Aquasticks sessions are being held in swimming pools across Rhondda Cynon Taf

Aquasticks is the latest craze to hit Rhondda Cynon Taf this spring, with more and more people about to head into the water to get fit.

Aquasticks is an adaptation of the Gymstick, originally created in Finland. It is now being used as an aqua fitness device - and is about to make its debut at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s swimming pools.

Participants get into the swimming pool with the Aquasticks attached to their hands and feet. All classes are supervised by a qualified instructor.

The benefits of using Aquasticks are:

Higher intensity workout
Increased recruitment of muscles fibres, especially in the upper body
Increased challenges for balance and co-ordination training
Requires greater recruitment of core muscles
Can use the stick to create turbulence in addition to the resistance in the bands to add further challenges
Excellent tool for rehabilitation
Can be used effectively in shallow pools, where some other aquatic training tools can be awkward to use
Easy to use
Part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Leisure For Life campaign
Cllr Robert Bevan. Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, Leisure and Tourism, said: “Swimming, both in organised classes and as individuals, is a popular sport and leisure activity across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Not only is swimming a vital life skill, but it is also an excellent way to keep fit.

“Swimming and aqua exercise is a good way to improve fitness levels and I am delighted to see Aquasticks is being introduced in Rhondda Cynon Taf Council swimming pools.

“It is a new and a fun way to improve your fitness while having fun at the same time.”

Aquasticks classes are open to both males and females, of all ages and abilities. Equipment is provided.

Leisure for Life is a Rhondda Cynon Taf Council campaign that aims to get people of all ages active and undertaking exercise in a bid to improve their health and well-being.

It is all about talking simple steps to make exercise part of your daily routine and reaping the benefits alongside potential weight loss, enhanced fitness, muscle gain or even improved socialisation.

Aquasticks are simple and easy to use. To increase the resistance of the bands, participants can roll the stick so that the bands wrap around the end of the stick. To decrease the resistance, unravel the bands from around the stick.

Some exercises require the bands to be tighter - holding the stick at the hips and performing a jumping jack with bicep curl. Movements like a scissor with the stick rotating forward with alternate arm extension, require the bands to be at their full length in order to make full use of the exercise.

Resistance in the bands come in three different strengths, from 1-22lb, 1-33lb and 1-44lb.

The bar is held in the hands while the adjustable bands are placed around the arch of each foot, ensuring the tension is the same in both hands and feet. The wearing of aqua shoes are highly recommended for foot protection and to ensure that the adjustable straps remain secure.

For full details on Aquasticks sessions in Rhondda Cynon Taf, pop into the reception area at your nearest swimming pool