An aqua Zumba class is being offered Saturday mornings from April 6 to May 4 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville pool. The class begins at 11 and lasts for one hour and is taught by Krissy Custer.
Custer splits her time as an instructor between the UW-Platteville and the YMCA in Eau Claire, Wis. Aside from aqua Zumba, she is certified to teach seven out of the eight different courses presently offered by the Zumba program.
According to zumba.com, splashing, stretching, twisting, shouting, laughing, hooting, and hollering are often heard during an aqua Zumba class. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aquatic fitness, aqua Zumba is a safe, challenging, water-based workout that is cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and exhilarating.
“It’s a good time, and I enjoy the interaction with other people,” participant Sarah Pross said. “We need more classes like this at UW-Platteville.
The class, which has a minimum of seven participants and maximum of 25, is open to the public. The fee for the entire course is $25, and participants need to pre-register to attend.
“There are no prerequisites to the class,” Custer said. “Participants do not even have to get their hair wet. You only need to be chest deep in the water.”
Custer teaches the course from the deck of the UW-Platteville pool. Due to the resistance of the water, instruction moves at a slower rate than a regular Zumba class.
The Latin-inspired, calorie-burning aqua Zumba workouts target the entire body. Students exercise to the sounds of high-energy music while in the pool. As each song ends and another begins, the focus shifts from one area of the body to another. Participants are able to move at their own pace while working out.
“It is strenuous,” Pross said. “I have felt positive effects from this workout.”
Mary VanDeHey, aqua Zumba participant, has attended each class in the five-week course.
“I would encourage anyone from any age group and any gender to join,” VanDeHey said. “It’s not just for women.”
Anyone interested in joining an aqua Zumba class should visit the UW-Platteville Office of Continuing Education website for more information
