My friend and I took a Saturday morning water aerobics class at our gym "just for fun." It was lame!! It was extremely lame. I wasn't expecting a lot, but I guess I expected something more. The instructor kept asking us, "Is your right up? It should be elevating by now." No. I actually got bored...started counting ceiling tiles.
But I've always heard water aerobics can be very beneficial and a really good workout. So I'm curious as to what other experiences are out there. Possibly we just struck out on a beginner's level class, but this is the only one offered at our gym.
I took two classes during a vacation at a resort that had full spa services available for all. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes! Granted, prior to the first class (I was not aware classes were offered) I had worked my butt off on a treadmill. I went for a soak in the pool and was invited to join in with the class. Nice and relaxing, and a good weight resistance workout.
The second class followed what I thought was a difficult step aerobics workout. Again, I enjoyed the relaxing workout.
To each his/her own. I can see how someone would perceive water aerobics as "lame", but I would highly recommend anyone to give it a try.
No, generally I don't consider it "lame". Not at all. It's just that this class was. It was 25 minutes of warming up and stretching, 10 minutes of a workout and 25 minutes of a cool down.
I had always thought of water aerobics as way too easy, and probably boring. I don't know if I just got a great instructor, but I was worn out by the end, and the next day I was actually a little sore!
I take a water aerobics class and I'm loving it!!!
I think it can be 'lame'. I once took a class I considered lame because the instructor had the attitude of 'these people can't do anything anyway so....why bother.' Yes, she actually said that out loud. Gave it all I had (no refunds available) and when it was over I didn't bother to sign up again. Lame-O!
Fast forward to my current class. This instructor spends time viewing tapes and attending classes to come up with a VARIETY of kickbutt classes. I get my hear rate up every time I'm there, I'm getting stronger and starting to see muscle definition. My core is significantly stronger than when I first started.
I think it all depends on how hard a person is willing to work (not saying you aren't but I do see quite a few women gabbing during my class and they aren't always on task). Plus, I think it's really important to have an instructor who really enjoys shaking it up.
And, as you said, maybe a beginners class is not advanced enough for you. I don't think it would hurt at all to ask the instructor is she could give you some tips on how to make it harder. My instructor modifys workouts for folks all the time. She knows I have arthritis in my knee and makes it a point to tell me how to modify a move. She will also show us how to make it harder if we're finding certain moves too easy.
I've had great classes and I've had lame classes. I never expect a full workout from aqua aerobics, but do like taking them when I'm still sore from my last workout, but want to workout anyway or recovering from an injury. I have also enjoyed taking them at resorts. I enjoy them more when the instructor is fun and engaging.
Just went back and read that you had 25 minutes of warm up, 10 minutes of workout and 25 minutes of cool down?????? Okay, that is lame! Even for a beginning class that just doesn't sound right to me. We might spend 10 minutes of warming up, the remaining 35 minutes is a hard workout. Every one cools down on their own time. She will stay after and show you how to cool down, but that is on your own time.
Even at the same pool, the ones I had totally depended on the instructor. When the best one left, I was sad. She'd make us work harder and do deep water work.
I kind of agree here, i went to one.. really there is no young people that go.. so majority of it is older women, then in turn the work out is very slow. I had to go to the deep end so i would tred water the whole time while trying to do it, that way i acctually felt like i was doing something.
I think depending on the person and their fitness level before gaining weight plays a huge role. We had a pool my till i was about 14 or 15.. i can tred water for about 15 minutes and not be tired. Also figure skating for 10 + years. So my legs are pretty strong under this chub.
From your comments, I think it was just this particular class. That's unfortunate because I'm quite the water bug. I wasn't expecting it to be an all out workout. I really was just doing it for fun. In my opinion, it's pretty bad when the class isn't even hard enough to match my "just for fun" criteria.
The water aerobic classes I took, had varied ladies of all ages, we had a ball, the instructor was phenomenal, even she had a sweat on by the end of the class... I think it all depends on the instructor....
I took one while I was PG. It was a GREAT class for me while I was PG, but it isn't something I would do now, b/c the class was too easy. I am sure there are harder ones out there.
I took one while I was PG. It was a GREAT class for me while I was PG, but it isn't something I would do now, b/c the class was too easy. I am sure there are harder ones out there.
I took a class specifically for pregnant women, come to think of it! Ha! That was far more of a workout than what I just experienced!
Anyone ever do water aerobics?
I actually got bored...started counting ceiling tiles. 
