Okay, okay, I’ll get in the water! I’ll take a class, I’ll get wet!
Good for you!!
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So, what makes a good workout?
First, the best workout of all is the one you’ll do. You can take a dozen different classes, watch 1,000 water aerobics videos, or buy 13 books, but if you’re not in the water doing the workout, it’s all for nothing.
Some of the things I’ve looked for in my workout development over the years:
From Class, I want:
A Good instructor: The instructor makes the workout fun or interesting; educational; she motivates you; or all the above.
Doable Exercises: If the exercises are too hard for where you are in your journey, you’re in the wrong class.
A Sense of Accomplishment: You feel GOOD after the class is over.
To Be Challenged: The exercises can’t be too easy either. That makes them boring. You want to feel like you challenged yourself to accomplish that day’s goal. Tomorrow or next week you can challenge yourself a little bit more.
Results Oriented: I had one goal when I started water aerobics; lose the bat wings. That’s all. I wasn’t old and I didn’t want old-lady arms. As I get a little older, I still don’t want old-lady arms. Whatever your goal is, make sure the workout can assist with them.
Calm: You should leave the class or workout with a renewed sense of calm. You should be relaxed, but ready to tackle whatever else the day or evening might bring. You should feel like you worked out, but not like you were beat up. You should feel peace, not stress.
From A Custom-Designed Workout, I want:
(a workout that has been designed for me.)
Someone knowledgeable: an instructor or an expert who understands my goals in a workout. Your instructor should have a good background of experience and expertise.
Someone who truly enjoys water aerobics: People who love their jobs do better work! I’ve actually known instructors who hated their jobs. How sad is that? They say they love their jobs, but they never get in the pool because the water’s too cold, they never stay after your session for questions, they don’t have time for you in general (won’t make appointments), and have no interest in you as a person. You’re a number to them and that’s all.
Thankfully, I haven’t known many of these types of instructors.
Someone who will follow up with you: An instructor who develops a special workout for you should feel at least a little invested in you. They should check on you from time to time, see how you’re enjoying the exercises, if you have any questions, and if there’s anything they can do to help. They should be interested in knowing if you’re ready to level up.
Opportunity to Grow: Whether it’s more reps, variations, or more difficult exercises, a custom workout should always have room to grow with you. If this wasn’t included in the original exercise plan, the instructor should be willing to revise it as you’re ready.
A Self-Developed Workout
Experience, research
If you don’t have access to an instructor, there are experts online that are very knowledgeable. Videos can help a lot, showing you the exercises, the right form, and the expectation. Research the instructor’s background, check out reviews, and remember, the exercises must work for you.
Try different exercises and see what feels right. If any exercise hurts, don’t do it. Forget “no pain, no gain;†the idea is to be able to help yourself through exercise.
Consider your unique abilities and capabilities: You can do one routine if you’re in your early 20’s, but if you’re 80 or out of shape, it might not be so appropriate. Or not. I know a very healthy 86 year old in our class who outperforms everyone else!
Consider any handicaps: Do you walk with a cane or walker? Are you in a wheelchair? If so, you’re gonna love the water! It literally lifts you up and will hold you there. Stay in chest-deep water for the most effective weight displacement or use a belt. The water levels the playing field for everyone. If you can’t move your legs at all, get expert instructor assistance. I know several paraplegics who are in the water daily.
Health Issues: Generally, the water is excellent for people with health issues! (See my article Challenge Accepted) You want to get clearance from your doctor, and their advice on any exercises you shouldn’t do. At the same time, I call the pool “the healing waters†for a reason. People get better in the pool. They feel stronger, happier, more content. Not to even mention the physical benefits. And for those with anxiety or depression issues, exercise works the same way antianxiety and antidepressant medications do! (See Brain Your Pain article)
Your Schedule: It will do you no good to plan an hour and a half workout if you only have 45 minutes in your schedule. But don’t fool yourself, you’re going to have to make time for exercise. Add it to your calendar, tell your friends and coworkers, make it part of your day at least three times each week. Treat it like a must-attend meeting. Because for you, it is!
One more time, the best workout is the one you’ll do. You can and should get all the expert advice you can from doctors, instructors, and experts. Then dive in and try it!
And, I’ll see ya’ in the water!
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