YMCA to innovate in aquatic fitness

YMCA Victoria, in partnership with the City of Casey, is set to launch one of Australia’s first in-pool Aqua Yoga and the state’s first Aqua Cycle programs at Casey aquatic and recreation centres in October-November.

The innovative aquatic group fitness programs are designed to offer members access to new and industry-leading health and fitness options that have been successfully tested and developed at YMCA facilities around the world.

YMCA Victoria Health and Fitness Manager Troy Walker said the introduction of customer-focused innovation was the result of extensive consultation and research across the YMCA’s international network, after successful programs were recently established by USA YMCAs in Cincinnati, Wichita and Huntsville.

Walker said being part of a world-wide health and fitness organisation provided the organisation with unique access to pioneering programming, explaining “the YMCA is an industry leader in aquatics and recreation so we are able to research innovation first-hand and then implement those initiatives proven successful with real evidence.

“These programs are something new and we are excited to launch them in Australia.

“We believe in the benefits of physical activity and building community connections. We’re proud to be helping Victorians lead healthier and happier lives by bringing global trends to our local communities.”

The initial program will involve the introduction of Aqua Cycle classes at Casey ARC in late October, followed by Aqua Yoga programming at Casey RACE to be launched in November.

The YMCA and City of Casey have co-invested in the equipment (Hydrorider Aqua Bikes and Boga FitMats), and staff training in the new aquatic programs. The equipment was selected in consultation with industry experts as the best and safest available in the market.

Aqua Cycle classes will run for 30 to 45 minutes and complement the large suite of land-based group fitness classes already on offer at Casey ARC, while Aqua Yoga will start as a four-week pilot program of 45-minute classes at Casey RACE.

Walker said the initial launch was an exciting step towards establishing the new aquatic exercise options as a staple in the Casey centres, before extending the innovation across more of the YMCA’s 34 managed recreation and leisure centres in the state.

He concluded “these classes are suitable for most ages and fitness levels and there’s already significant interest as we lead in to the launch. We’re aiming to increase classes as awareness grows and then look to include them as permanent fixtures of group fitness programming.”

Images: YMCA staff member Kaitlyn Frawley demonstrates the stability of the new FitMat (top), YMCA will launch its newest innovation with Aqua Bike group fitness classes starting at the centre in October (middle) and YMCA Aqua Bike instructors [back] Jasmine Hurst, Ashley Stainer, Bernie Rose, [front] Suzie Lowater, Wendy Worrell, Jody Taylor, Pepita Davids and Nicole Thiel are put through their paces during training.

To find out more about Hydrorider Aqua Bikes, click here to contact distributors Water Resist via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

For more information on the Boga FitMat click here to contact distributors HF Industries Pty Ltd via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Suppliers Directory.

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