If you're in a rut and struggling to find the motivation to exercise has the answer with the latest fitness craze to hit the Bay.
Te Puke's Hiria Te Amo is the first Zumba instructor to teach Aqua Zumba in the Western Bay, which she described as "one big party in
the pool". Aqua Zumba follows the principals of Zumba, however, being in the water offered more resistance and less impact on the body.
"Aqua Zumba is open to a wider range of people because there is less impact on the body, which is good for older people and pregnant women and those recovering from injuries," Miss Te Amo said.
She said it was an ideal workout because everyone could have a go.
"Water decreases the workload so you don't feel puffed but at the end you've still done a big workout."
Miss Te Amo became involved with Zumba in late 2009and soon fell in love with the new fitness regime, setting up her own Zumba classes in Te Puke. Her two brothers are also Zumba instructors.
In August last year, Miss Te Amo attended the Zumba instructors convention in Orlando, Florida, where she trained in Aqua Zumba and Zumba toning, using weights.
Mount Maunganui's Jill Cotter, 73, was one of 24 people who attended Miss Te Amo's aqua Zumba class Thursday at Baywave.
Aqua Zumba offered her a way of exercising without putting pressure on her body.
"I wouldn't be able to do half of this on land, I couldn't jump but when I'm in the water I can do it," she said.
"I love [Aqua Zumba], it really is good fun."
Miss Te Amo said it was sometimes difficult to juggle her Zumba classes with her job at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and two children but she made it work.
"So many people are coming in and losing weight, having fun and that's what makes it so special."
Miss Te Amo will begin an eight-week Aqua Zumba course at Papamoa Community Pools on February 12 at 10am. If interested, phone on 021 129 2871 or visit www.tepukeZumba.co.nz.
