Its 2012! Time to start thinking about classes for the Summer

Now that the new year has passed, I have been working on the paperwork for next summer's classes.  I'll be sure to let you know when sign-up is open, but in the meantime, here are the dates so you can mark your calendar.

Session 1   -         June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28

Session 2   -         July 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, Aug. 2

Session 3   -         August 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

Please note there are no classes the week of July 2-6th.

To those of you who have not been with us before - Come on in the water's fine!  If you want to have fun this summer and are looking for a different way to work out, this is it!  You do not have to be able to swim, as I would never ask you to go in the deep water without flotation.  (Notice I didn't say you could stay in the shallow end :-)  what fun would that be?)

The classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center in Ocala, FL.  They are open to anyone 18 and over.

The class description is: 

Aquacize for Everyone!:

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. 

And for my Ocala Mermaids who will be returning - SEE YOU IN A FEW MONTHS!

Wrap up of 2011 Season

I realized I hadn't posted a wrap up for the summer season for my classes at the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center and I did want to do just that.

We had a great summer and only one rain-out!  I really enjoy the evening classes and the great bunch of folks who come to work out in the late afternoon Florida sunshine.

I look forward to next year, although because of some scheduling conflicts, I want to remind folks that we will not be holding classes in September.

Hey!  You!  All of you summer 'mermaids'!  Don't forget - Stay active this winter! Just because you are not in "my" pool, doesn't mean you get to be a couch potato! 

 

Photos taken in Ocala August 2011

These photos were taken at the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center thanks to Lindsay and Chelsea.  I was not alone, but made every effort to crop others out, as I do not wish to post photos of other people without their permission.

Into the Pool!

They call it Acclimation Long strides...

Lets Go!  Who says Water Aerobics isn't intense?!

Calf Stretches

Hamstring Stretches

Quad Stretches

Barbell work begins

More arm work with the barbells

Push !  (more barbell work)

If I had to guess, I'd say Triceps Presses - at least 20!

Reverse palms - 20 more!

Give me 5 'perfect' Leg lifts

Not sure what I was thinking here!  LOL - More work on the lower body.

Tantrum kicks, suspended position

 

 

Looks like crunch time!

Stretches - Reach!!!!!

Side Bend Stretch

Reach back up, now lower your chin - there's a stretch here if you want it

Arms come down and you sink down for shoulder rolls

"Nobody ever takes pictures for us!"  :-)

Hope you enjoyed this look at one of my classes.

Can a girl lose weight participating in water aerobics?

I recently got a message that asked a very good question. 

 Can a girl lose weight doing water aerobics?

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is because anytime you increase your activity level (burn calories) and if you decrease your caloric intake.  You will lose weight. 

Is water aerobics THE best exercise for losing weight?  That depends, it's best if it is the only cardio you can or will do.  But simply doing aerobics, cardio, weight lifting or any other exercise will not make you lose weight unless you also control caloric intake.

Honestly, what working out in the pool is best at is improving your endurance, breathing capacity, muscle tone, and flexibility. 

I love all the benefits of being in the pool, it is especially good for ladies in their prime (like me!) because it is easier on the joints and the warm water is good for anything that aches.

Note:  When I am not leading 6 classes a week (in the summer)  I am in the gym three days a week and in the pool three mornings a week. Granted its easier now that I am retired, but even when I was working, I was still in the pool 3-4 times a week and have always monitored my diet.




One other thing:  Courtesy of my PT hubby-

I know folks have heard me say it before, but measurements matter more than the scale when you are working hard to lose weight and become more fit. For some folks it is hard to understand how this makes sense.

He told me a way to get a visual of muscle versus fat and why people who weight the same look so different.  

Say you have two friends who weigh the same. The first one is wearing a size 7 and the second wears a size 10.

The first friend hits the pool or the gym multiple times a week, doesn't eat at fast food restaurants and watches what she eats. 

Friend number two hits the buffet and can down a box of oreos in one sitting.She is also the queen of the sitcoms and when she gets home from work (where she snack on junk food all day) she just wants to sit.

The reason for the size difference is very apparent to me, just by looking at the way the eat and their activity level.

But that doesn't explain how they can weight the same and look so different.

So, get a piece of paper and draw a circle around your closed fist.  That represents the size of one pound of muscle.  Make three more circles next to the first one.  The area of those 4 circles represents a pound of fat.


Hmmm...


That answers the question, for me, of how it works. Does it help you?

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!!!!