Water Aerobics?

Tonight I did my first Bhangra dance fitness class and it totally kicked my butt!  So I'll be adding that to my weekly exercise schedule on Thursday nights starting in September.  

One of the women there was talking about the Zumba class (which I'll also be adding in September) and said that the best tech was to follow it up with water aerobics since relaxing in the water feels awesome post-Zumba.  

This is intriguing to me.  

Have you done water aerobics?  What is it like?  What can I expect?  Do I need anything other than a bathing suit to do it?  (And shower stuff, of course.)  Is it a gentle workout that's more like yoga?  Or more intense?

I have done water aerobics for years. It is not intense at all and you barely feel like you are getting a workout. But the resistance with the weights under water is what gives you the muscle workout. And I do mine at the YMCA, so all I needed was a bathing suit and towel- the provided the weights. Have fun!

I do water aerobics twice a week, and I have grown to love it. Like any other activity, it's as hard (and effective) as you make it, so while at first it will take your body some time to grow accustomed to the muscles worked moving against the water's resistance, eventually you will have to take the initiative to work harder and faster as it becomes easier to do the exercises.

Personally, I find the water soothing, voluptuous, energizing, and a real relief after a long day of working at the computer. My goal right now is to work up enough endurance to start swimming laps on a regular basis. I have recently started adding a couple of laps following my water aerobics class, and so far, so good!

I used to do water aerobics. I thought it was lots of fun, and a pretty good workout. It seems to vary a lot by instructor. I've had some that go more for a low intensity and some that really kick it up. The only reason I don't still go is the times have changed and I cannot make it.

Water socks might be helpful. My feet would sometimes slide or get a little scraped when I was bounding around.

some places make it real hard and you get a great work out there is more resistance in the water

I have done water aerobics several times a week for more than twenty years.  The best advise I will give you is get a pair of water shoes.  I always buy mine from New Balance and spend about $100.00.  They last me at least five years and keep my knees from hurting after classes.  It is a great workout with the advantage of muscles not hurting the next day.  The shoes keep my knees from getting stressed and also feel better than concrete on my feet.  But going without the water shoes can be a good way to exfoliate the soles of my feet.

This is the shoe with built in drainage that I use http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?subscribe=Y&Pro ductCode=7531177&gclid=CNvIjsvDp8ACFWELMgod8QoAvA#color=2782 7

White Dove, I believe you had recommended a bathing suit from Land's End that you like for water aerobics.  Can you please post that info again?  Thanks  

When I do water aerobics I am in serious workout mode.  I don't want anything on my swimsuit like zippers, ruffles, bows, ties, flapping skirt.  Those are for lying on a beach chair and looking pretty.  I want a sleek no-nonsense suit that will not distract me in any way from my exercise routine.  One like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I97K452/ref=amb_link_410 409902_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_r d_r=0T8SWZH813JCCJNWH0RN&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1753592402&pf_r d_i=B00EM83USU

Since we have a pool at our house, I watched some videos on YouTube to get ideas on how to perform water aerobics without being in a class at a gym or the Y.  White Dove recommended these barbells for resistance in the water, and I LOVE them.  I use them whenever I'm in the pool.  I wear a pair of Crocs to prevent bouncing on the concrete while I'm doing the more rigorous aerobic exercises.  My only complaint is that I HATE getting my hair wet as it strips the color out in no time.  This is great exercise for anyone dealing with knee pain (like me) because there's no pressure on the joints.