Why Aquagym Might Be Your New Favourite Workout for Health & Happiness

If you've been searching for a workout that's gentle on the joints but still packs a punch for your health and mood, this week’s research on aquagym has some eye-opening insights.

What’s the Research About?

Researchers from Romania asked 150 people aged 20 to 65 about their experiences and thoughts on aquagym — that's aerobic gymnastics done in water, usually to music. They wanted to know:

How well do people know about aquagym?
Who’s trying it and why?
What benefits do participants feel it brings to their health and quality of life?

The team used a questionnaire blending simple yes/no questions and rating scales to get a broad sense of public opinion. They split people by gender and age, to spot differences in awareness and interest.

Think of it as surveying how the water workout is currently faring in terms of popularity and reputation.

What Did They Find?

Aquagym: Popular but Underappreciated

More women (54%) than men (18%) know about aquagym.
Less than a third of all participants had actually tried an aquagym class.
Most people who gave it a go did so either to tone muscles or just to have fun and socialise.
Nearly 82% agreed or strongly agreed that aquagym improves quality of life.

What Makes Aquagym Attractive?

People highlighted the soothing water environment, music, and the fact that it uses all muscle groups without causing muscle pain or injury. It’s seen as an easy-on-the-joints workout where you still burn calories, tone muscles, and get your heart rate up.

Age & Gender Differences

Younger people under 45 were more drawn to the fun and social side, while older folks appreciated the health benefits.
Men favored competitive team sports and were less familiar with aquagym, but many still wanted to try it out when told about its perks.
Women, especially under 45, often paired aquagym with other fitness activities like dance or gym workouts.

So, What’s In It For You?

This study confirms that aquagym:

Is joint-friendly, thanks to the buoyancy of water reducing body weight on joints.
Boosts muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness without the pounding pain of land workouts.
Offers a mental health boost, easing anxiety and stress and helping sleep.
Is a social icebreaker — classes include music and group movement, which many find enjoyable.
Can be tailored to all ages and needs — from post-injury rehab to managing obesity or ageing gracefully.

Quick Practical Tips

Look for aquagym classes at your local pool — aim for 2-3 sessions per week, each lasting around 45 minutes.
Try to attend sessions set to music if possible; it can improve your enjoyment and motivation.
Don't worry if you are not a swimmer — many classes cater to different skill levels and focus on gentle moves.
If social connection matters to you, choose group-based aquagym over solitary aquatic workouts.
If you’re over 45 or have joint pain, aquagym might be precisely the low-impact exercise you need.

Why This Study Stands Out

While many studies discuss aquatic workouts, this one uniquely captures diverse age and gender perspectives on perceived benefits, not just physiological outcomes. It shows strong enthusiasm for aquagym as a lifestyle enhancer but also flags its relatively low visibility, especially among men.

The research suggests untapped potential: aquagym could reach more people if promoted cleverly, especially targeting younger men with programmes suited to their preference for dynamic, competitive sports.

What’s Still Unknown?

Long-term impacts: This is a snapshot survey, so we still need follow-ups on how regular aquagym influences health over years.
Inclusion: How accessible is aquagym for different social groups or people with disabilities beyond those discussed?
Facility availability: Pool access and overcrowding remain hurdles to large-scale participation.

Overall, aquagym offers a splash of fun while delivering serious health dividends — a neat combo that deserves more attention.

Fancy Diving In?

If you want to read more, here’s the open-access original study published this week:

The Benefits of Practicing Physical Activity in the Aquatic Environment on Health and Quality of Life Gabriela Tomescu et al., Healthcare, 2025 https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091053

Give your joints a break and your spirits a lift — maybe it’s time to dip your toes into aquagym!