This story was created for Ideal Image by #ThisIsTucson. Thanks for supporting the brands that support us!
It's so hard to stay motivated to exercise in the summer, when all you want to do is sit in front of the AC vent with a cold beverage.
That's why we (Angela and Alicia) decided to try a water aerobics class. The deep end one, of course.
You might think older ladies when you think of this class (and you wouldn't be wrong), but you can definitely tone up doing this workout and it's much easier on your body.
In fact, we think more young people should give it a shot.
If nothing else, you can feel like this for an hour:
Some background
• Angela is a fairly active 42-year-old mama. She hits the gym at least three times a week where she runs on the treadmill, lifts weights and takes classes. She has most recently fallen in love with yoga and Zumba and enjoys the post-workout zen she feels after a good sweat session.
Cheese!
• Alicia is a somewhat active 22-year-old. She does her recommended 30-minute elliptical workouts three times a week. She loves workouts that will make her sweat a lot and butt workouts.
On the studio
Angela: We took the class at the Lohse Family YMCA downtown. Our studio was the pool. The water felt glorious not too cold and not too warm. And it was clean.
We kind of wondered why the lifeguard was wearing shoes and socks.
Alicia: We were at the Lohse YMCA downtown, so it was a quick walk from our downtown office. The pool took us forever to find. You have to take secret passageways and stairs to get to it.
I’d never been to this pool ever so I was surprised to see that it’s a shaded pool. And thank goodness for that, we didn’t have to worry about the sun burning us.
On the class
Angela: The instructor Margaret was super sweet and did a good job keeping the class going even though half of the ladies were not paying much attention. Of course, they were regulars and probably already knew the routine.
The class was in the deep end, so you either had to tread water the whole time while doing the movements or you could opt to use a floaty that straps around your waist. Since it was our first time there, we used the floaty.
During the first half of the class I felt like it was dragging a little, but once we got out the hand weights it was fun and challenging. Doing bicep curls in the water creates a lot of resistance!
It was fun to try something totally different. And while it didn't feel super hard while we were in the middle of it, we definitely felt it afterwards. The stairs were hard and we were starving!
Alicia: Not gonna lie, it was pretty lame at first. We did the same things over and over again and my floaty was pulling me in the wrong direction. That’s until we started using the weights (they’re not like real weights, they’re styrofoam but it was hard pulling them underwater). Angela and I looked at each other in fear of the bicep curls the instructor had us do. Speaking of the instructor, she was so pleasant. She’s a super sweet kid who probably couldn’t tell I was actually crying because of the pool water on my face.
PRO TIP: Want to take the class to the next level? Do it without a strappable floaty. That’s a whole lot of dog paddling.
This class kicked my butt when we moved on to the harder and more aerobic part. Now I’m sitting at my desk writing this and I feel so swole.
Would you go again?
Angela: I would! Like I said above, I think more younger people should try it. You feel good being in the water and my muscles definitely feel like they worked out.
Alicia: Now that I know we can use six guest passes in a year, I might go back to the YMCA. Maybe I’ll try shallow water aerobics — I might like touching the pool floor a little more. I really liked swimming before heading into work so I will definitely be doing that. It just wakes you up and keeps you alert.
The pool was lovely
Class details
What: Water Aerobics Deep
When: 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Where: Lohse Family YMCA, 60 W. Alameda Street
Cost: You can download a free pass, which is good for the whole facility, six times in a year. After that, you can buy a day pass for $10 per day if you don't want to purchase a membership.
Ideal Image has performed more than 5 million laser hair removal treatments since 2001 and its Tucson location is moving to better serve Southern Arizona. Come to Ideal Image's grand opening Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at 4343 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 189 — on the southwest corner of Wetmore and Oracle next to Chuze Fitness! Enjoy refreshments, exclusive pricing, free consultations and enter to win fun prizes.
Ideal Image has performed more than 5 million laser hair removal treatments since 2001 and its Tucson location is moving to better serve South…
