If you’re looking to lose weight or loosen up those muscles that tightened up the last few years, below are some Water Aerobics and Fitness Classes you can join around the Myrtle Beach area.
Water aerobics or aquatic classes are a fun way to exercise without putting your joints through the pains of typical floor based exercising.
Even though this article is primarily for seniors, everyone can enjoy the benefits of water aerobics.
For many seniors, pain can be an obstacle when committing to an exercise routine. Fortunately, water aerobics and aquatic exercises cuts back on the possibility of injury. Water’s buoyancy results in very little pressure on joints and muscles, but still allows for full range of movement. Stretching and resistance training can both be achieved in the pool with much less effort than on dry land!
Not only do water-based activities provide the exercise that senior bodies require, they also fulfill social needs. Because pools are typically available in shared spaces like community centers, these aquatic classes force seniors to socialize.
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Senior water aerobics classes meet the needs and safety concerns of seniors. Here are just a few aquatic activities that seniors may enjoy:
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics classes provide fun social interaction and all the health benefits of aerobic exercise. Led by a trained professionals who are qualified in CPR, water aerobics is a great activity that keeps seniors in mind. Seniors-only classes are designed specifically for seniors, utilizing oldies music and simplified exercises to keep everyone happy and healthy.
Swimming Laps
Many seniors choose swimming as an option since you can do it at any time, you can go at your own pace and stop at any time. Like any new activity, if you are new to swimming or haven’t been swimming laps in a while, you may want to start by consulting a trained professional or take private lessons until you are comfortable in the environment.
Water Walking
Take your daily walk to the next level with water walking. In this activity, seniors go through the motions of their walking routine in the swimming pool. This activity is wonderful because you can do it alone or with a group. For an added challenge, add ankle weights.
Wall Chair
In a corner of the pool, in chest-deep water, grab both sides of the pool with your arms. Then lift your legs and hold the pose, working your abdominal muscles. Twisting from side to side can also help get those oblique muscles in shape. Increasing your core strength with this kind of abdominal exercise can improve posture and increase stability, decreasing the chance of a fall.
Water Jogging
This exercise is designed to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing. In waist-deep water, jog back and forth across the pool at a comfortable speed. Low-impact aerobic exercise can help reduce the risk of heart attack and keep energy levels up.
Resistance Kicking
Resistance kicking begins with a kickboard. Hold the kickboard out in front of you and gently kick to propel yourself back and forth across the pool. This is a great cardio exercise that will get your blood pumping and support lower body strength.
Leg Swings
Leg swings improve balance by working the leg and core muscles. For this resistance exercise, stand in the pool and repeatedly lift one leg up and to the side until it feels tired; then switch legs. To activate your obliques, kick your leg backward and forward as well.
Standing Water Push-ups
This movement uses the water’s resistance to work the shoulder, chest, and back muscles. Stand facing the pool wall with your hands flat against it in front of you. Slowly lean into the wall, bending both arms at the elbow, and then push out to return to a standing position. Repeat this motion until tired.
Myrtle Beach Water Aerobics and Fitness Classes
Pepper Geddings Recreation Center Swimming Pool
Address: 3205 Oak Street, Myrtle Beach
Contact: Amanda Payne 843-918-2286
Aquatic Class Descriptions
- Monday through Friday – Self Guided Water Exercise | 45-minute format | 8-8:45 a.m.
Open Swim and Lap Swim hours vary through out the day.
Myrtle Beach City Residents pay $5 daily pass fee. Non City Residents pay $10 daily pass fee. If you anticipate frequent use of the facilities, you can purchase multi-day passes for much less than the daily pass rate.
Mary C Canty Recreation Center Swimming Pool
Address: 971 Canal Street, Myrtle Beach
Contact: Ryan Caputo 843-918-1476
Aquatic Class Descriptions
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Jivin Joints | 45-minute format | 10-10:45 a.m.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Hydroaerobics | 45-minute format | 12-12:45 p.m.
Open Swim and Lap Swim hours vary through out the day.
Myrtle Beach City Residents pay $5 daily pass fee. Non City Residents pay $10 daily pass fee. If you anticipate frequent use of the facilities, you can purchase multi-day passes for much less than the daily pass rate.
City calendar of swimming pool activities.
North Myrtle Beach Water Aerobics and Fitness Classes
North Myrtle Beach Fitness & Aquatics Center
Address: 1100 Second Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach
Contact: Any Staff Member 843-281-3737
Aquatic Class Descriptions
North Myrtle Beach has a very active senior aquatics fitness program with multiple classes through out the week.
For a complete look at all the aquatic fitness programs and prices, please visit their website.
Conway Water Aerobics and Fitness Classes
Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center
Address: 700 Salem Road, Conway
Contact: Kyle Shunkey, Aquatics Coordinator 501-450-9292, ext. 308
Aquatic Class Descriptions
- Aqua Amp | 45-minute format | This class offers a strength circuit designed to work all your major muscle groups.
- Aqua Core | 45-minute format | This class is designed to tone and sculpt the body, while strengthening your core.
- Aqua Fit | 45-minute format | This multi-level aqua workout offers both cardiovascular and muscle conditioning, using the waters’ resistance for a full-body workout.
- Aqua ROM+E | 45-minute format | This low impact class will focus on range of motion for the entire body while elevating your heart rate in a controlled manner. Great for beginners or individuals with arthritis and/or fibromyalgia.
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Before you start any aerobics class, it’s always wise to consult your physician.