Fitness with an aquatic twist – Pool Aerobics with Kim
Published:Wednesday | August 24, 2022 | 12:05 AMKerese Oakley Williams/Gleaner Intern
Having a deep affinity for a healthy lifestyle and recognising that there was a need in Jamaica for more diverse methods of fitness, Kimberly Calder decided that she would utilise this unique opportunity to provide a fun alternative for persons to maximise health and wellness through water Zumba and movement, creating Pool Aerobics with Kim.
“I always have had a passion for fitness and I loved swimming. It was amazing to me that we did not have more water exercise options in such a hot country. So, I had actually started teaching it as a hobby in 2012, but I left my corporate job in 2018. I got certified as an aquatic fitness professional or aquatic exercise instructor in May 2018, and then I registered for the business and went full days and full schedules into aquatic exercise,” the fitness professional shared with The Gleaner during a telephone interview.
Calder loves sharing the excitement of pool aerobics through her weekly classes and social media pages. Letting us know that there are many benefits of the water sport, one of which is aiding in the effective locomotion of the body. She also expressed that it is an ideal activity for people who have suffered an injury to their mobility systems.
“Because of the 360-resistance offered by the water all around you, you can get a great cardiovascular workout by still getting resistance training in. Also, the low-impact environment of the water makes it an environment where you’re least likely to get injured in. It is great for people who have mobility issues and injuries. The water supports the body so it has less gravity and more buoyancy,” she shared.
The classes are not limited to pool aerobics. Calder also offers Aqua Zumba and Aqua Fit classes that are focused on building strength.
Don’t know how to swim? Have no fear. Pool Aerobics with Kim provides classes that will help you to overcome your trepidations while achieving your fitness goals. “For my non-swimmers, we always start in the shallow end. If people have a fear of the water, we work near to the wall so that they can occasionally touch the wall if they need to feel more secure and more grounded. Every pool that I use has a shallow end.”
She ensures that her aerobic classes cater to all persons with various desires and needs. For people who love challenging high-intensity activities, her recently founded programme S’WET would be the perfect fit. “It is a very high-intensity fast-paced class. It is a lot of fun. It is very challenging,” the instructor stated.
Classes are held weekly from Monday to Thursday while private sessions are held every day of the week. Pool Aerobics with Kim also provides group classes on Mondays to Thursdays and on Saturdays.
Calder wishes for all people to consider engaging in pool aerobics. “Nothing is hard about pool aerobics, you just have to show up and have a good time.”
To get in contact with Pool Aerobics with Kim email poolaerobicsja@gmail.com or find them on instagram at @poolaerobics