Aqua Aerobics with Figura

Can aqua aerobics really be an effective way to achieve your dream figure?

Absolutely, yes! Aqua aerobics is an effective and at the same time safe way to achieve your desired body shape. Many people who come to our classes are recovering from injuries or lead a sedentary lifestyle, which often causes back or joint pain. Thanks to the water, exercises are performed with reduced load on the body, while still being more effective than on land.

Our goal is to conduct training sessions that not only help achieve quick results but also bring relief to the spine and joints. Additionally, water works as a natural massager — it helps fight cellulite, shapes the figure, and improves skin firmness. It may seem that training in water is easier than on land because water supports the body, but this is an illusion.

Aqua aerobics can be very intense and highly effective for burning calories and improving fitness. Exercises in water engage many muscle groups at the same time, improve endurance, and strengthen the whole body. Depending on the intensity and pace, you can burn between 200 and 350 calories in just 30 minutes! But the best proof of its effectiveness is our clients — people who have lost several or even dozens of kilograms, improving their quality of life, as well as those who have been attending aqua aerobics for over 20 years and cannot imagine a week without it.

Importantly, the benefits go far beyond body shape alone. Aqua aerobics improves sleep quality, strengthens immunity, reduces stress, and provides a moment of real relaxation. It’s a type of training that works comprehensively — on the body, health, and overall well-being.

Who leads the classes, and which exercises are the most popular?

At our center, aqua aerobics classes are led primarily by experienced instructors with degrees in physical education or physiotherapy. These are people with a passion for movement and full of positive energy, which they bring into every session. All instructors also complete our internal training program, based on many years of experience working with clients. After so many years, we know exactly what participants enjoy most and what they pay attention to — and it’s for them that we run these classes and want to connect with them.

Most popular exercises and class formats

Answering the question of which exercises are the most popular isn’t simple, because everyone finds something different for themselves. Some choose the shallower pool with warmer water, where they can always exercise while touching the bottom. Others prefer sessions in the sports pool, in deep water, using buoyancy belts for support. Some enjoy exercises targeting the upper body, while others focus on the legs.

There are many combinations — and that’s exactly one of the biggest advantages of aqua aerobics. Everyone who comes to class can tailor the session to their needs and current mood. If someone wants a bigger “burn,” they choose larger dumbbells with greater water resistance and perform faster repetitions. And if someone has had a tough day, they can focus more on relaxation and stretching during the session.

What equipment do you need to start aqua aerobics training?

Each pool is equipped with foam noodles and dumbbells in various sizes — these are the essentials for starting classes. They are the most universal tools, allowing you to perform many exercises targeting different muscle groups. Additionally, especially when classes are conducted in a deep pool, it’s useful to have buoyancy belts prepared, as they help participants stay afloat and perform exercises with ease.

To make the classes more varied, last year we introduced a rotational piece of equipment at every pool, which we move between facilities. Thanks to this, each location has three types of equipment. The third type includes, among others, universal rings, betomics, bars, or discs. In reality, there is much, much more equipment designed for aqua aerobics. We selected the items we know work best — meaning they are both popular with clients and highly durable.

Aqua aerobics is not only physical health, but also mental well-being.

How does it improve participants’ overall mood and mental state?

Aqua aerobics is not just about taking care of the body — it also provides tremendous support for the mind and emotional well-being. Regular classes allow participants to disconnect from daily responsibilities, offering a moment of relief and relaxation in the water, which in itself has a soothing and calming effect. The exercises release endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers — which bring feelings of happiness and relaxation. Regular physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which is why participants often emphasize improved mood and greater energy for daily life.

Thanks to the music, the instructors’ positive energy, and the group atmosphere, participants leave classes with a smile and a sense of lightness. Integration is also a huge advantage. People return not only for the exercise but for the social connection. The sense of community and mutual motivation has a major impact on mental well-being and supports regularity in training. In short, aqua aerobics is an activity that strengthens the body, calms the mind, and improves quality of life — so it’s no surprise that our clients simply feel happier after each session.

What does regular participation in classes provide, and how can an exercise habit change everyday life?

Regular participation in aqua aerobics offers much more than just a better figure or improved fitness. Introducing physical activity into daily life makes it easier to improve other areas as well. Research shows that people who exercise regularly naturally begin to eat healthier, cope better with stress, and are more efficient at work.

The habit of exercising teaches consistency — making it easier to focus on tasks, resist distractions, and pursue goals with greater determination. During workouts, we overcome our body’s limitations, and the body rewards us with endorphins, which boost mood and create a sense of satisfaction. This, in turn, sparks a “hunger for further achievements.” We begin to eat better, organize our days more effectively, and even take care of household duties with more enthusiasm. This is how a so-called keystone habit works — one positive habit that triggers others.

For many people, physical activity becomes exactly that habit. Regular attendance in aqua aerobics classes helps participants not only improve their fitness and shape but also bring more health, energy, and everyday satisfaction into their lives.

What are the future plans of the Figura Center regarding aqua aerobics?

Do you plan new challenges, new class formats, or special events for participants?

We are definitely not giving up on the “Aqua Aerobics with Figura” Challenge, and in October we are launching the next, 9th edition. We hope to break the participant record for yet another season. We continue to grow, and our goal is to popularize aqua aerobics and bring it to as many Polish cities as possible. We already run classes in Warsaw, Radom, and nearby areas, and starting in September, we plan to launch classes in more cities — not only in Mazovia!

We are also constantly working to improve our classes and follow new trends. Starting in September, we want to introduce deep aqua aerobics at one of the pools in Warsaw — classes held in deep water that will be more challenging and intense. We also plan to add aqua aerobics marathons to our regular calendar. Last year we managed to organize such an event, and the participants were delighted. Some record-breakers exercised for up to 3 hours in the water!

We also focus on developing the entire industry. We regularly train new instructors who lead classes not only with us but also at pools across different regions of Poland. This year, we also introduced advanced training courses using specialized equipment. And what’s next? Time will tell… We’re definitely preparing many exciting projects, so it’s worth following us to make sure you don’t miss anything.

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Interview by: Maciej Mazerant / Managing Editor, AQUA SPEED Magazine
Photos: “FIGURA” Rehabilitation and Recreation Center