A few weeks ago, one of the young lifeguards I work with commented about the older ladies living their best aquafit life, and I found myself feeling very defensive on behalf of these women.
They are generally older, having lived through a time when they had no access to credit or even credit records in their own names, and few job opportunities. Many are widows. Some have health conditions that limit their ability to do certain sports. They have a community that meets regularly to exercise while listening to fun music. They really are living their best aquafit life.
Aquafit is coming back into my life almost 40 years after I first tried it in university. It was fun at a time when Jane Fonda and dancercise were all the rage, but fell off my radar as it evolved a low-impact activity that appealed to women my mother’s age.
At our last in-service training, we had to do a mini aquafit class, which I am sure was an attempt to convince some of us to get our instructor qualifications. I surprised myself by realizing
- it’s actually fun; and
- it can be hard work.
Today I joined 349 others plus at least 5 instructors and Santa at the Nepean Sportsplex for Jingle Bell Splash, in an attempt to set a world record for the largest aquafit class, and raise funds for the Ottawa Food Bank. We succeeded!
As we were leaving, my colleague Carine, who is an aquafit instructor, encouraged me to do the training the next time an opportunity arises. Even if I don’t want to teach regularly, there are occasional opportunities to step in when someone needs a replacement.
One of the prerequisites for the instructor course is to have completed at least two aquafit classes. I think I will enjoy that. Maybe I’m finally ready to start living my own best aquafit life.
We could really use more deep-water aquafit instructors in Ottawa.
I love this post—it’s such a thoughtful and compassionate take on the value of activities like aquafit, especially for older adults. It’s easy for people to dismiss these kinds of classes as “light exercise,” but the truth is, they offer incredible benefits, especially for hormonal health and overall well-being.
For men, maintaining regular physical activity like aquafit can play a huge role in managing hormones such as testosterone, which naturally decline with age. Gentle, low-impact exercises that promote circulation and build strength are fantastic for supporting energy levels, mood, and even metabolic health. Plus, the community aspect of aquafit adds a layer of mental well-being—reducing stress, boosting endorphins, and keeping cortisol in check, which is crucial for men and women alike.
I also appreciate how you highlight the historical context of the older women in your class. It’s a powerful reminder that fitness isn’t about flashy trends or extreme workouts; it’s about finding something that works for you and helps you feel your best, regardless of age or circumstances.
And I have to agree—aquafit is way more challenging than people expect! It’s proof that you don’t have to go hard at the gym to get a solid workout. Thanks for sharing this perspective and championing an inclusive approach to fitness—it’s inspiring!