Definition of aquagym:
Better known today as Aquagym, this activity was initially called Aquatic Gym. The water pressure prevents impact and minimizes the risk of soreness, strains, or muscle pulls. It provides a feeling of weightlessness. This exercise can take place in a swimming pool but also in the sea at the edge of the beach, where everyone can stand.
Modern aquagym is now a widespread activity in many sports clubs, as well as campsites and resort hotels, etc. But did you know that this sport, this activity, originated at Club Med? Perhaps not!
This article will explain everything!
Club Med Corfu Ipsos July 1977
It all began in Ipsos Corfu on a beautiful day in July 1977. The village was under the leadership of Jean Pierre BATARD, the village chief. His team of GOs included Jean BOURGEOIS-DESBOUTIN as assistant village chief, Marie Christine BOURGEOIS FLAD in charge of management
Alain REVAILLOT is the Land Sports GO; this is his first season. Here is the text he wrote for Collierbar at my request:
I'm a land sports enthusiast, in my first season. The village is packed. There are queues everywhere: for water skiing, sailing, and other activities.
I teach gymnastics on the rugby field in the sun. An idea crosses my mind: what if I did the same thing in the water? I suggest the idea to Robert Hérin. He says OK! Let's see how it's feasible.
After discussions, it appears that it is feasible provided that it is under the supervision of swimming instructor Philippe Lainé.
So off we went, the two of us, to sell the idea to all the GMs on the beach. "Water gym in front of the offices at 5:00 PM," 120 GMs responded, the majority of them women.
Opposite, the Helios Corfu village is opening its doors to visiting VIPs from Paris. Dudule (Gérard Joachim), the bigwig of Sports, arrives at Ipsos and sees me at work the next day.
Robert Hérin gives me a notebook. I have to note the number of GMs in the water each day and the end-of-season exercises; the average is 120 to 150 people in the water.Water aerobics was born.
There were already pool games, but not aqua aerobics.
Now when you see an aquagym class anywhere, you'll know that the activity originated at the Club!
Water aerobics in the Kamarina swimming pool
Aquagym Agadir
Water aerobics in Punta Cana (2007)
