Aqua Aerobics… Our New Best Friend as We Age?
I never thought I would be jogging, boxing, jumping, lunging, skiing and dancing at my age, but to my surprise it is incredibly easy, even with a serious knee injury!
How I Got Injured
About 18 months ago I was staying in a Buddhist Monastery, carrying sacks of rice (I know, crazy in my 60s!) when I tore my meniscus disc. This led to severe osteoarthritis developing in my knee, and I am now on the waiting list for a total knee replacement.
I used to walk up to around 10,000 steps most days, but recently I can just about manage 2,000. I was beginning to feel sluggish, lacking energy and was starting to put on weight… the last thing my poor knee needed!
Water Saved the Day
I knew I had to do something, so I enrolled at my local swimming pool for aqua aerobics classes. The class was for around 50 people (mostly women) aged between 50 and 85. As I watched people slowly make their way to the pool, some with sticks or frames, I could see the pain etched on many of their faces from pain, injuries or disabilities.
Then an amazing thing happened! As soon as they were in the water, they swam or floated away as if nothing was wrong with them :). As I stood there watching, I couldn’t believe the transformation.
The Class
Our instructor, Clare, ramped up the music (‘60s and ‘70s of course!) and within seconds we were jogging, jumping, kicking, skiing, and singing. I had no idea I would still be able to do these activities at my age! As I looked around, all I could see were smiles :).
After a 45-minute workout, where we all were encouraged to go at our own pace, I wasn’t even out of breath, even though I had given it my all. I knew my limitations and didn’t push my knee too hard, but even while I was still in the pool, I could feel flexibility that I hadn’t experienced for a long time.
The Science Behind It
Aqua aerobics is backed up by science and each qualified instructor has to learn about biomechanics (science of movement including muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments) and hydrodynamics (which concerns forces acting on, or exerted by, fluids). Using these they devise a programme of exercise where the body uses the weight and force of the water, as well as the buoyancy it provides, allowing you to exercise in a safe environment… and no sweating :)
It Doesn’t Take Long
After four months, I have already noticed a real difference. Although I know it will not repair my knee, it is less painful and far more flexible, allowing me to be a little more mobile than before. I have also lost a few pounds that I had recently gained, which can only be a bonus. Interestingly, there was one thing I hadn’t expected… my pelvic floor was so much stronger, resulting in fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom at night :)
An Additional Bonus
On top of all the physical pluses of aqua aerobics, there are some mental benefits too. Many of us sing along as we exercise, and that makes us all feel a little happier. It is also a great place to make new friends and people often meet up outside the pool.
People come in all shapes and sizes, with different ailments or disabilities. You might imagine that exposing yourself in your bathing costume over 60 might make you feel a little vulnerable but, in my experience, the opposite happens and it is like, “We are all in this together.”
I now do aqua aerobics 3 times a week and aqua dance once. I look forward to them all and notice how flexible I am on the days I go. If you have any medical conditions have a chat with your doctor before you start, but if they say, Go ahead, I think you will be very glad you did! I certainly am :).
Please Join the Conversation:
Have you tried aqua aerobics or any other exercise class in a water environment? Do you think you could benefit?
Tags Fitness Over 60
I’ve been doing aquarobics for two years now. I have had stage three primary lymphodema for over 40 years, my leg is very swollen, twice the size of the other leg. I wear full length compression 24-7 and I use a compression pump every night.
Auquarobics makes a huge difference. I can feel the lymph has moved within 15 minutes of entering the water and exercising. I can bend my leg and move more easily.
Seeing all the women with their various issues, arthritis, varicose veins, knee replacements, back surgery, brain injuries; dancing and leaping in the water is such an empowering and unifying thing.
Groups of women stop for coffee afterwards. There is even a Mermaids Club that collects items for the local food bank.
And the singing!
Our instructor calls us the Friday Choir and always has a dad joke for us.
As people in my part of the hemisphere say, “ it’s the best thing since sliced bread!”
Good morning Toni, thank you for joining the conversation. I am so pleased you love it as much as I do :). I am not really the sort of person who enjoys going to a gym, preferring to be outside, so I never really considered aqua classes until my injury. Now it is my favourite way to keep fit! Lily x
I have done faithfully since knee replacement 7yrs ago. I am so flexible now I lost a few lbs too and met some great people. Yes I am heavy some are thin some are so very arthritic some are young some are old. Who cares we come together in celebration of each other
That’s the truth!
Hi Dyanne, thank you for joining the conversation. I love your comment :) Lily x
Good morning Pam, thank you for joining the conversation. I am on the list for a total knee replacement so it is good to hear you are doing well. Thank you. I agree it is like a celebration, after each class I come out feeling better physically and emotionally :) Lily x
I started it after PT for a smashed up fibula and four broken ankle bones, with massive reconstruction surgery, steel plates, wires, screws, nail, pins, etc. It was a year of recovery to be able to walk again. And the water PT (physiotherapy for UK friends) and aqua aerobics saved the day! I still do aqua aerobics a couple times a week but now I also swim hard laps and lift weights. It is WONDERFUL.
Hi Liz, thank you for joining the conversation. What a lot you have been through. I am so pleased you are doing so well! I would like to swim more too, I feel a different person in the water :) Lily x
As a certified aqua fit instructor, I can only sing its praises. It’s a great workout that benefits any fitness level.
Hi Deborah, thank you for joining the conversation. Thank you for the work you do. I had no idea of the incredible benefits until I started! Lily x
I did try aqua aerobics, along with vinyasa yoga, starting two years ago when I was 57. I’ve had a lifetime phobia of sports and exercise due to gym class trauma, but I was concerned about my health and wanted to make some changes. I absolutely loved it. I felt better than I’ve ever felt, lost weight, and improved my numbers. The water is magical.
Unfortunately, my job was moved last year, and I can no longer get to the Y in time for the one 6 pm class that is available.
At least in my area, I find that classes like this are very scarce in the evening, while the mornings and afternoons are full of them. The assumption seems to be that everybody interested in gentler fitness is retired; evening classes are keyed to the much more athletic and energetic, with everything from kickboxing to hot power yoga. As someone who doesn’t see retirement happening any time soon, I think it’s short-sighted. Weekends do not work for me- I need that time for volunteering, church activities, household chores, and my husband! A few very expensive boutique fitness clubs have better offerings, but if I could afford a place like that that I could afford to retire, save the money, and go to the Y at 10 am.
Hi Brigit, thank you for joining the conversation. I completely agree, the water is magical :) I do understand about classes though. I am fortunate to have a lovely pool 5 minutes from where I live, but the classes are always full and sometimes I struggle to book them. I hope you find a solution soon. Lily x