Under-Water Exercises

Δ Physical training in water = general muscle exercises have better effects when they are done in water.

JW Marriott Hotel, which is located in Seocho-gu, Banpo-dong, Seoul, has an aqua-gym at its 3rd floor underground. Its outward appearance looks just like another swimming pool, but various exercise tools are equipped `underwater`.

In other words, it is like an `underwater health-club`. Depth of the water only reach up to the chest, so even non-swimmers will not have a problem.

The health-club’s manager, Lee Jung-Hee, said, “When water chafes against skin, it stimulates blood-circulation, and is perfect for diet because it requires more calorie-consumption than usual exercises.”

Δ Aquarobics and Synchronized Swimming = `Aquarobics` is underwater aerobics, and it involves movements like jumping, turning, and kicking along with cheerful music. It is an aerobic exercise that uses water’s friction and buoyancy.

Synchronized swimming is an aqua-sport that requires high-quality techniques, including underwater swimming, upside-down turning, and spinning. It has an excellent exercise effect, and is also quite effective in shaping the body.

Aquarobics has 3 classes at KBS 88 Stadium (02-2600-8826, 8803). Also, Lee Su-Ok Synchro Club (011-763-0419) holds synchronized swimming classes for the public.

Δ Underwater Massage = Terminology for underwater massage is `WATSU`, which is a combination of an English word `water` and a Japanese word `shiatsu`. It originates from recovery therapies for the handicapped, but it has now extended to the public.

In order to enjoy WATSU, a partner is needed. The partner helps stretching by pulling or pushing the spine and muscles near the spine. It is good when done in warm water with the temperature of 34 or 35˚ Celsius.

Δ Underwater Taeguk-kwon = Also known as `Aichi`. `Ai` represents Japanese word for `love`, and `chi` represents `energy`. Its characteristic is that variations of the Taeguk-kwon movement are done with quiet music under controlled breathing. It is also good as a warm-up before underwater exercises.

Δ Effects and Cautions of Aqua-Sports = Seoul National University’s professor of the science of nursing, Lee Eun-Ok (president of Korean Rheumatism And Health Academy), said, “Underwater exercises are especially effective for recovering patients of rheumatism or arthritis. Its advantages are that it is less painful and it can strengthen muscles.”

“Both healthy and handicapped people can enjoy underwater exercises, but patients of lung-diseases, urethritis, cardiac insufficiency, contagious diseases, and incontinence of urine, must avoid them.”, requested Seoul Rehabilitation Sports Center’s manager, Kim Jun-Hong.

Ji-Young Chae yourcat@donga.com