However, after some research I had to accept that the nearest Acrobatics classes for adults are in London, and an Archery lesson could end up costing a small fortune. And let's not even start on Aerial Yoga (I mean, let's, if you can get me a considerable discount).
And so despite initial protestation, I conceded that Aqua Aerobics might be the most realistic option for me to attempt this side of 2020.
Perhaps because it didn't sound particularly flashy, or because it had been a tough old day and the sofa just looked so inviting, or maybe because it involved prancing around in a swimming costume, I have to admit that I wasn't overly excited on that Monday evening when I was getting ready to leave the house. But Rose had kindly agreed to come along for supervisory purposes, and so I guess I just had to get on with it.
If, like me, the thought of walking around in public in a swimsuit fills you with dread, I am pleased to reassure you that no-one was there to notice. The class we attended was filled with women of all shapes, sizes and ages. The only thing we all seemed to have in common was that we all wore jiggle-safe costumes. Which was for the best really, because there was jiggelage a-plenty! Luckily most assets were held in place safely.
Similar to a HIIT class, the instructor showed us an exercise that we would carry out for 40 seconds followed by a 10 seconds rest before the next moves were introduced. I must admit that I was somewhat sceptical towards the actual physical impact of the class, seen as the first few exercises seemed to involve no effort. It was only when Rose slowly leaned over and in a conspiratorial tone whispered "try boxing under water" that I started feeling the burn in my arms. Amazing what water resistance can do for you.
I don't think I ever laughed as much whilst out of my comfort zone. The face-planting whilst trying to water-kick, the near-drowning as a consequence of a core exercise and my complete inability to simply "sit on a noodle!" meant that time just flew by. And I wasn't the only one: Whether it was in response to the lighthearted instructor or sudden splutters emanating from the nearest "victim" to lose her balance, the lesson felt more like an outing with lifelong friends than actual effort. But don't get me wrong: It was effort, each repetition becoming harder and each Minute feeling longer. But that's why we do it, right? At least, as Rose said, you can't see the sweat in a pool. EEWWW!
So is Aqua Aerobics a class worth trying out?
1. To me, wearing a swimming costume is a real bummer. Maybe I shouldn't have bought a white one, who knows. But maybe facing your fears and hang ups are as much part of a healthier journey as the actual work out?
2. If you do think that you cannot possibly be seen in public in a nylon/spandex combo, rest assured that in this group, no-one will judge. And unlike in other classes, in this one the back row is actually the back row - now sudden turn around that mean you're unexpectedly find yourself being the front row.
3. The cost for a single session was £6.50 + £2 parking, although monthly passes are available.
4. A swimsuit and a towel is really all you need (although some participants were wearing socks). But I would suggest you make it a good quality swimsuit with support in the most bouncy areas. Thank me later.
5. Whilst there was definitely effort involved and I really felt the tiredness in my legs walking up the stairs later on, this session didn't bring me to the brink of breathlessness. So if you are concerned that you might not be able to keep up with others, this one seems to be a good option to try out.
Although I'm now starting to wonder if stopping my car on a down slope without applying the hand break upon leaving the car park may be a sign of mental exhaustion? Maybe my body is choosing to burn rain cells instead of calories... that would explain a lot!
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| Pro tip: Taking selfies in the changing area might earn you some weird looks. Own it. |
