mermaid in real life enjoying the sun on a beautiful beach

Skip the Gym—This Unique, Low-Impact Workout Feels Like Pure Magic!

Tired of forcing yourself to the gym? Discover a fitness solution that feels more like magic than a chore. In this article, we dive into the world of mermaiding—a low-impact, full-body workout that’s as fun as it is effective. From burning holiday calories to connecting with an inclusive community, learn why trading the treadmill for a tail might just be the best decision you make this year. 🌊✨

Corinna Schwozer

12/18/20244 min read

Let’s be real: as the holiday season rolls in, so do the cookies, the pies, and those rich, cozy dinners. And with that, the inevitable New Year’s resolutions start creeping into our minds. For many, that means thinking about hitting the gym to burn off the festive indulgence.

But here’s the thing: studies show that 67% of gym memberships go unused, with many people signing up in January only to abandon them by March. Why? Because gyms can feel like a chore—uninspiring, repetitive, and, let’s face it, sometimes intimidating.

Maybe you’ve been there: the smell of rubber mats, the clanking of weights, and that one guy grunting like he’s in a gladiator battle. It’s a whole vibe—and not always a good one.

But what if fitness didn’t have to feel this way? What if you could work out in a way that feels freeing, joyful, and magical? Enter mermaiding—a workout that’s so fun, you’ll want to keep going long after the New Year buzz fades.

I swapped the gym for a tail, and I’m here to tell you why you might want to as well. Let’s dive in. 🌊

Why the Gym Doesn’t Work for Everyone

One day, I stumbled onto mermaiding, and suddenly, everything clicked. If you haven’t heard of it, mermaiding is basically swimming with a monofin and a mermaid tail. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. But don’t let the sparkles fool you—this is an incredible workout disguised as fun.

Mermaiding isn’t just about swimming like Ariel (although, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to?). It’s about turning fitness into an adventure. The water becomes your gym, and your tail becomes your ticket to a healthier, happier you.

Discovering Mermaiding: A Fitness Game-Changer

Mermaiding vs. Gym Workouts: The Fitness Showdown

So, how does mermaiding stack up against the gym? Let’s break it down.

Low-Impact, High Reward

Gyms can be tough on your joints—think running on a treadmill or lifting heavy weights. Mermaiding, on the other hand, is gentle on your body. The buoyancy of the water reduces strain on your joints, making it perfect for people of all ages, fitness levels, and even those recovering from injuries.

Swimming with a tail provides a full-body workout that strengthens your core, legs, and back while protecting your joints. It’s fitness that feels good, not punishing.

A Workout That’s Actually Fun

Treadmills are predictable. Mermaiding? Never.

When you’re gliding through the water, you’re not just exercising—you’re playing. You’re pretending to be a mythical creature, creating underwater dances, or exploring the depths of your local pool or lake. It’s pure joy, which makes you want to keep going. And let’s be honest: the key to sticking with any fitness routine is enjoying it.

Cardio, Core, and Calorie Burn

Mermaiding doesn’t just look graceful; it’s a powerhouse workout. Kicking your tail propels you through the water, engaging your core muscles with every movement. And since swimming is a fantastic cardiovascular exercise, it gets your heart pumping and burns calories while you’re at it.

Compare that to slogging through a HIIT workout on a gym floor—it’s easy to see why mermaiding wins the fun factor.

Apnea Training: A Superpower in the Making

Here’s a fun fact: Meryl Streep trained for Avatar: The Way of Water and learned to hold her breath for over seven minutes. Seven. Minutes.

While you may not need to hit that level, mermaiding introduces you to apnea training—holding your breath underwater—which is incredible for your lung capacity and mindfulness. The act of focusing on your breathing while gliding through water feels like meditation and cardio rolled into one.

Stress Relief Like No Other

There’s something magical about being in water. The gentle pressure, the soothing sounds, the weightlessness—it’s like a full-body hug from nature.

Mermaiding takes this a step further. By immersing yourself in water, you not only release physical tension but also mental stress. It’s an escape from the noise of daily life and a chance to connect with yourself and your surroundings.

Gyms are great for some people. If you love bench-pressing, go for it! But for many of us, gyms can feel like the opposite of motivating.

There’s the intimidating machines, the pressure to know what you’re doing, and the never-ending repetition. Plus, the whole environment feels so...industrial. I used to force myself to go because, well, isn’t that what you’re supposed to do to stay fit? But every visit made me feel more out of place.

And I’m not alone. Many people struggle to find their groove at the gym, especially those who crave something more creative, inspiring, or connected to nature.

Getting Started: Your Mermaiding Journey Awaits

Mermaiding isn’t just a workout; it’s an art form, a creative outlet, and a community.

  • Athletic Challenge: Apnea training and perfecting your movements underwater push your physical limits in an empowering way.

  • Artistic Expression: Whether it’s posing for photos or choreographing underwater routines, mermaiding lets you tap into your artistic side.

  • Creative Outlet: From crafting your own costumes to storytelling underwater, the possibilities are endless.

  • Inclusive Community: Mermaiding is for everyone—regardless of age, race, body type, or background. It’s a safe, welcoming space to connect with others who share your passion.

Plus, it’s always better with swim buddies! Not only does training with others keep you safe during breath-holding, but it also builds a sense of camaraderie.

More Than Fitness: The Multifaceted Magic of Mermaiding

Here’s the best part: you don’t need much to start your mermaid adventure.

With MerMapp, you’ll have everything you need in one place:

  • The Bazaar: Find your first tail, whether new or second-hand.

  • Pool Finder: Locate fin-friendly pools near you (not all pools allow mermaid tails!).

  • Classes: Learn the basics or take your skills to the next level.

  • Community: Connect with swim buddies, share tips, and find inspiration.

It’s never been easier to trade the treadmill for the tide.

Dive Into a New Kind of Fitness

You don’t have to force yourself into a gym to stay healthy. Fitness should be freeing, inspiring, and—dare I say—fun. Mermaiding transformed my relationship with exercise, turning it into something I look forward to. It could do the same for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tail, dive into the water, and discover a workout that feels like magic. Your mermaid journey starts now. 🌊✨

Ready to dive in? Download MerMapp today and start your journey to a healthier, happier, and more magical you.