23rd October 2017.Water-based workouts are nothing new, but innovations in this arena happen all the time. We've come a long way from "Jazzercise" and the first aquatic aerobics classes. Besides swimming laps and practising your strokes, enrolling in some of these classes can be a good way to add variety to your workout while also enjoying a social atmosphere for exercise. Do you often feel the classes you've experienced in the past weren't strenuous or engaging enough? It's not an uncommon feeling, especially since many classes tend to fall into the same patterns after a few weeks of attendance. For those curious about other aquatic workouts out there, consider the rising popularity of Hydro-Fit circuit training. If you've experienced circuit training on dry land, where you rotate between a variety of stations for weight or cardio-based activities, then you already have a head start in understanding this type of exercise. For those who haven't tried this kind of training before, you may find it to be an excellent way to build up your strength in an environment you enjoy. With plenty of health benefits of its own and a widespread appeal, it's worth investigating. So how does it work? Let's begin by looking at what you can expect if you sign up for a Hydro-Fit class.

How hydro-fit circuit training works

We've already mentioned that hydro-fit circuits involve moving around to different stations, but how is that different from other circuit-style water aerobics that have you cycle through a variety of exercises? The first significant difference to be found here is simple: hydro-fit requires the use of additional equipment. From foam pool noodles to floatation cuffs that go around either your ankles or your wrists, the equipment comes into play to provide added resistance and a bigger challenge. The result is that instead of merely working out your body from a cardio standpoint, you're incorporating elements of weight training as well. By boosting the resistance of the water, your body will need to work harder to go through the motions. Speaking of "the motions," that's what Hydro-Fit is all about ? exercises based around overcoming this added resistance. Your instructor will often set up cones around the pool to mark off the various stations. These cones will display information showing you exactly what type of exercise move you should do there; for example, you might need to hold onto a pool noodle, keep yourself upright, and lift your legs in a rhythmic pattern. It might not sound intense, but once you get started, you'll see it's indeed a very rigorous workout for your muscles and your heart. Other stations might involve bicep curls using pool floats or forward chest presses for building strength. There's considerable variety involved in Hydro-Fit circuits, and you might not even experience all of them in one session. The result is a class filled with activities that keep you engaged with the exercise.

What are the main advantages to this style of training?

What are the reasons you should consider trying a Hydro-Fit class? First, let's focus on the physical benefits. Exercising in the water is a very "low impact" form of exercise ? in other words, it doesn't put a tremendous amount of pressure on your joints and bones. The result is that you can have a much easier time working out when other conditions, such as arthritis, make it harder to do so on land. Even if you're otherwise healthy, exercising in the water can be more comfortable for you. The combination of repetitive motions, quickly rotating through circuit stations, and the resistive force of the buoyant equipment means you receive a comprehensive workout. Your heart rate will go up, allowing you to go into calorie-burning mode, while your muscles will get a strenuous workout as well. From your core to the muscles in your arms, legs, and even your back, you can see measurable improvements in strength over time. As a result, this is perhaps one of the more worthwhile water aerobics classes to come out in recent years. Its well-rounded approach to training the body means it can unlock many benefits for those who work hard. Beyond the physical, there's a second set of advantages, too: the social ones. Exercising in a group setting, with an instructor directing you between the stations or helping you to understand the movements, is a more engaging experience. You're likelier to stick with your routine and improve your health when you have a social reason to show up. Finally, if you're just struggling to stay committed to your exercise, mixing it up with some Hydro-Fit training could be just what you need to reignite your passion for fitness. The new atmosphere and the new friends you might make will keep you coming back.

Who can see the most benefits from this workout?

Not every exercise class is ideal for every type of individual; dry land aerobics are seldom suitable for older people, for example, which is why they often turn to water-based classes like Hydro-Fit. It's true that senior citizens and aged persons who may not be in the best physical condition could see substantial health improvements by taking part in water exercise. The added strength element of Hydro-Fit makes it even more suited for seniors as it can help them regain the strength they've lost due to age. However, none of this means that Hydro-Fit is strictly for older people. In fact, almost everyone can enjoy the benefits if they put in the work. Whether you're a teenager who loves to swim, a student at university, or a mature individual looking to start improving your body again, Hydro-Fit can mesh well with your needs. It's simple enough for anyone to pick up and learn, with many of the exercises taking just one session to master. You could choose to join a class open to everyone and meet many new people of different age groups, or you could seek out circuit training with your peers. Whichever option you choose, you'll find that Hydro-Fit provides one of the most challenging workouts you've experienced ? yet offers that challenge without taking away the all-important element of fun.

Could you try this training on your own?

What if you do not have access to a nearby class organising Hydro-Fit circuit sessions, but you'd still like to do it on your own? If you have access to your own pool, or space to use in a public pool, you can still experience it on your own. The equipment for Hydro-Fit is easy to purchase on the Internet, and you can even find the circuit station cards with individual exercises on the Web as well. This makes it a simple matter to both acquire everything you need and to start learning the right moves. Since the circuit cards contain printed directions and pictures of the correct form to use, it is simple for virtually everyone to immerse themselves in this exciting aquatic exercise. You might even consider starting your own group! If you choose to pursue it on your own, try mixing it in with some other exercise activities each week. Once you feel as though you've mastered many of the circuit exercises, try doing some dry land weight training. Even regular bicep curls with a hand-held weight might feel easier to accomplish after extensive time in the water. Try going for a light jog, too, or just swimming extra laps after you finish your circuit. Hydro-Fit is versatile enough to both be the focus of your routine and to slot into an existing regimen. It's all down to what goals you're trying to attain with your fitness.

Break the monotony with this interesting new approach

With such a wide range of health benefits and the fact that hydro-fit training is suitable for nearly everyone who can exercise safely in the water, it's clear there are real reasons to give this exercise a try. Whether you can find a class in your locale or you choose to try it out on your own, though, you're sure to have fun in the process. Don't forget to throw some music into the mix if you work out alone, or make some friends if you join a group. Enjoy the challenge you'll experience moving between stations and watch as you rack up the gains in your physical fitness.