Aqua Flow: Where Movement Meets Community
A well-known water fitness class at the Makino Aquatic Centre has a new name and a renewed sense of purpose. Once known as Water Walking, the class is now called Aqua Flow, a change designed to better capture the momentum, supportive atmosphere, and benefits it offers.
The rebrand came after it was realised that some people assumed the session was little more than walking up and down the pool. In reality, Aqua Flow is a 45-minute workout in chest deep water, that blends strength, balance, and mobility exercises together.
“It’s gentle, but it’s not dull,” says instructor Rachel Gordon, who has been leading the class for the past two and a half years. With a background in dance and an upbeat, adaptable style, Rachel keeps each class varied. The playlists change, the routines shift, and each class is tailored to suit the people in the pool that day.
Many of the regulars are older adults, people recovering from injuries, or those managing mobility challenges. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. “We’ve got a great social group here,” Rachel says. “People chat, and they push themselves just enough to feel the benefits.”
And those benefits extend beyond the water. Participants often find improvements in joint flexibility, balance, and muscle strength, making everyday movements from climbing stairs to getting up from a chair easier to handle.
Aqua Flow is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am in the indoor 25-metre pool, which has ramp access for easy entry and exit. The Makino Aquatic Centre also actively welcomes feedback from attendees to keep the classes enjoyable.
If you’re after a low impact workout that boosts movement, builds strength, and want to meet friendly faces then Aqua Flow is the class where movement meets community.
Aqua Flow instructor Rachel Gordon leads a class in the indoor pool.