Trying Aquafit For The First Time

14th March 2024 - New Experience Number 8 for 2024

Trying aquafit for the first time can feel a little daunting. You might have seen groups in session when you’ve been for a dip at the pool, but have you ever taken the plunge?

Spotting an advert for a class in a local magazine, I decided to give it a go for the first time as one of my fifty-two new things in the year.

What Is Aquafit?

Usually held in the shallow end of a pool, an aquafit session is lead by an instructor who guides the class through a series of movements to up-beat music.

For anyone who doesn’t enjoy the repetitive nature of swimming lengths, it is a great alternative to getting the benefits of exercising in water in a more creative way!

Aqua-Friendly

There were clearly a lot of regulars at the session I went to, and they were all very friendly and welcoming to new faces. I asked a few if it was difficult to which most of the replies involved a big smile as they told me the hardest part was staying in one spot.

I gingerly lowered myself into the water, (it’s always a bit cooler than you expect isn’t it?) and found a spot in the water with enough space to splash around.

Fabulously Fun Instructor - Trying Aquafit For The First Time

Our instructor for the session was relatively new to delivering aquafit, and she did it brilliantly! She was enthusiastic, she was creative, and she wasn’t too serious – laughing at herself as she occasionally got mixed up in direction. That set the tone for the rest of us!

'Water' Way To Move

The moves were fairly straightforward, but I found it difficult to stay in my own space in the water. Several times I was drifting towards other aqua fitters, and had to bob myself away to avoid collisions. Occasionally I’d splash more than I intended yet thankfully didn’t give anyone too much of an unexpected shower!

Working every bit of the body, it didn’t feel too strenuous at the time. The water reduced the impact the joints would usually feel on dry land, and the muscles moved against resistance that air doesn’t bring.

For one section we used the noodle floats to support us whilst we did some leg work. It was a bit of a challenge to keep the thing under control, and I was quietly envious of the people who took the ingenuity to use the side of the pool instead.

The music echoed around the baths, belting out up-tempo rhythms to work out to. At one point it took a bit of a strictly-come-dancing turn as our instructor had us sashaying (or sashaying as best as we could in the water), turning and pirouetting to the samba-esque tunes. I don’t think many ‘seven’s’ would have been awarded!

Floating Feeling - Trying Aquafit For The First Time

I really enjoyed the class. It wasn’t until I got out of the water 45 minutes later that I could feel the good work I’d just done.

That lovely slightly tired and slightly achey feeling that isn’t at all painful, but just your body letting you know you’ve done some different movements than usual. Bliss!

Getting It Wrong Was So Right!

Getting it wrong was probably one of the reasons I really enjoyed the class; going left when I should have gone right; bobbing up when I should have bobbed down, and it wasn’t just me!

I regularly caught the eye of someone else smiling as they’d gone in the opposite direction to the instructions. Nobody minds; it’s not a dance routine, it’s not a performance!

Who Can Take Part In Aquafit?

The session I went to was open to all adults.
Some sessions may be gender specific.
Whatever your ability in the water, and no matter your confidence level, sessions are held in the shallow end and the instructor is on hand to make sure everyone is ok.
If you need any additional support, speak to the provider of the aquafit class to see if they can help you.

What Are The Benefits Of Aquafit?

It doesn’t matter what level of fitness you are, aquafit will definitely bring you benefits!

Being in the water lessens the impact on your joints compared to exercising on dry land.
The resistance of the water means your muscles get an additional workout.
You can control how much effort you put in.
It’s fun, there’s no need to beat yourself up if you get a move wrong – you definitely won’t be on your own!
It’s a great way to get moving – the water will help you to twist and turn and step and reach.
It’s an individual activity, so it’s up to you whether you engage with other people in the session.
If you do want to meet other people, they’re usually a very friendly and welcoming bunch.
It’s a mindful activity – you’ll be concentrating on what you’re supposed to be doing, leaving little room for the to-do-lists and chatter of the thinking mind to take over your thoughts.
You can dip in and out (pun intended!) – there are often classes where you can pay as you go.

What To Wear When Trying Aquafit For The First Time?

You’re not daft, you know it’s swimwear, but I thought I’d share that some of the people in the class I went to wore wore swim shorts, and someone else wore a t-shirt on top of their kit.

You can always check with the session you join if there are any regulations, and then you can make sure you’re comfortable and ready for your workout!

Why You Should Try Aquafit

If you’ve never given it a go before, I can highly recommend it! It’s a gentle workout that does so much good without you realising it.

You don’t need any prior knowledge to take part, it’s fairly easy to follow, and all you need is something to wear in the pool.

Want To Try It Yourself?

Many swimming pools offer aquafit classes on a weekly basis. Check your local baths to see if they have any sessions running.
I found the aquafit class I went to through Better. Take a look at their website to find your local facilities. Maybe there are other new activities you’ve not tried before too?!
Looking for other one off exercises classes to try? Be sure to take a look at some of the other Active new experiences I’ve tried for inspiration.

Cost Of Experience

The particular class I joined was at Yearsley pool in York.
I paid for one session which cost me £7.40 for the 45 minute class in 2023.
Prices will vary depending on where you sign up for aquafit.
Keep your eyes peeled for any introductory offers.

Recommendations For Trying Aquafit For The First Time

Don’t worry if you don’t feel coordinated – this is not a synchronised swimming class, it doesn’t matter if you do any moves out of sequence!
Have fun! Nobody will be looking at you, and people want you to enjoy the session.
Wear swimwear you are comfortable in.
Let me know if you give it a go!