Water represents the unconscious, emotions, cleansing, and purification––making it the perfect place to do yoga. This recent hatha fusion, going by names such as Water Yoga, Yoga Afloat, Woga, and my favorite, Yoqua, is taking asanas to the swimming pool. All of the styles give practitioners the added support of H2O (one teacher says that water has 12 times the resistance of air).

Water yoga is done in pretty much the same way as land yoga. Except certain postures––like upward dog––are done holding the edge of the pool. Most classes include (above water) pranayama. The low-impact approach is especially helpful for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with joint or muscle injuries. And since, according a Washington Post story, you keep your head dry for most (if not all) of the poses, you don’t even need to know how to swim.

Other body-mind exercises have also taken to the gently lapping waters. There’s Water Chi Gung, Aqua Tae Kwon Do, and, of course, Poolates. All of which use water’s figurative and practical benefits to enhance stretching, opening, and strengthening.

Some Water Exercise Resources (with help from Health.com)
Water Yoga Shanti Yoga. Bethesda, Maryland. 301-654-6759.

Yoqua You can try the video made by the founders, visit hydrofit.org, or check out Health & Fitness Center in Woodridge, Illinois, 630-646-5905

Water Chi Gung Downtown Berkeley YMCA, Berkeley, California, 510-665-3228

Aqua Tae Kwon Do Shapes Total Fitness for Women, Port Richey, Florida: 727-849-1888
Or check your local Citysearch site for other options.