WHEN people mentioned aquacise, the image that had always sprung to my mind was one of pensioners lined up in the swimming pool listening to the soothing sounds of Mozart and sedately making shapes with their arms.

But according to swimming expert Victoria Pettitt, who is about to start up a new aquacise class in York, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Apparently, aquacise is no longer merely a keep-fit option for the older woman.

The new modern version of aquacise is an energetic, fat-burning work-out, set to fast, pumping music, which is increasingly popular with the younger generation.

Victoria, who owns the children's swimming club Splish Splosh, said she was branching out into aquacise because the demand was so high.

She said: "Everybody loves it. Basically, it's aerobics in the water - but it's so much more fun than aerobics.

"I've always been terrible at normal aerobics because I'm not co-ordinated enough and I find it quite intimidating being a room where everyone can see you.

"But aquacise is different. The exercises are done using woggles - which are big foam tubes that support the body - and they are really easy to follow."

The traditional image of aquacise as being aimed at older people stems from the water's properties as a buoyancy aid.

The gravitational pull of the earth decreases in water, significantly reducing your normal body weight and so decreasing the impact on your joints.

If you are immersed in water up to your neck, your body bears about 10 per cent of its normal weight, up to the chest, it bears about 30 per cent, and up to the waist, 50 per cent.

This makes aquacise the perfect exercise for anyone who is pregnant, or suffering from complaints such as osteoporosis, back problems, arthritis and weight problems.

It is also favoured by athletes recovering from injuries.

But now aquacise has moved into a new era - and is being re-imaged to appeal to everybody.

Victoria said: "Classes are set to lively music, so they're really upbeat and appeal more to younger women.

"There's a really sociable atmosphere and although it's a great cardio vascular workout, everyone is also having fun.

"After you finish, you feel like you can't even walk - but it's also really energising."

The new classes will start in September and will be run by a qualified aquacise instructor.

They will take place at The Mount School, in Acomb, York, every Friday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Classes are only open to over-18s and the cost is £4.50. For more information, or to book your place, phone Victoria on 01405 862849.


Aquacise benefits

1. Burns calories and improves oxygen intake 2. Improves balance and coordination 3. Tones every part of your body 4. Goes easy on the joints - because the buoyancy you get in the water provides support for your body. 5. Water provides a natural resistance to your movements - the faster you move and the harder you push or pull, the more resistance the water provides - giving you a gentle, but effective workout.

6. It doesn't make you sweat.