Favorite Aqua Aerobics Workout Routines #WorkoutWednesday

The following is a guest post by Kaitlin Gardner from An Apple Per Day. At the time of this posting, I knew that we shared many of the same values when it comes to lifestyles and fitness. Her blog no longer exists, but she had a lot more background regarding water aerobics and I’m excited to share this post.

I have fallen in love with working out in the water. I have never been much of a swimmer, so for years, the pool wasn’t my first thought for exercise. But aqua aerobics changed all of that. I love the variety of choices available to me, but I do have some real favorites. In no particular order, here are my top choices:

Aqua jogging. I was a runner for several years, until I hurt my knee. I discovered aqua jogging to let my knee heal, and have just stayed with it because it is so pleasant. On hot summer days when I would otherwise have to be on the treadmill in the gym, the water makes a soothing alternative. I go when the lap lanes in the pool are open, and just start off down one with a good jogging motion. Because of the resistance provided by water, I have to push harder, but because of buoyancy I move with a lightness that feels wonderful.

Aqua tai chi. If I’m in a stressed place, and I just want to relax, it’s hard to beat a tai chi class in the water. Though it is based on a martial art, the motions are done in a slow motion set of movements that feels like a ballet. The teacher will remind us to keep our breathing in concert with the movements, and after just a few minutes, I settle into a rhythm that is very calming. By the end of a class, I sometimes can’t remember why I was so stressed.

A group class. While many people try a class for an introduction to the water, I still use them as a regular part of my routine. Some days I just want someone to tell me what to do. I know in a group class, I’m going to get a well rounded set of exercises. I’ll work my arms, my legs, and have a solid cardio component blended in. Plus, I’m just very social, and it’s fun to interact with other people – the water is such an enjoyable place for a workout that people are very friendly and smiling. It’s wonderful.

Aqua kick boxing. Sometimes I need a little stress relief in a different way. Have you ever tried to punch through water? It’s tough work, and kicking is even more so. The instructor leads us through a set of kicks and punches that if I were on land, I know would leave me soaking with sweat. It feels good to just let it all go, and by the time the hour is over, I’m tired but smiling.

Water Zumba. Are you feeling adventurous? When I answer that question yes, I head off to a Zumba class. I didn’t want to try the sexy hip swinging moves of Zumba on land, especially in a gym class with people looking on from outside. But in the water – hey, most of me is underwater, so I can be as racy as I want. If I stumble on a move, or fall off balance, who can tell. This is one of the toughest workouts I do, but so much fun I can’t wait to go again.

For me, a big part of working out is – do I enjoy it? If I am not having a good time, there’s a big chance that I won’t continue with that type of exercise. With water workouts, they’re all so much fun it keeps me coming back for more. When my friends ask about aqua aerobics, I just tell them “Try it, I bet you’ll like it!”

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.