Observation: Deep Water Aerobics

Observation Day: 1

My first day of observation was on January 20th, 2018. The class began at 8 am and ran until 9 am. I was introduced to Jessica the instructor of the Deep Water Hydrobics class by Elyse Giles who is the Fitness Director at the Athens YMCA. Jessica teaches multiple fitness classes throughout the week. Jessica is the second water aerobics instructor and gets in the water with her participants, unlike Chip, who is another water aerobics instructor, who prefers to stand pool-side and teach.

Jessica advises that only 12 participants are allowed in the class at a time due to the size of the area in the pool that this class is designated for. She explains that the age population varies from retired adults from their 70’s to as

She then transitions into an abdominal workout for the last five minutes. After the strength phase, Jessica moves the participants into a 5-minute cool-down stretch phase. Here, they stretch out their arms, legs, back, and ankles.

One participant pulled me aside and told me a little about herself. She is “68 years young, and stays active 6 days per week.” Kathy attends 2-hour long water aerobics classes each week. She also attends 2 dance classes per week. Kathy enjoys walking in the park with her girlfriends. She believes that “my body in motion, will stay in motion for as long as I continue to exercise.” Kathy believes the being active has helped her overcome her medical issues.

Another participant expressed her gratitude for being able to attend fitness classes at the YMCA. She believes that the water aerobics classes enable her to get more movement in a wider range. By attending these classes, she has improved her range of

The participants worked their arms and legs in a new fashion by using this extra segment. They did not play the catch and release game today, instead, she went straight into the strength phase. Again, everyone had their waist belts on and the water weights in the hands. At this point, everyone seemed to be moving at a slower pace. They started this phase with flutter kicks, rock and rolls again, lateral kicks while engaging in the core, leg circles, leg raises, and leg curls. After the strength phase, they moved into their cool-down. Today’s class ran past 9 am. There are a few things I would have changed and/or added, easier way for the participants to balance on the noodle, possibly give the participants a sturdier flotation device. But other than that, today was a successful