle of a group fitness class and adds water. I’m thinking it’s going to be reasonably safe and relaxed- it’s baring my winter thighs in a swim suit that worries me the most! Pre lesson It’s been a while since I’ve been in the water! Back in the day I used to teach the odd aqua class but I haven’t been near the pool for more than a few years unless I’ve been with one of the kids so I feel like a total beginner again. The water is not my natural environment (not that I let being out of my comfort zone stop me- check out my past nzgirl adventures here). I’m feeling a little bit like every month I take off more clothes, down to a bikini this month - that’s it readers, next year it all goes back on! Exercise in the water is sounding like a good idea right about now, it’s too hot outside to workout.  After the lessonI remember this water exercise thing, it all came back to me once I hit the water. I did a class in the shallow end of the pool, thinking it safest to have my feet on the ground for starters. I had a day off so checked out a middle of the day class- and guess what? For once I was not the oldest in the class! The age range went from one who looked half my age right up to a few who could have been twice my age, and strangely enough, it worked with all the different ages. It’s a totally different ‘style’ of class to anything I do on land but that was a good thing. The instructor used totally old school disco music which I knew far too well and I’m embarrassed to say I was grooving along to. I have discovered that water is very forgiving for those who are not sure what they are doing (me). There are no fancy combinations of moves and no one can see what you are doing anyway, especially if you splash lots!  The verdictI think you are either a water person or not but even if you are not a swimmy type you could still do aqua classes, you keep your feet on the ground most of the time and you can even keep your hair dry. The next day my thighs and shoulders had a nice ‘tiredness’ about them, but no sore feet from jumping up and down. My personal verdict: Having done this class I’ve decided to get back into teaching aqua myself - so watch out Wellington! Pros Great if you are challenged on the coordination front but still want company when you work out. Would be awesome if you had injuries which prevented you going to the gym. It’s all very relaxed with the participants working their vocal chords as much as their body.  ConsYou do have to rock out the swimsuit! If you like a no holds barred, tough and serious workout you may be best staying on land. Now it’s your turn: All you need is a swimsuit and a local pool! I’ve done my quick internet check and there are classes all over the country with most charging less that $10 per class. I went to the Aquatic Centre in Kilbirnie, Wellington.
Julz
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