Aqua aerobics rides wave of popularity in post-pandemic Australia

印刷用画面を開く

Posted

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. take part in (something) / teɪk pɑrt ɪn / (idiom) – to participate or be involved in an activity
    Example:

    Many students take part in the school’s annual sports day.


  2. enrollment / ɛnˈroʊl mənt / (n.) – the total number of people registered to join a school, university, class, course, etc.
    Example:

    Enrollment at the university increased because of the scholarships offered by different organizations.


  3. aquatic / əˈkwæt ɪk / (adj.) – involving or happening in the water
    Example:

    She learned to swim for free at the local aquatic center.


  4. keep up with (something) / kip ʌp wɪθ / (idiom) – to be able to make as much progress as others at the same time
    Example:

    The company closed because it failed to keep up with the developments in the industry.


  5. regular / ˈrɛg yə lər / (n.) – a person who often goes to the same place, such as a store or restaurant
    Example:

    Jean and Stella are regulars in this café. They like the food here.


Article

Read the text below.

Past a certain age, many people say they find it gets harder to keep fit. But there’s one physical exercise class that’s easy to start and take part in.


Since the COVID-19 pandemic, aqua aerobics has been growing in popularity in Australia, even in some rural areas. Every day, thousands of Australians are taking part in aqua aerobics.


“I just love it, I do about eight to ten classes in five days,” says participant Lynn. “So, it just gives you stability, and friendship and a bit of a laugh,” explains participant Allison. 


Over the past year, enrollment in aqua aerobics classes has been steadily rising, according to instructors at leisure centers. Now, close to 80 percent of Australia’s aquatic facilities and swim schools offer sessions of the exercise.


“Pre-COVID, everything was around a 50 percent attendance mark, and now you’re looking at overall around 82 (percent attendance rate) across the board,” says Melissa Janisch of SA Aquatics.


From strengthening muscles, improving balance and building a healthy heart, aqua aerobics has many potential benefits.


Experts say the benefits aren’t just physical. “It’s not just looking at cardiovascular fitness, or strength or balance, it’s looking at mental health and well-being and having a purpose and catching up with people,” says physiotherapist Caitlin Prior.


Aqua aerobics is no longer a staple of just big cities. More and more people in regional communities are signing up for the water exercise sessions, according to instructors. It’s getting to the point where swimming centers are finding it hard to keep up with demand.


“From when I first started, we barely had anyone coming in, up until now (where) we have 20, sometimes even 30, people in the pool,” says Aqua Instructor Sarah James.


Brett Rogers suffers from arthritis. He decided to try aqua aerobics to reduce his pain and he and his wife Sue are now regulars at a weekly class in the town of Renmark, which is miles away from their home.


“Although we live just out of Barmera, we don’t mind the trouble because the benefits outweigh,” says Rogers.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Aqua aerobics has been growing in popularity in Australia, even in some rural areas. Would you be interested in aqua aerobics? Why or why not? What kind of fitness activities are growing popular in your country these days (ex. shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, Zumba classes)? Which of these activities do you enjoy doing? Discuss.
  • According to the article, aqua aerobics has many potential benefits, including strengthening the muscles, improving balance, building a healthy heart, and even improving mental health and well-being. Which of these benefits do you think you need most? Why do you think so? What do you do to achieve this benefit? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • According to the article, many people say they find it harder to keep fit past a certain age. How important is it for you to keep fit? Do you agree that it’s harder for people to keep fit past a certain age? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think being part of a supportive community makes it easier for someone to stay fit and healthy? Why or why not? How do you think local community centers can promote fitness and health? Discuss.