Team Darwin: top (from left): Heidi Willard, Lyn Packham, Margaret Palfrey; middle (from left) Sheryl Murray, Carolyn Schulz, Nikki Higgins; bottom (from left) Mark Edwards, Colin Leung
Water-based exercise workouts have been stigmatised in the popular consciousness as specific only to the elderly, the infirm, and expectant mothers, but on Saturday this myth will be busted.
Darwin's Waterfront Wave Lagoon will become one of 257 epicentres across about 80 countries for the sixth annual Worldwide Aquathon Day, where the young and not-so-young, super fit A-types and the not-so-keen can come together for a fun and healthful exercise session.
Part of Charles Darwin University VET lecturer and workplace assessor (Fitness) Nikki Higgins' role is to teach the Aqua Instructor Specialisation where students learn how to conduct exercise sessions in a swimming pool.
This year some of her students, registered as Team Darwin, are taking part in Aquathon Day to generate awareness about the benefits of water-based training. There is no better environment to train in the tropics than a swimming pool," Nikki said.
"Aquarobics is an integral part of most elite sporting teams' post-match recovery process, but it is also especially beneficial for people whose biomechanics are challenged by weight-bearing exercise.
"I challenge everyone, especially those who might be sceptical of the fitness benefits of water-based exercise, to come along and give it a go."
There will be some seven instructors who have volunteered to lead the three-hour training session.
People who register for the Aquathon are asked to contribute a donation amount of their choice with all proceeds going to the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, a small non-government organisation that supports people diagnosed with mental health issues.
"Aquatic exercise sessions can also have very positive outcomes for people who are living with mental health problems," Nikki said.
"We have received incredible support from a range of businesses throughout Darwin who have helped us create a wonderful range of prizes for some lucky participants.
"But even if you don't win a prize, you'll walk away feeling great."
The 6th Worldwide Aquathon will take place at the Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon on Saturday, 10 November from 7am to 10am (registration from 6.30am).
To register online go to W: facebook.com/events/288459638435357/ or www.facebook.com/events/338722770024214/
