Aquarobics:What's It Like

Your Stories

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Pain Free and Active Again

Constant hip pain and weight gain motivated a change

I am stronger and thinner because I got moving again in Aquarobics... -Anne J.

I Survived a Stroke

This former non-exerciser's diabetes improved

The doctors mentioned how strong they thought I was. Aquarobics has changed my life. -Donna G.

I Got My Golf Swing Back

Lifestyle was hampered by two back surgeries

I feel fitter and have more flexibility and stamina than I have had for years.... -Syd D.

WaterMotion Helps My Balance

Former tennis player fights Guillan-Barre Syndrome

..the exercise helps with my balance, leg strength and endurance. WaterMotion has truly been important in changing my ability to enjoy life. -Helen K.

We Started Exercising Together

Two neighbors lost weight and battled aches and pains

WaterMotion, Aquarobics, Aquarobics Deep - all rock. We are looking forward to building our arms into "guns" from "sling shots" in the coming year. -Sally T. and Lisa W.

Pain Free and Active Again!

Anne J., Mercerwood Shore Club

In Fall of 2007, I developed pain in my left hip. I started with cortisone shots and physical therapy, but the pain continued and spread into my leg and lower back. As a fairly active person, I was discouraged because I was gaining weight and I couldn't do anything without pain, including walking, swimming, and finally yoga. Just more cortisone, more PT, acupuncture, massage, water therapy, and so on.

In May 2009, I saw a picture of myself that caused me to gasp! Wow, I couldn't believe how much weight I had gained. It was time to take a new approach. Aquarobics had just recently arrived at my local club, and I knew the water would help buoy me and make moving easier. I also started Weight Watchers the same week.

At first, I could barely control my left leg in the routines. You know the one where you kick your leg to the front, the side, the back, and then to the side again? [Quad Kick] Well, my leg was flopping all over the place. At least I was moving again. I continued to work with a back specialist and in Fall 2009, I was finally pain-free.

Now, it's May 2010. I am stronger and thinner because I got moving again in Aquarobics and learned how to eat healthier in Weight Watchers. I've lost nearly 50 pounds and can keep up with all the exercise routines, including kicking on the left side! The combination of the two programs has been a life saver for me. Thanks Aquarobics!

I survived a stroke!

Donna G., Federal Way Community Center

I came to Aquarobics because my nieces, Julie Rice and Patty Meadows are instructors - and their mom, my sister-in-law invited me. (Okay, pushed me!) At first I said no, because (other than the shower) I don't like to get wet, I don't care for chlorine, and I'm not that fond of exercise. However, they were relentless in their invitations, and pursued me - until finally in a weakened condition, I succumbed.

After I started, I kind of liked it - and decided it wasn't so bad after all. In May it will be three years...WOW, and they said it wouldn't last! It's a wonderful program for me!

I had a slight stroke in April a couple of years ago, and I don't think I would have survived or recovered the way I did without my Aquarobics. The doctors mentioned how strong they thought I was. I know it was because of the previous year's conditioning through my weekly sessions at Aquarobics class.

Aquarobics has changed my life. Nothing hurts anymore. I am a diabetic so it very reassuring to know my A1C Blood Sugar level is consistently lower than it was before Aquarobics, and in general I feel better. Thank you, Aquarobics!

I Got My Golf Swing Back!

Syd D.

I was born 68 years ago in London, England, and moved to this area in 1981. In 1996, I had two back surgeries, following which my usual active lifestyle was severely hampered. I got back to walking somewhat, but was unable, for example, to play golf.

I retired at the end of 2007, and was determined to get back into shape, when a friend mentioned Aquarobics. I picked up the brochure and called Carolyn, who confirmed that as a start, WaterMotion classes in the warm pool would be good for me. I started this in February 2007, and continued with these classes three mornings a week, until about two months ago (again at Carolyn’s suggestion) I “graduated” to the Aquarobics class in the cool pool. I really enjoy the instructors and my class-mates. The fun part – and the challenge – of the Aquarobics sessions is the 40+ minutes of non-stop exercise to music; my favorite session is the Beatles! (An obvious choice, since I drum with a Beatles band called the Beattles!).

Since I started this program, my general fitness and flexibility levels have greatly increased, especially for my core muscles, which are the real secret to lumbar and spinal health. As an example of the success of the programs, I took up golf again mid-2008, and in September I played in a local tournament, shooting my best score for years and coming third overall, which was simply amazing to me. Basically, I feel fitter and have more flexibility and stamina than I have had for years. This is why I continue with three sessions a week, and expect to do this for a long time!

WaterMotion Helps My Balance!

Helen K., Bellevue Aquatic Center

After many wonderful years doing almost any physical activity that interested me, and being an avid - although not great - tennis player, about eleven years ago I experienced a progressive weakening in my legs, and some in my hands, to the point that it was extremely difficult to get up or down stairs, and walking any distance almost impossible. To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with a form of Guillan-Barre Syndrome (CIDP for chronic inflammatory demyelating polyneuropathy), and told that while it is controllable I should not expect complete remission. One of the chronic manifestations of my CIDP, and the one that bothers me most, is a feeling of not having adequate balance, and the consequent fear of falling.

A friend talked to me about WaterMotion and it intrigued me enough to give it a try. That was about ten years ago. It is important to me that I can exercise without the fear of falling, and I am sure that the exercise helps with both my balance, leg strength, and endurance. I notice a marked deterioration in my leg function when I have to miss a few classes, and am always pleased when I notice improvement after being able to get back to WaterMotion.

There are so many good things about Watermotion, but perhaps the two that are most responsible for my continuing all these years are the renewed capacity to walk and the great friends that I have met at class. WaterMotion has truly been important in changing my ability to enjoy life.

We Started Exercising Together

Lisa W. and Sally T., 1st Street Fitness & Bellevue Aquatic Center

We've been neighbors for a while, but became good friends when we started going to both Weight Watchers and WaterMotion classes together. We realized we both had the mornings off, both were WW members and both were looking for an exercise program - one that would give relief to Lisa's rheumatoid arthritis and Sally's aches and pains.

WaterMotion classes in a warm therapeutic pool was just the answer. We started over a year ago, loved the camaraderie with the ladies (and two men) who attended, the instructors, the soothing water and the exercises as well. Lisa and Sally give Watermotion classes credit for their weight losses.

In late September, Lisa found a new job that forced her to reassess her options in the evening. She started attending higher intensity classes, thanks to her increased fitness which resulted from the instructors' supportive tutelage. She now attends both Aquarobics and Aquarobics Deep.

Sally has also made some changes. She attends Aquarobics 3 days a week at Bellevue Aquatic and take WaterMotion at 1st Street the other 2 days. She is thrilled that her fitness level now allows her to take part in classes 4 to 5 days a week! She reiterates Lisa's support of the instructors’ supportive attitudes. They are all terrific.

We are both grateful that even though we aren't able to attend classes together anymore, we continue to support and encourage one another. WaterMotion, Aquarobics, Aquarobics Deep - all rock. We are looking forward to building our arms into "guns" from "sling shots" in the coming year.