Aqua Yoga is a series of yoga exercises done in water developed by Françoise Barbira Freedman that combines the therapeutic and afloat nature of water with the stimulating and balancing of yoga. In short it takes the principles and movements of yoga and adapts them to the environment of water. With the release of gravity the body is able to find the most advantageous stretching.

Aqua Yoga combines slow stretching with the use of breathing and relaxation as the water provides resistance for the muscles to work against. Aqua yoga is a natural and all-encompassing way to promote and sustain fitness and health. It offers a gentle and easily available way to enjoy movement and breathing using the supportive element of water. Many aqua yoga exercises are classical yoga postures adapted to water. You feel virtually weightless in water, so that stretches that might be difficult on the ground can be accomplished without strain. Aqua yoga is the perfect combination of the benefits that yoga and swimming can bring.

No previous experience of yoga is necessary to benefit from these exercises. Aqua yoga can be practiced by swimmers and non-swimmers alike but to train as an aqua yoga teacher you will need a swimming qualification. Aqua yoga strengthens and tones the body whilst relieving tensions and renewing energy. Aqua yoga makes exercising safer for many people, especially those whose weight problems, injuries, pregnancy, old age etc., as the water helps bear the body, easing wear and tear on the joints.

Benefits of Aqua Yoga

Aqua yoga is beneficial for those with many medical problems, as it is gentle and low impact. Aqua yoga can be safely practiced by people with a wide range of fitness levels and physical abilities.
Joint, muscle, back and other musculoskeletal degeneration

Water provides resistance, and this resistance is used in aqua yoga to help strengthen and develop control. This is very useful in helping with some joint and other musculoskeletal problems. The weightlessness in water especially allows those with back problems to move more easily and comfortably in water. Aqua yoga helps improve flexibility and function, reduce stiffness, and strengthen the muscles around the joints, reducing strain on the joints themselves.

Obesity

Obesity puts added strain on the joints when exercising on land, so the low-impact of exercise in water really helps. Aqua-yoga helps strengthen and tone the body, and relaxes the whole body.

Blood pressure

Being in water reduces blood pressure slightly. Aqua yoga is very beneficial for people suffering from high or erratic blood pressure.

Pregnancy

Aqua yoga for pregnancy gives women the opportunity to enjoy freedom of movement supported in the water environment. Flexibility and mobility are increased and women are able to feel more comfortable while promoting health for mother and baby. Breathing is expanded and the circulation improves. Movements practiced in the last few weeks of pregnancy will encourage the baby into a favorable position for birth.

Ashish Bhattacharya armed with a degree in East Asian Therapies from China, he has worked in a Mauritius Spa Resorts, and is an expert in Health Spa Mauritius.