Aqua Fitness. Yes. Again
47Jacqueline
Posts: 6,993 Member
I just came from my first post-broken leg workout doing a bootcamp aqua fitness class. Fantastic. Everyone should do this. Everyone in Europe is doing it, but Americans are stick in the muds - literally.
If you're not famiar with aqua fitness, it's great for men (yeah), women, young, old, arthritis, rehab, hypertension, fat, thin...
I've re-motivated myself to persue teaching Aqua Zumba, which I was preparing to do before breaking my leg, but the instructor said she would also help me find straight aqua fitness work as well. She's the new aqua director at a major place in nyc. And I'm taking the certification exam next weekend. Whoo hoo!
If you're not famiar with aqua fitness, it's great for men (yeah), women, young, old, arthritis, rehab, hypertension, fat, thin...
I've re-motivated myself to persue teaching Aqua Zumba, which I was preparing to do before breaking my leg, but the instructor said she would also help me find straight aqua fitness work as well. She's the new aqua director at a major place in nyc. And I'm taking the certification exam next weekend. Whoo hoo!
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That's great. I took a course once. Everyone was friendly. We used some floatation things to help. I am really un co-ordinated and couldn't get the hang of it. If i get the chance I will try again.0
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I enjoy deep water aerobics. You get out as much as you put in.
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Americans are sticks in the mud?
We'll try any diet fad at all if it is presented to us correctly. If someone figured out how to market pure arsenic correctly, I guarantee you millions of people here would drink it for its "health benefits."
From what I know of any fitness having to do with the pool other than strictly swimming, it has a stigma attached to it here that makes it seem like it's only for elderly people. Personally, when I think of people using the pool for aqua aerobics, I envision a few dozen 85 year olds flailing around at 0.01mph trying not to break something.
But, that's just me, and maybe I'm wrong. lol0 -
We have an aqua aerobics program at our local fitness center. And yes, unfortunately, there is a perception it's for the elderly. Not only that, I think the youngest person I've ever seen leaving it when I go to do a late swim is probably somewhere around fifty. (Admittedly not much older than me, really)
I'm a lap swimmer, meeself, but I expect if I tried an aquafitness class, I'd be humbled soon enough.:)0 -
peachyfuzzle wrote: »We'll try any diet fad at all if it is presented to us correctly. If someone figured out how to market pure arsenic correctly, I guarantee you millions of people here would drink it for its "health benefits."
It's pure and all natural!
(For those who are into everything being natural or using herbs, I like to point out that arsenic is natural and belladonna is an herb)
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NoelFigart1 wrote: »peachyfuzzle wrote: »We'll try any diet fad at all if it is presented to us correctly. If someone figured out how to market pure arsenic correctly, I guarantee you millions of people here would drink it for its "health benefits."
It's pure and all natural!
(For those who are into everything being natural or using herbs, I like to point out that arsenic is natural and belladonna is an herb)
But wait... THERE'S MORE! If you order within the next five seconds, we'll double your order at no extra charge! That's two bottles of pure, natural arsenic for the cost of one! AMAZING!
Operators are standing by.0 -
peachyfuzzle wrote: »Americans are sticks in the mud?
We'll try any diet fad at all if it is presented to us correctly. If someone figured out how to market pure arsenic correctly, I guarantee you millions of people here would drink it for its "health benefits."
From what I know of any fitness having to do with the pool other than strictly swimming, it has a stigma attached to it here that makes it seem like it's only for elderly people. Personally, when I think of people using the pool for aqua aerobics, I envision a few dozen 85 year olds flailing around at 0.01mph trying not to break something.
But, that's just me, and maybe I'm wrong. lol
Boy are you wrong honey--here in Italy I've been doing acquagym for 20 years. I'd challenge you to keep up with me.
By the way, there are alot of young women doing it, and they have great bodies. Now and again a male tries----but always gives up after a couple of sessions (one that I know said it was too hard) 0 -
So nice to see a "dialog" on this. ;-) I hope seeing more people participating will make aqua fitness more visible to more people. And less nay-saying or preconceived notions. People say the same things about any group fitness class until they try it.
I started this thread because I didn't see anyone addressing aqua fitness and I hope it will stay active.
I've got 3 more days to study for my certification exam and I'm looking forward to actively be teaching next year.
I taken two classes this week as the first time from my leg fracture and I am really seeing a benefit already. Today, after class, I no longer limped while walking.0 -
It's too bad that acqua-gym isn't taken seriously in the States. It gives excellent results if done properly. As any other exercise, you have to push yourself. Since starting MFP I've been doing more reps and it shows. For people that can't do high-impact because of joints, injuries or AO it's perfect. I still remember the first time I did it and when I went to get out of the pool, my legs were shaking. I wish you luck with your certification----a good instructor makes all the difference. Once some starlet begins to do acqua-gym it will become a hot exercise. Best.
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Umm, that would depend on where in the states: I used to to do deep water aerobics and water aerobics all the time, but gyms with pools are expensive, especially deeper pools.
As for aqua Zumba, I keep hoping that the instructors I have tried were just really, really bad. If they were certified, the certification means NOTHING to me. I love Zumba and I love water sports, but that was just sad
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peachyfuzzle wrote: »Americans are sticks in the mud?
We'll try any diet fad at all if it is presented to us correctly. If someone figured out how to market pure arsenic correctly, I guarantee you millions of people here would drink it for its "health benefits."
From what I know of any fitness having to do with the pool other than strictly swimming, it has a stigma attached to it here that makes it seem like it's only for elderly people. Personally, when I think of people using the pool for aqua aerobics, I envision a few dozen 85 year olds flailing around at 0.01mph trying not to break something.
But, that's just me, and maybe I'm wrong. lol
I think that's a common perception. And for good reason: water activities are low-impact, so for many older people that's all they can do. It's also great for many medical conditions and the very obese. But, just as people need to overcome their fear of the gym if they want to lift weights, they should reconsider their stigmas about water aerobics to open up another avenue to get stronger/healthier.0 -
concordancia wrote: »Umm, that would depend on where in the states: I used to to do deep water aerobics and water aerobics all the time, but gyms with pools are expensive, especially deeper pools.
As for aqua Zumba, I keep hoping that the instructors I have tried were just really, really bad. If they were certified, the certification means NOTHING to me. I love Zumba and I love water sports, but that was just sad
Absolutely! Many AZ instructors have no water experience, but my trainer was fantastic and I have a long history of swimming and water ballet. I go to one class where the instructor knows about water tempo. I am really bummed about a job I wanted at my gym going to a terrible Zumba instructor (even on land) who just happened to have an AZ license and was already there.
As to expense, I belong to a YMCA and they all have pools and are reasonably priced. Most will give you some financial aid as well because they really want you as a member.0 -
Also, I just want to report. Today after class, I was walking around and I noticed that I am no longer limping on my injured leg.1
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It sounds like a good workout. My biggest deterrent so far is that they play crappy music and taking a personal mp3 player into a pool isn't a thing you can do.0
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It sounds like a good workout. My biggest deterrent so far is that they play crappy music and taking a personal mp3 player into a pool isn't a thing you can do.
There are waterproof ones. Many at my fitness center wear them both for aquafitness and laps. If you take a class, you are at the mercy of the instructor's choice in music. My instructor has some pretty good playlists though.
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I'm Canadian. Where do we fall in this aqua fitness craze?0
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Aqua classes are going at the Y all the time. I just swim 0
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_Terrapin_ wrote: »Aqua classes are going at the Y all the time. I just swim
Swimming is good, but you are missing out. No offense intended.0 -
I've hurt my knee one to many times in the pool, I rather do something less dangerous for my joints like lifting or running.1
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I'm American Born, Eurpoean Blood Mutt. That being said: I am also 26, and love swimming. I would actually find it less intimidating being with "older people" in a pool than with girls my own age because usually I'm the "fatty" in the swimsuit. I've never taken an aqua class, but it sounds fun - and new! I recently moved from Wyoming to Oregon, and there is a lot more available here! I know swimming can help you lose weight, and if you injuries or *ahem* bad knees, its a great work out:) I'm hoping to do a class here soon! 0
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Rockerbabe131 wrote: »
I think that was sarcasm.0 -
Rockerbabe131 wrote: »
I think that was sarcasm.
Well, it really wasn't...I mean..I'm a klutz. Thank goodness I moved out of a state where it was icy all winter; I've slipped and fallen several times over the last years onto my big bum. BUT (Haha), I got a visual of my hitting me knee of the side of the pool...and was genuinely wondering how he hurt his knees :P hehe0 -
Rockerbabe131 wrote: »Rockerbabe131 wrote: »
I think that was sarcasm.
Well, it really wasn't...I mean..I'm a klutz. Thank goodness I moved out of a state where it was icy all winter; I've slipped and fallen several times over the last years onto my big bum. BUT (Haha), I got a visual of my hitting me knee of the side of the pool...and was genuinely wondering how he hurt his knees :P hehe
I'm a klutz, too . It was the "less dangerous" part of his post that I had to read a few times to realize he might be joking. Gave me a laugh though. I'm gonna laugh even harder if he's serious (at myself). 0 -
An aquafit participant in Canada here parys1 ( Victoria bc).
Every pool in our city offers aquafit morning and evening.
I have been going 3x week for 6 years and it really is a case of you get out of it what you put into it.
I have enjoyed it for the flexibility it gives me as well as a good cardio work out.
We are a mixed bunch at our pool any where from 20-80yo. It is a drop in class so it varies quite a lot.
Dreading January when all the New Year Resolution folk flock in to try it out.
I have just started Zumba ( on land) and find the intensity quite similar.
Cheers, h.0 -
47Jacqueline wrote: »_Terrapin_ wrote: »Aqua classes are going at the Y all the time. I just swim
Swimming is good, but you are missing out. No offense intended.
I'm going to second this. I swim too, and use entirely different muscles doing acqua-gym. I do 40 min of laps and then 30 min acqua-gym. It's really strength training if done properly and at a fast clip. For me, doing both gives me a satisfying workout. Our instructors are all very good and since we have different ones on rotation, the workout is always different. You can always strap weights on your arms and legs if you want to do more. For those of you on the fence--try it and see. 0 -
As to expense, I belong to a YMCA and they all have pools and are reasonably priced. Most will give you some financial aid as well because they really want you as a member.
That depends on where you live, unfortunately. The Y in my area wanted $65 a MONTH! for just me! That's insane! Their response was that they have a program that I can apply for that will take my income into account to make it cheaper, but I'm sorry, I am not giving you my pay stub and tax information just to make your gym something that's more affordable. I found another gym that had all the equipment that I was looking for, the only difference was it's pool isn't as big for $25 a month, no pay stub required.
I've done aqua workouts as well, my issue is that the times that they have classes doesn't sync with my schedule very well. I also don't find it challenging enough for me so I'd rather spend the time I have doing my other workouts. The intensity may be due to the fact that the majority of participants are seniors... we don't have bootcamps or anything in my area.0 -
Ask around at different places that have a pool. I used to take the classes at my city pool where you paid a small (about $2) fee per class when you went. The local college also offered a class for non-students where you paid for 2 x a week classes for a 12 week period, then you could sign up for another 12 week course. The fitness center where I go now has a punch card option for non-members where you purchase a card that allows to to take 36 classes for just under $5 a class. The classes are limited to certain group exercises but there are a couple of aquafitness ones included. You have 6 months to use up the card before it expires so you need to go 6 times a month. I bought punch cards twice, then joined because I wanted to start swimming laps also and general pool use was not included.0
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