With more and more people realising the health benefits of swimming, the trend is currently making waves in the city.
“It seems to be a growing trend from the response we have in our adult batches. Normally, more kids attend our regular classes. But in the recent times we have seen a surge in the number of adults as well,” says A. Kamaraj, District Swimming Coach, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.
“Two years ago, the membership stood at 40, whereas it is around 150 now, comprising mostly adults aged above 40,” he adds
Most people do not find sweating it out at the gym a particularly attractive idea. Hence, everyone is taking to the pool these days, say trainers in the city. It is a sport with no injuries and for people leading a sedentary lifestyle working on the computer, it’s easily the best workout. The city has many other swimming pools such as Corporation Swimming Pool, Hotel Sangam, Hotel Fortune Pandyan and Hotel Germanus that are open to the public as well.
“Swimming is not just a physical activity that helps you stay brisk but also serves as a good recreational activity,” says R. Thiruvenkatamoorthy, a regular at Hotel Sangam.
As doctors recommend swimming for weight reduction, wheezing and cardiac problems, people, especially homemakers, are attending swimming classes.
“Swimming is an activity that burns extra calories without a drop of sweat. It helps you remain cool despite the heat while keeping fit in the process,” says J. Manasa, a 38-year-old housewife from Avaniapuram.
“With more privacy, we also feel safe here at the Race Course pool,” she adds.
“The advantages of aqua workouts are similar to those of regular exercises but continuous resistance in water forces one to use more muscle fibre which results in greater inch loss. If regular zumba enables one to lose 600 calories per hour, aqua zumba has the capacity to burn 1000 calories in an hour, says Devi Rajesh, aqua zumba instructor, Dance World, Anna Nagar.
“Currently, we are working towards spreading awareness of the benefits of aqua workouts. In fact, we are holding the second aerobic fitness programme for women at Akash Club on July 24. Persons above 17 years of age can take part,” she adds.
