Womanly: ”FloatFit is the ultimate aquafitness trend”

Published on: 14 May 2023

Have you ever heard of FloatFitWe at Womanly had never done it before, until we tried it out for ourselves at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar. And we have to say: it was a huge success and definitely left us wanting more. During this intensive body workout, you work on improving your fitness in the pool. And no request is too crazy! So don't be surprised if the instructor asks you to do jumping jacks on the AquaBase board. Because even that is possible on the water after a little practice.

FloatFit class in the swimming pool

Running, fitness and boxing are getting a bit predictable. We thought it would be fun to try a completely different sport for once. After searching around, we came across FloatFit. It is still a fairly new trend in the field of aqua fitness in the Netherlands. We took a gamble and Sports complex de Hoorsne Vaart in Alkmaar. The anticipation had already begun on dry land when I (editor-in-chief of Womanly) sent a few photos of this amazing sport to various female friends. ‘How funny” and ”hahahaha what on earth is that?” were some of the reactions.

Those were my thoughts initially too, as I had no idea what we could expect. When packing, I was still hesitating whether I would need a towel. Thank God my boyfriend ridiculed this hesitation, because one thing is certain: the wet pool will definitely greet you the first time. It is a matter of standing and sticking out. With a t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and flip-flops, I entered the pool in my sportiest mood, which felt like a well-heated sauna. Fortunately, this feeling subsides once you are in the water.

What do you do during a FloatFit workout?

FloatFit is a high-intensity interval training where you do exercises on an aquabase. This is a floating, air-filled mat in the water. You attach it at the front and back with rings to two ropes lying in the swimming pool. This makes the board completely sturdy to stand on. This brilliant Aquabase was designed by Aquaphysical. In the middle of the board there is a small symbol so that you know exactly where to stand for your balance.

This trend didn't blow over from faraway America, by the way, but comes from close to home in Great Britain. They have been doing this water sport there for a while now. In the Netherlands it is also called Aquafloat instead of FloatFit. Once the Aquabase is in the water, the trick is to climb onto it with your full weight. That is quite a job, but you will get better and better at it. We started off nice and actively with a full swimming pool and an enthusiastic instructor at the Hoornse Vaart in Alkmaar.

Exercises with the Aquabase

Squats, lunges and jumping jacks all feature during the sporty half-hour. ‘Only thirty minutes!’ I hear you think. That sounds short, but afterwards you are completely exhausted and would rather lie with your lazy arse in the nearest hot tub. Because intense it certainly is on the water. The trick is to keep your balance and that takes a bit of figuring out at first. We started with some cheerful music that indicated in the lyrics when you had to go down (squats) and up with your body. I managed that quite well in the water.

After a few exercises, you get better and better at keeping your balance. The part where everyone was ‘shaking’ back and forth was even less suited to me as a beginner. While everyone was cheerfully moving from one side to the other, I was splashing around in the water a bit less happily before climbing back onto the board. Still, I found it wasn't too bad for a first time. It was especially great fun in a pool like that with upbeat music and a good workout. You certainly notice that the next day in the muscle aches.

Who can all take part?

Can you swim? Then that is actually the answer to the above question. Anyone from young to old can take part. Although we did notice that there was mainly a lot of female beauty on the board. But male muscle-men can also have a great workout here. A major advantage of FloatFot is that there is no pressure on your joints and bones, which prevents troublesome complications.

Unlike ‘ordinary group fitness classes’, a FloatFit session lasts only half an hour. Yet, you still burn more than 300 calories with it. In addition, you also immediately improve your sense of balance. A win-win situation, therefore. By the way, since October you can also go to the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool for two brand new aquafitness classes: Water tanks en Aquajump.