Imagine this scenario—it’s 7:50 a.m. on a weekday morning at the Boothbay Region YMCA’s Emery Pool. The lap swimmers are finishing up their sets as the locker room doors swing open. People of all ages, sizes, and shapes in their swim togs flood the natatorium. The 8 a.m. aqua aerobics class is about to begin. Participants quickly shower, gather the equipment they’ll need for their workout such as kickboards, Styrofoam dumbbells, and flotation devices. They have a cheerful greeting for the lifeguards and the class instructor, and then they slither into the warm water. As the instructor sets up the music the class members chat and mingle, asking about each other’s days, plans for the weekend, sharing stories about their children or grandchildren, etc. Their laughter is contagious, and the smiles pervasive. Finally, the instructor turns on the lively music, the group, that can number over 30 on some days, begins the water aerobics workout.

More and more people are learning the physical, social, and psychological benefits of water exercise. For some, aqua aerobics is new. When they first arrive, the instructors take a moment to welcome them and inquire why they want to join the class and whether they have any limitations that the instructor should know about.

For other long-time participants, aqua aerobics is an essential and routine form of exercise and also an opportunity to socialize with members of the community. Long-time participant Ted Repa began attending aqua aerobics when he developed arthritis in his ankle that caused him to stop playing tennis. He discovered the 8 a.m. aqua aerobics class and particularly enjoys the deep end where he can avoid putting weight on his injured ankle. He says, “the bonus was that the class members were welcoming and encouraging to me as a neophyte. With clear modeling from the excellent instructors, I was soon splashing around with the best of them.” Ted also adds that not only does he have a great time in the water aerobics class, but he is in the best shape of his life!

Over the past five years, the Y has seen an increase in the number of men and women who participate in the water aerobics class. Classes are led by professionally trained instructors: Lolly Donatelli, ACE Certified; Miri Lyons, Zumba ® Certified; Ejaye Landry, Zumba ® & ACE Certified, and Erin Gray, AEA Certified. All of the instructors are also certified YMCA Group Exercise instructors. The Y is excited to see more men joining group fitness classes. Group exercise is proven to be a positive motivator for people to get out exercise. Jack Dexter says, “aqua aerobics gives me a great reason to get out of bed in the morning.” He goes on to add that he finds himself with a silly grin on his face during the workouts; everyone is having fun and it feels like a family.

If you would like more information on the Aqua Aerobics class, contact Erin Gray, egray@brymca.org. If you are interested in land-based group exercise classes, contact Abby Jones, ajones@brymca.org or check out our schedule online at https://boothbayregionymca.org/schedules.html.