Aqua aerobic classes make a comeback in regional SA

It's a fitness activity on the rise, testing the stamina of thousands of Australians every day. I just love it. I'll do about 8 to 10 classes in five days, so it just gives you stability and friendship and a bit of a laugh. Classes have been growing over the past year, with almost 80% of aquatic facilities and swim schools across the country offering water aerobic sessions. Free COVID, everything was around a 50% attendant mark and now you're looking overall around the 82 across the board. Apart from strengthening the muscles, Aqua aerobics helps to improve balance, heart health and independence for people of all ages. And experts say the benefits are more than physical. And it's not just looking at cardiovascular fitness or strength or balance. It's it's looking at, you know, mental health and well-being and, you know, having a purpose and catching up with people. While Aqua aerobics classes are a fixture in capital cities around Australia, people in regional communities are increasingly taking to the pool to stay fit, and some swimming centres are struggling to keep up with demand. From when I first started, we barely had anyone coming in. Up until now we have about like 20, sometimes even like 30 people in the pool. Arthritis sufferer Brett Rogers tried aquar aerobics to ease his pain. Now he and his wife, Sue, drive to Renmark for weekly classes. Although we live in just out of Barma, we don't want to travel because of the benefits outweigh making a beneficial splash across South Australia.