Has anyone done any water exercise classes? If so, how do you like them? What type of people are there? (ie skinny, very healthy, fit, overweight, want to be fit, etc.) I don't like being in a swim suit, but I think water exercise would be fun. I just don't want to feel self-conscious if there is a bunch of skinny beautiful women around... you know?

I used to teach shallow Water fitness classes at my Y-- in general, the crowd was mostly middle-aged women, some thin, but many who were just starting to try exercise. Many of them were overweight. I think in the 3 or 4 months or so I taught, I had one man, and only a few young people (teenagers).

It's a great workout-- the resistance of the water as you move your body is what makes it so great. However, because of that resistance, it means that you are moving more slowly. It may be hard to get your heart rate up at first, until you get strong enough to work against the resistance faster.

But that's ok! It's still great exercise- easy on the joints and can be really fun (depending mostly on your instructor!)

There are also deep water exercise classes at some facilities.

This is my favorite exercise! I can't wait to get back to it. My Dr. says I have to wait 1 more wk. I felt the same way as you before I started. At my gym the older ladies were skinny and the ones my age were big. I was very comfortable. You have to remember the the young, pretty girls, with the hot boddies, are out on the floor working out with the guys. Go for it. It is so much fun, it doesn't seem like exercise. I can only do 20-30 min. on the treadmill, but I can last an hour in the water. You can adjust your workout, to fit you. I started out real slow, and easy. If you try it let us know how you like it:thumbup:

I just started water aerobics two weeks ago, and I love it! I feel very welcome there, and the instructor is great! The interesting thing is that she is overweight, but is full of energy and gives susch a good workout!

The other members of the class are older than I am (I am 47) and have varying body shapes and abilities.

I agree that it's not so much cardio, but I do feel the resistance of the water is ging me plenty of a workout. You should really try it, if you have access to it!

At my gym the water aerobics class attendees are a variety of ages; ranging from Mid 30's to 60's. I personally am not into classes to much like high school for me. I do however swim everyday. The other thing that I turns me off clases is that most of them at my gym don't use music. I have to have music to work out (thus my water proof MP3 player)