Why would you dance in the water? And that too Zumba? It is all about resistance, says dance instructor-cum-Zumba trainer Ajith Neereekshan. “In air, resistance to the movements is low, but in water it is 12 times greater,” the 29-year-old assures as he shares his excitement about Aqua Zumba. His exuberance is natural, considering he is the first Aqua Zumba instructor in Chennai, and dancing is a passion that defines him. “You must try it once. It leaves you very happy, besides other benefits,” he believes.
Aqua Zumba has been around for about six to seven years, but it’s been only four months that India has got hooked to it, Neereekshan informs. And that it is becoming popular, is evident from the increasing number of enthusiasts joining his classes at the SBAT Swimming Pool in Shenoy Nagar, Chennai. Describing the basics of Zumba, he says, it is “completely visual.” There are 10 Zumba styles, each with a different rhythm and beat derived from the music it is based on — flamenco, belly-dancing, samba, salsa and reggae-ton. “Instructors are supposed to use their eyes and expressions while instructing, as the students are supposed to focus on and enjoy the music.” In Aqua Zumba the basics remain the same. However, Neereekshan says, the workout doesn’t get doubled. “In water, your heart-rate is lowered. So, the calories burnt are almost the same as on the land.” But the advantages are many in water: “The buoyancy of water makes it easier for people with joint pains. It helps people suffering from insomnia. Studies show that swimming helps cure insomnia. And, the ‘assistance’ and ‘resistance’ of the water tones the muscles.” Given that the movements involve activities like flexing, jumping and kicking, one tends to agree with him.
So what got him into this fascinating dance form? Neereekshan says he developed keen interest in dancing right from his school; it helped him cope with the loss of his mother. He also got trained at the Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts, Mumbai, following which he went on to become a dance instructor at the SBOA School and launched his own dance academy. It was while looking for ways to reduce one’s body weight, he came across Zumba. That led him to expat instructor, Dianne, in Bangalore; later on, he mastered its aquatic version. He was among the first batch of instructors in India to learn the fitness programme from Zumba Education Specialist Kelly Boulard of the USA.