Like music? Low impact activities? Like the pool but don’t necessarily want to swim laps. Give water aerobics a try! Water aerobics, also called ‘aqua aerobics’ is a great excuse to jump in the pool and get some movement in your day. There are options for all ages, including water aerobics classes for seniors. If this sounds like the activity for you, learn how to give it a try below.
On this page we look at:
- How This Girl Can Ambassador Natalie started to love water aerobics, after being unsure about trying it at first
- What is water aerobics?
- The many health benefits of water aerobics
- Finding a water aerobics class near you
Get inspired to do the activities that suit you and keep you feeling good: sign up to our newsletter here.
Natalie loves water aerobics because it brings women together
Natalie started water aerobics classes for the women in the small rural town of Manangatang to get local women off their farms and into the pool together, despite their initial reservations. “You can feel quite vulnerable in the water, because you’re only in your bathers…but if we can get them there, they tend to come back,” Natalie said. Thirteen years on, the class is still going, and it’s fondly referred to as ‘coffee club’ by local women who look forward to socialising together afterwards.
What is water aerobics?
Water aerobics is a type of group fitness class with a little difference: you do the class in the pool!
There are a wide range of water aerobics you can do, which can include anything from low-impact movement for seniors to fast running or cycling training. There’s also a variety of water aerobics exercises with weights like kickboards, aqua dumbbells and hydro discs.
A typical water aerobics class happens in the shallow end of the pool where an instructor will guide you through water walking, leg lifts, bicep curls and moves with pool noodles and water dumbbells.
A great thing about these classes is you don’t have to bring any equipment to your water aerobics class – it’s all supplied for you. Including the water aerobics routines with music!
The physical and mental benefits of water aerobics
There are water aerobics benefits for women of all ages, including seniors, regardless of what type of class you’re doing. Water aerobics is great for:
- Improving your balance and coordination
- Improve body mobility
- Enhancing recovery from injuries and chronic conditions
- Increasing your daily movement without worrying about getting hurt
- Relaxing your mind
- Managing stress and anxiety
Releasing some energy, having a splash around and giving your muscles and joints some love feels good!
Where to do water aerobics near you
Water aerobics classes are run by individual swimming pools around Melbourne and regional Victoria. The best way to get started is to search online for facilities to see what they have to offer.
Another way to find an aqua aerobics class near you is to ask your local council. Many have online resources and class timetables available which are great for beginners. Know Your Council is a good place to start if you’re not sure which council area you’re in.
When you’ve found a great water aerobics class to join, why not ask a friend to join? You can also go on your own – you’ll meet other supportive women having a great time getting active, who also love to be in the water as much as you do.
Have a go at water aerobics today
- Visit Find Your Council to see which council area you’re in to find out more information
- Google it! Water aerobics classes are run by local swimming pools and facilities. Many have online timetables, so you can find a beginner aqua aerobics class to have a go at.
- Find a Supporter in your neighbourhood: see if there’s a swimming pool or facility who has registered online to support This Girl Can – Victoria.
- Ask other women about water aerobics – chat to your friends, family or colleagues about doing an activity together, or post a question to our Facebook page where there’s a super supportive community of women who can help you out.
Can’t get out right now?
You might not be able to make it outside at the moment, and that’s okay. If you want to find ways to get active at home, there are several things you can do.
If you have a pool, you can look up water aerobics routines online and browse water aerobics videos to find some you’d like to try. There are lots of pool exercises for women and seniors that you can try to get your body moving.
If you don’t have a pool, don’t stress – there are lots of home workouts you can do to get active without leaving your front door.
Learn more about This Girl Can – Victoria and how it’s helping women feel good by getting activity in a way that suits them.