Why You Should Try Aqua Aerobics

Today I have a lovely new friend here, sharing something I really want to try once I am out of this cast!  With January comes the idea of getting healthier, and exercise is surely one component of our lives that is important for so many reasons.  I for one, haven’t had exercise on my ‘priority list’ for a while, and maybe this will be my motivation.  Have you tried aqua aerobics?  THIS seems doable for me and maybe you.  Swimming is such a perfect low-impact work out for old broken ladies like me, but it also seems to be a fantastic way to get in shape!  Kaitlin gives us some valuable resources to check out, if you are interested.

I love Kaitlin’s knowledge and passion for aqua aerobics, and her quest for healthy living over at An Apple Per Day.  After you learn more about this form of exercise, head on over and meet this sweet lady!

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Why You Should Try Aqua Aerobics & How To Get Started

I pounded the running trails for a lot of years, and finally realized that I had lost my enthusiasm for it. I wanted a way to exercise that would put some fun back in it for me. Then I found aqua aerobics, and it has renewed my passion for working out, and I am thoroughly delighted.

The simple explanation. Aqua aerobics is not a terribly complicated workout option. If you get in the water, and you’re moving enough to raise your heart rate, that can qualify as a water workout. Even if you’re not a fan of swimming, you can get in a great cardio workout that will give you a whole new appreciation for the pool.

Here are some great resources which can help you learn about water workouts: * My Ultimate Guide To Aqua Aerobics * Water Aerobics and Water Fitness Exercises * Health Benefits of Water Based Exercise.

Getting started. If you want to try water workouts on your own, it is easy to begin. You don’t even know how to swim, because most of the exercises are done in water that is chest deep at the most. I’ve done a whole workout and never gotten my hair wet. To get an idea, just go to your community pool when the lap lanes are open. Get in a lane and begin to walk up and down briskly – this is called aqua walking. If you push it harder, it turns into aqua jogging. Wear old ratty tennis shoes to protect your feet, and put a water bottle at the end of the lane to stay hydrated. Congratulations, you’ve just introduced yourself to aqua aerobics.

Check out a group class. If you want to see more about how to work out in the water, give a group water class a try. An instructor will lead everyone through a series of exercises that will work your arms and legs, as well as providing a solid cardio component. But be prepared to enjoy yourself – the water is just such a pleasant environment that people are smiling and very friendly, and people genuinely enjoy being there. It’s a fun experience, but when you get out of the water, you’ll realized you’ve just gotten a great workout.

Take in the variety. Aqua aerobics has gotten really popular over the last several years, and there are now a lot of options to choose from. Try a couple and see what you like. If you enjoy a calming stress relief exercise, try aqua yoga or tai chi. If you need a way to bleed off some tension and want to push yourself – kick boxing against the water for an hour will be just what you need. Feeling a little more adventurous? Have you wanted to try the sexy moves of Zumba, but didn’t want to do it in a gym class where everyone can see you? Try an aqua Zumba class. Most of your body is underwater, and if you get off balance, who can tell? If one class isn’t just what you want, try another one. I vary my workouts depending on my mood for the day.

Keep exercising. I’ve proven over time that if I enjoy an exercise routine, there’s a lot better chance I’ll keep doing it. Water workouts are so much fun for me that I can’t wait for my next session. That is a guaranteed way to assure that when New Years rolls around, I won’t make an exercise resolution, only to have it fall away in a month or two. The point of working out is to get in better shape, and aqua aerobics helps me keep after that goal.

If you’re unsure about aqua aerobics, I always tell people just try it – you’ll very likely enjoy it as much as I have, and find yourself an enjoyable exercise resource.

Kaitlin Gardner started An Apple Per Day to explore her passion for a green living lifestyle, and healthy family living. She and her husband have just moved to rural Pennsylvania, where they enjoy exploring the countryside to discover interesting and out of the way places. She is also learning how to paint watercolors.