Aqua aerobics making a big splash with residents

Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront homeowners keen to keep fit with gentle exercise are getting into the swim of things at Linda Cornell’s `aqua fun’ sessions, with the resort’s pool hosting up to 30 for an hour of fabulous fitness frivolity each Monday.

“I call it ‘aqua fun’ because we have such a great time in the pool while, at the same time, undertaking gentle exercise to help gain better fitness and mobility,” said Linda, an early childhood teacher who first moved to Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront in 2019.

Linda admits to being a long-time fan of aqua aerobics and, although not a qualified instructor, was keen to dive headfirst into the activity when she arrived at the over-50s resort and saw the beautiful pool in the Country Club.

“I invited others who wanted to have some aqua fun to join me, either to take part or simply to watch, and was delighted with the response.

Everyone can do their own thing and I am there to help,” said Linda.

The fun-loving group often begin by warming up, then undertaking some exercises with the aid of a pool noodle, followed by a stretching session for ten minutes at the end.

“I encourage everyone to check with their own health professionals to ensure they are doing the right things,” she said.

Linda says running or walking in a pool or, in fact, doing any exercise in water is so much easier and can be just as therapeutic as doing it on land.

“Water cushions the body and is gentler on joints than hard surfaces. You would never catch me running on pavement, but I can run for ages in water, and it feels so lovely to have your joints supported while also knowing it is so very good for you.”

When it comes to low impact exercise, Linda says there is nothing better than aqua aerobics which can also target specific areas such as cardio, muscle toning and much more.

Linda claims that in addition to being fun, the weekly aqua aerobics sessions have given her purpose in her retirement by enabling her to support others.

“You can do anything in the pool. For me, I love working the lower half of my body because it is so much easier in water than on land.”

On Fridays, the energetic resident also holds a gentle gym session in the resort’s gymnasium.

“I started the class at the end of last year and we use a resistance band to tone muscles which is as good as using a free weight. It is very gentle and can be as easy or difficult as the individual requires,” said Linda, who is also involved in walking groups to maintain her fitness.

“We have to move to keep the body in a certain state of repair all the time. It’s so important and can be a lot of fun – in or out of the water!”