Good news!

We are well into the second month of my evening classes, getting ready to start the second session of the Seniors' class and have ordered barbells for those who want their own.  

That's the update.  

In the Good News Department,  I have been remiss in not giving proper kudos to two ladies in my TYHS class that have been working diligently with a trainer and attending Weight Loss Education classes.  They are peeling away the pounds and working hard hard hard!  

You go girls!!!!!!

Single Disk Hand Buoys (Barbells) can be purchased now!

If any of you are interested in getting your very own set of water exercise 'barbells', I am taking orders for the next two weeks.

Here is the info:

Aqua Force Products are made in the U.S.A.

The water hand buoys (dumbbells) are made from sealed, closed cell polyethylene foam. The white foam discs are impervious to water because they are sealed through a special process that keeps them clean. It also reduces water absorption which allows full resistance even after classes all day long. The dumbbells have sealed center bar and the handles are padded with a high-density rubber sleeve to provide a soft comfortable grip as well as adding more buoyancy. They are perfect for water aerobics and aqua training. 

Cost is $18.00 for a pair of single disc hand buoys, which are medium weight and come in white.(and now Gray!)

Kudos go out to three great "mermaids"

I wanted to share this news with everyone!

We have THREE (3) 50+ pounds LOST Mermaids in our evening Aquacize class this session!  Way to go ladies!!!!!! Yeahhh!!!  Whooo!!!! 

Summer is in full swing here in Central Florida!

We just wrapped up the first session of the evening Aquacize classes!  Its a great group and we made tons of progress last month!  With some new and some returnees from last summer and a whole lot of bravery we tackled the buoyancy cuffs (see previous post on this equipment)  in the deep water!

Sign up is NOW for next session of these classes!  We will not skip a beat and will go right into the next session starting on Tuesday, July 5th!

On a personal note, I have temporarily suspended my regular weight training sessions until after my summer full of classes is completed.  I try to get there at least once a week, but life (and the growing grass) beckons.  I tend to eat lighter in the summer and am in the pool 6 times a week and so usually end up pretty sleek by the end of the season.

How are you coming with your goals?  Are you using a free calorie counter online or going to weigh watchers?  Remember if you goal is to lose weight you need to combine exercise and proper nutrition.  Now put down that soda and come play in the pool with us!

2011 Classes at Hampton Aquatic Fun Center in Ocala are underway!

Within the last week we have officially kicked off the 2011 series of classes!

The response has been awesome!  We have doubled the number of Seniors from last year and hope to have even more sign up as we go along!

The always fun, evening class is full to the brim!  It promises to be a great summer in the sun!  

I am excited to be able to lead such a great group of folks!  Oh, and remember to bring your hat because unless it's thundering and lightening, we will be in the pool! 

Online Registration for Ageless Aqua AND Aquasize is Open!

Ageless Aqua is my Friday morning class that meets at 10:00 a.m. and is a water fitness class for active seniors. It focuses on enhancing movement, strengthening muscles and increasing participant’s range of motion and improving balance. Music provides the backdrop for an enjoyable class that is designed to get everyone moving. Modifications will be demonstrated for all fitness levels. 50+. Keep in mind this class is low cardio.

Aquasize meets on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. This class provides a workout that incorporates the use of buoyancy equipment such as noodles, buoyancy belts/cuffs and hand buoys. Class activities include stretching, cardio, toning, strength training, and abdominal workouts. Music is used to make it lively and fun. Modifications will be demonstrated for all fitness levels. 18+
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 Appropriate swim wear is required.  No shorts, cutoffs, or items with metal fasteners, rivets, zippers or buckles.





To register in person:  See Diane, Carol, or Anne at 8th Ave Senior Center or call Diane Leaf and she will help you register online with a credit card at 352-401-3916.


To register online:

Go to http://recreationandparks.ocalafl.org

Click on the big red button that says ONLINE REGISTRATION, Recreation and Parks Online Registration.

1.    Request an account and register by filling in all the fields.  Be sure not to leave anything blank or it will not accept it.

2.    They will send you an email (to the address you told them).  Go to your email and click on the link to confirm your account.

3.    Once you have done that, on the log in screen you can check the box 'Remember Me' and click Sign In.  Clicking the box will keep you from having to fill it in every time.

4.    A list will come up.  Look under the heading Other Services and click on Register for Programs.

5.    Once the big table comes up if you click on the down arrow beside Locations and choose Hampton Aquatic Fun Center it will make it easier to locate the water fitness classes you want. 

6.    FYI: The Aquability class on the list is designed for those with disabilities & is led by folks other than me.

7.    The Seniors class is called Ageless Aqua and it is now available for sign up.  It will run from June 3 – July 22 on Fridays at 10:00 a.m.  The second session is from July 29 – Sept 16. 

8.    Registration for Aquacize classes is available for sign up! The class meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.  The first session runs from Tuesday, June 7, 2011 to Thursday, June 30, 2011.  The second session is from July 5, 2011 to Thursday, July 28, 2011.  Third session will be August 2, 2011 to Thursday, August 25, 2011.  The last session starts September 6, 2011 and ends on Thursday, September 29, 2011

9.    I advise all participants to wear a visor or ball cap, sunglasses and a good sun block.

10. If it rains, we will still hold class.  If it is thundering and lightening we will most likely cancel class. Diane Leaf is the contact person for weather questions. 

Rate of Perceived Exertion

I am working on a new RPE chart that condenses the levels down from 10 to 5.  Any suggestions to what I have so far?

What is Rate of Perceived Exertion?

If this is confusing to you, don’t worry.  You can use the Talk Test to get a good idea of how hard you are working. If you can communicate briefly with the instructor or your neighbor while you are working out, you are probably working within your range.  If you cannot talk at all, you should probably slow down.  If you can carry on a full conversation you are most likely exercising below your target range.

When considering how you move through the water, keep in mind that bigger people have to work harder to perform same movement because of bigger plane presented to the water.  So what may be perceived as difficult for one person may be easy for another.  The beauty of working out in the water is that the exercises can be adapted to work for everyone.

A number of sources say that for optimum fitness, exercise should be done minimum of 3 times a week at 60%-80% of maximum target heart rate and at a level between 3 and 4 on the RPE scale below:   

How hard do you feel you are working?

1 you could sing the chorus of a song without breathing hard
2 you can talk pretty easily
3 you can answer a question, but not comfortably carry on a conversation
4 you have to take a breath between every word you say
5 you are working hard and have to concentrate on your breathing


For example: 

Suzie may be jogging along and feel that she is working at a moderate pace. 

Joan thinks that Suzie’s ‘moderate pace’ seems very hard and she is struggling to keep up with Suzie.

Joan needs to slow down and adapt her pace to her perception of a moderate level. 

Remember:
- Everyone is different.
- Don’t try to keep up with the person next to you, work at your own pace.
- Start slowly and work towards getting your fitness level improved.
- Keep in mind that the pace gets stronger and the RPE changes as a person gets in better shape.