Here’s how aqua fitness changed this expat’s life, and how it can change yours too. Trust us – her high-energy classes at The Ripple Club will defy any of those “for-seniors-only” conceptions that come to mind when you think of aqua aerobics!
Alicia’s story – how aqua aerobics had a ripple effect
ALICIA ANTONUCCIO knows first-hand just how hard it can be to live with chronic pain. Born and raised in France, Alicia’s lived with it most of her life. She was diagnosed with Patellofemoral pain syndrome – a condition that causes constant knee pain – at just 17 years old. With all sports except swimming out of the question, she gave aqua aerobics a try and was instantly hooked. It was the only thing that could keep her pain at bay.
“When my physio told me I had to stop playing impact sports, I was crushed,” says Alicia. “It was when my mother found an aqua biking centre and encouraged me to try it that I realised how fun aqua fitness can be! I could finally exercise pain-free and, even better, keep the pain from coming back. That was a revelation!”
But, when Alicia and her husband, Yannick Dedigama, moved to Singapore in 2011, she couldn’t find an aqua fitness class like the one she had been hooked on back in Paris. And, with her knee pain back in full force, she was searching for alternatives to the surgeries and medications that so many doctors were quick to recommend.
She realised that she needed to take matters into her own hands, and create that alternative herself. So, in 2012, she and Yannick purchased 13 aqua bikes and ditched their careers (hers in packaging and corporate design; his in wealth management) to build their very own aqua fitness community. They launched what is now The Ripple Club in 2012, with the mission of showing people that there is a way to keep and active and live pain-free, without meds or surgery.
Making waves with modern aqua aerobics classes
If you thought aqua aerobics consisted of a grandma in the pool with a dinky dumbbell, you’d be sorely mistaken! While grandmas are certainly welcome, The Ripple Club’s workouts are for anyone, regardless of fitness ability. In fact, the classes draw in everyone from triathletes to total beginners. Each technology-integrated aqua workout can be adapted to your desired intensity level.
“Everyone deserves a mood-lifting workout that’s safe, exhilarating and empowering; it’s a philosophy that we live and stand by, in the water,” says Alicia.
It’s also this type of thinking that has allowed The Ripple Club’s community to grow into what it is today. “We are home to vibrant, supportive instructors from diverse backgrounds unified by one shared purpose – to create lasting, positive ripple effects,” says Alicia. “We want to create more inclusivity in our world by making our workouts accessible to people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.
“In the water, we’re all welcome and equals. We are a safe space where pre- and postnatal women, athletes recovering from injuries, curious newcomers and anyone who finds the gym setting too intimating, can come to carve their own paths on their fitness journey.”
She adds, “We love the community we’ve created over the years, and that our clients form bonds during and after class!”
Aqua fitness – the benefits of working out in the water
The community’s not the only thing participants come for. The Ripple Club’s aqua workouts themselves are efficient, effective, interactive and fun. Think of indoor cycling vibes, but in the water. This was something new to Singapore, and a very welcome addition, indeed.
After all, the workouts proved to deliver serious results, thanks to the perks of water resistance. “Water resistance is actually 42 times greater than air,” explains Alicia. “This extra resistance makes it a super efficient workout that burns up to three times more calories than land-based training.”
What’s more, aqua fitness is easy on the bones and joints, making it ideal for anyone recovering from an injury, and anyone looking to prevent injuries.
So, no matter which aqua fitness programme you choose, you can expect to tone, burn calories and increase cardiovascular endurance. “You can also join no matter where you are in your fitness journey,” adds Alicia. “Just take it at your own pace.”
The Ripple Club’s aqua fitness classes
There are two Aqua spinning classes to choose from. The Ripple Signature class will tone your legs, arms and abs, and get your heart pumping with short sprints, followed by periods of rest. Think of it as HIIT, but on a stationary bike in the water! The other Aqua spinning class is Ripple Endure, which will work your lower body in long intervals, keeping you in the fat-burning zone.
Other class offerings include Ripple Circuit, which combines strength training and fast-paced cardio using aqua bikes and other water-resistant equipment, and Ripple Box – a cardio- and strength-focused aqua boxing class, set to pumping music.
And, for those who prefer one-on-one training or need rehab-focused training for an injury, The Ripple Club offers hydrotherapy and aqua personal training, too.
For locations and more details, or to buy class and personal training packages, visit therippleclub.fit.
The Ripple Club
therippleclub.fit
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Amy Greenburg
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