Residents at Gold Coast retirement community, TriCare Runaway Bay have been able to enjoy the physical and social benefits of aqua aerobics all year round through the use of the Village’s indoor heated pool.
Taken by qualified instructors, the program has been running for a number of years and is a very popular low impact form of exercise for residents.
Classes are tailored to everyone’s fitness levels and capabilities and residents are encouraged to work at their own level, whilst still challenging themselves.
Aqua aerobics is a popular form of exercise for the over 60s due to its low impact nature. Benefits include cardio fitness, lower blood pressure, weight control, balance and confidence in the water.
Resident, Rosemary MacFarlane has been enjoying the lessons for a number of years and finds it a great way to start her week.
“There are usually 12 of us who meet at the Village’s indoor heated pool every Monday morning at 9.30am to take the classes.
“It’s a 45 minute full body work out, with 30 minutes spent in the pool and the last 15 minutes spent in the spa doing our stretches at the end of the session,” said Mrs MacFarlane.
The class do a range of exercises in the water from lunges, squats, boxing, tricep dips and stretches to help with core strength and balance.
Mrs MacFarlane says that aqua aerobics gives you the confidence to move freely in the water without the risk of injury or strain on the body that is common with normal exercise.
“It’s also a lot of fun and a great way to catch up at the start of the week. I think the social connection the classes provide is just as important as the physical benefits” says Mrs MacFarlane.
Aqua aerobics is just one of the many activities available to residents at TriCare Runaway Bay. Others include tai chi, hydrotherapy, lawn bowls, gym, billiards, tennis and a golf putting green.
