Water aerobics classes at Columbia Basin Racquet Club offer a fitness option for members who benefit from a lower impact workout that puts less stress on the joints. But don’t let the reduced impact trick you into thinking that you won’t get a good workout. Each movement in the water provides 7x the resistance of a similar movement in the air.
Audra Byrd, the water aerobics supervisor and aqua lite instructor, says that “water aerobics is an amazing untapped exercise resource. It is perfect for people who desire high intensity or low intensity and can be modified for any person. It works muscular endurance and cardio and is the closest cross-training for Olympic athletes besides their actual sport. It is seriously amazing and I have seen lives change because of it.”
RANGE OF CLASSES
Classes are held year-round in both the indoor and outdoor pools. There are a variety of classes at CBRC so you can choose the workout that fits you best.
- Aqua Size: balances between cardio-fitness and muscle conditioning segments
- Aqua Lite: increases mobility and range of motion while increasing strength and flexibility
- Aqua Tabata/Interval: a cardio-focused workout that incorporates timed interval techniques to increase both strength and endurance
- Water Running: interval training, station work and cardio with the natural benefits of the water adding balance and core work
- Aqua Zumba: blends sounds of Latin Rhythm music with popular dance mix beats to offer increased cardio conditioning, body toning and core work
- River Resistance: workout while pushing against the river’s current as you walk, jog and jump your way around the river
- Prenatal & Postpartum Water Exercise: designed to have you cushioned and supported in the water while providing a cardiovascular and strength workout
ALL FITNESS LEVELS
The beauty of water aerobics is that people of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from the workout. Water aerobics is indeed ideal for senior citizens because it alleviates pressure on joints but it also is an excellent way to burn calories. Adding dumbbells or weight belts to the workout provides even more resistance.
Working out in the water can also boost confidence. Because you’re submerged under the water, no one will notice if you get the moves wrong. As you learn the workout and feel more comfortable with the routines, you’ll work harder and burn more calories. This confidence will become apparent in land-based exercises.
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Water aerobics is good for the body and the mind. According to Health Revolution, exercising in the water can relieve stress and decrease anxiety: “Water resistance is not just a buoyancy feature to help work the muscles. In fact, the water pressure actually works with your blood as well and enables one’s blood flow to circulate more effectively throughout the body, effectively decreasing blood pressure and, in the long run, decreasing resting heart rate. This benefit means your heart is maintaining its productivity while putting less stress on your heart.”
SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE
There’s something about working out in the water that is just simply fun. Because you’re in the water, you’ll be cooler and more comfortable. Because it’s low-impact, you won’t struggle to catch your breath as you work out, which means you’ll be able to talk more easily with your classmates. The music creates a party-like atmosphere and while many of those who participate are regulars, they’re welcoming and friendly to newcomers.
Audra says she has “new members try it and are converted instantly and always say they wish they would have tried it years ago.”