commerical feature
LEFT: Doing the cobra
BELOW: Tricky balance provides an added element to the usual exercise regime
Surf and yoga combine at Queensland pool
T
ake the physical awareness, strength and flexibility required for yoga – and then put it on a surfboard. That’s what the new Boga Mat classes are like – bringing together the attributes of physical training, balance and – importantly – fun! Boga Mat classes are big overseas and the classes are now making their mark here, starting with Toowoomba’s Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre. Attempting a handstand is not easy on a board
Karen Haydock, marketing and retention officer for community development and facilities at Toowoomba Regional Council, says the launch of the new classes created quite a stir in the local area. “We launched the new fitness classes and had massive reach and engagement on social media and it certainly got our town talking,” says Haydock. “Our first lesson saw local TV and newspaper reporters turn up to get a You can also work the arms
glimpse of this exciting new offering. Our Toowoomba councillor for community development facilities and tourism even took to a mat and outlasted the instructors!” Haydock says the classes have improved the level of engagement with the local community. “Men and women of all ages and fitness levels are giving the mats ago,” she says. “People are laughing, falling in and working out with friends and beating the summer heat at the same time. By no means is it an easy workout with the added element of stability, but the fun factor and new challenge comes into play and people are excited about the classes.” The classes combine the best aspects of core movements from gymnastics, yoga and boot camp workouts. The Boga Mat works as a floating platform and is great for strengthening the body’s core and improving balance, and they offer a number of unique workouts on water by utilising both traditional group fitness and yoga-based exercises like burpees, push ups, sit ups, downward dog and warrior – all with the added difficulty of a unbalanced surface. n Contact: www.tr.qld.gov.au/pools June/July 2018 SPLASH! 97