PEOPLE aiming to get fit for the new year have been invited to try a selection of new aqua classes for free.

Durham City’s Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre has added a number of new classes to its aqua timetable and is offering people the chance to try the first session without paying.

The new programme, which launches on Monday includes aqua pole, which is new to Durham County Council-run leisure centres, as well as aqua cycle, aqua fighter and tidal workouts which have been well received at some of the council’s other swimming pools.

Kaye Stephenson, the council’s principal aquatics manager, said: “We’re very excited to introduce these new sessions to Freeman’s Quay. Aqua pole is a real waistline workout with a difference and our popular aqua cycle, aqua fighter and tidal classes are guaranteed to get the heart pumping.

“To celebrate the launch of our new classes, we’re giving customers the chance to try before they buy. We would encourage people to reserve their space soon as we’re expecting classes to be popular and fill up quickly.”

Leisure centre users can enjoy any of the following new classes for free:

• Monday January 20 from 11am to 11.30am: Tidal

• Tuesday January 21 from 7.30pm to 8.15pm: Aqua pole

• Wednesday January 23 from 7.30am to 8am: Aqua cycle

• Thursday January 24 from 7.15pm to 8pm: Aqua fighter

The centre’s aqua fit classes aren’t new to the programme but the following sessions are also included in the free class offer:

• Tuesday 21 January from 9.45am to 10.45am

• Friday 24 January from 9.45am to 10.45am

The new sessions vary in intensity and are suitable for people of all levels of ability. Participants do not need to be able to swim to take part in any of the classes and, to make sure everyone is comfortable, people are welcome to wear t-shirts and shorts over their swimwear if they wish. Places for each class are limited and must be booked in advance by contacting the leisure centre on 03000 268 488.

Tidal offers a 30-minute, high intensity but low-impact class which is suitable for a variety of fitness levels.

Aqua cycle is also a low-impact option as the buoyancy of the water reduces impact on muscles and joints as people pedal against the resistance of the water.

Aqua pole is perfect for people who want to improve their core strength. Exercising with poles under the water, the class uses resistance to work the waistline and buoyancy to replicate gymnastic style flexibility.

Aqua fighter adapts land based mixed martial arts and boxing exercises, drills and routines into a water-based routine.