I’m an absolutely sucker for any aqua programs and water sport. So when the opportunity turned up to try FloatFit HIIT held by my favourite aqua instructor and aquatics fitness veteran Vikki, I’m in!
Helmed with 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Vikki is the name you will hear for any aqua-related fitness programs locally. Just a casual chat with one of the participants that day itself, she told me how supportive she is of Vikki’s classes and would travel all the way from her home in the west for them!
Arriving at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex bright and early 730am on a Friday morning, the pool was virtually empty. Coaches were just setting up for their swimming lessons, lifeguards and staff were still getting the pool ready for the folks to enter for their swim sessions.
Contrary to my usual, I miss reading up on the program before attending the session. This is actually a good practice to allow for logistics and preparation for what to expect for a new class – I strongly encourage everyone to do so if you can.
Just the name alone (never mind if it’s a mouthful), FloatFit HIIT suggests HIIT (high intensity interval training) exercises involved. This should include the typical squats, burpees, mountain climbers, etc. But I wasn’t sure how it was to be conducted, expecting to be immersed in the water like a typical Aqua program.
On-board the AquaBase
It became clear when you see the AquaBases line up in 2 rows, tethered together just along its central axis with bungee cords. They are also called: “The Original Floating Exercise Mat” by AquaPhysical, the creators of FloatFit programs.
Very similar to a stand-up paddle board by weight and material, the AquaBase is in the rectangular shape of a yoga mat, slightly larger than the average ones. The set-up allows the AquaBases to be able to move in all angles on the water surface but still staying in its lined-up positions. This simply means that the AquaBases are unstable, floating platforms to add an extra challenge to the participant doing exercises on it.
Vikki let us off easy in this session, going with simple moves such as squats and simple burpees (stepping back instead of jumping, no end jump). I tried jumping into plank position for my burpees – that was manageable. We were given easy options as well for our Russian Twists with feet on the board (it was tough for me when I tried with my feet lifted!)
As far as I learnt, more advanced moves include jumps, directional turns, and more complex balancing acts that will challenge your stability and coordination (and hopefully at the end, still successfully safely afloat on your AquaBase!)
Then the fun and interactive part begins when we alternate HIIT moves per board. So while a participant does a static exercise such as plank, her neighbours on either side are vigorous shaking up the waters for her with rockers!
I love the rockers move especially, by the way. Tipping your AquaBase from side to side by quickly shifting your body weight, it’s really fun to see how much surface water currents you can churn up! And I realise this is probably one of the unique moves to FloatFit, which can only be achieved with the floating AquaBase.
What might be difficult for some would be to keep your balance and staying stable while performing the HIIT workout. For some, getting onto the AquaBase was already not an easy task as it requires upper body and core strength as well as some level of coordination to haul yourself onboard.
I would say that FloatFit HIIT is definitely for those who want to spice up their usual interval trainings. Unless you have water legs and are very comfortable on water, stabilising yourself on the AquaBase will take some getting used to at the initial.
The game element in the workout makes the exercises fun! Do hold your own embarrassment and fear of falling off the boards – there is no risk in falling because you’ll only get wet, nothing more. And hey, everyone is busy trying to keep their own balance so don’t worry too much and be free to push to the max with each routine to be able to achieve the results for the program.
Review score for FloatFit HIIT
Intensity: 3 / 5 However as with all interval trainings, you can pace yourself right up with more reps per interval to up the intensity on your own. Just remember to maintain your form. And stay on-board. At least, try as much as you can.
Difficulty: 3.5 / 5 The moves are nothing new nor complicated. But I’m giving it a score 3.5 or even 4 especially for those who needs some getting used to keeping balance on the AquaBase.
Fun Factor: 5 / 5 Definitely! You have to experience the water turbulence from your neighbours challenging your plank minutes. And if it gets too hot at the outdoor pool during the session, just jump off right into the cool waters! How much more convenient can it get?