Take a swim: My experience with water aerobics

Written by: Linda Kirby

The Hulsey Wellness Center offers a wide variety of options for exercise. From its well-equipped gym to the two pools, the facility provides many ways to enjoy the fitness process. One of the lesser-known exercise opportunities that Hulsey provides is a ladies-only low-impact water aerobics class.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 7:30 a.m., a group gets together in the Hulsey pool for an hour of water aerobics. The self-led session includes cardio, strength training with weights, a core workout using empty orange juice containers and exercises to improve flexibility with the help of stretches and pool noodles. Finally, the ladies wrap up the morning by volleying a beach ball.

Over the summer when I was at home, I started going to a water aerobics class with some of my family. It was a very chill class that didn’t push me too much physically. Because of this experience, I didn’t expect much when my sister and I first started going to water aerobics at Hulsey; however,  the exercises made me sore right from the start. While this class may not provide the most intense workout, I have definitely seen an improvement in my overall health.

Besides the great exercise, water aerobics has also been a positive social outlet for me. The ladies are all really friendly and consistently make a point to say “hi” to my sister and me. Many of them are old enough to be our grandma, yet they always invite us to the fun events they plan, even though we are unable to go to most of them. If my sister or I ever miss a day for some reason, they always reach out to us to make sure we are doing okay and to let us know that they missed us. This consistent kindness provides a warm and welcoming community.

Another aspect that I really love about water aerobics is that it’s fun! For different parts of our exercise, we sing songs such as “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “The Hokey Pokey,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “On a Bicycle Built for Two.” These always get everyone smiling and laughing. We also gather in the middle of the pool and say good morning to the lifeguard; then we say, “Happy Monday” or “Happy hump day” or “TGIF” and chant and clap, “It’s a very, very good day!” three times. This lifts my attitude no matter how I was feeling to begin with, as it does for everyone else in the pool.

Before joining water aerobics, I struggled to find any enjoyment in exercise. Going to the gym was overwhelming, and any exercise I did outside of the gym felt awkward and forced. Water aerobics is one of the very few forms of exercise I have enjoyed and been able to consistently do. Its convenience and sense of community keep me coming back, even if I don’t feel like working out. No matter how stressed or grumpy I feel when I wake up, I always leave water aerobics feeling more alert, energetic and happy. 

If you can relate to anything I have just shared, or even if you are simply curious about water aerobics, the group would love to include you in the next water aerobics class! You can find us in the Hulsey pool on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 a.m.