Aquafit is a great activity but I am having complicated feelings about it.
I first enjoyed aquafit way back in university, in the early 1980s. It was a deep water class, almost like HIIT but in the water.
Now that I’m lifeguarding, I notice a very different dynamic. These days, it’s almost all older white women, many of them with mobility issues, judging by the poolside collection of canes and walkers.
At best, there about 30% men in a class, but that’s rare. Usually the ratio is closer to one in 10 (or none at all) in the classes I guard. People of Colour equally rare, as are people under the age of what I’m guessing is about 50.
Why is that?
Generally, aquafit is pitched to older women, with popular American music from the 60s and 70s. While a few older men may join in, it often seems to be because they are addressing a specific medical issue or recovering from surgery. But no younger, fitter men join, perhaps because it is perceived as a “women’s” activity. People of colour, who are often newer immigrants in my area, may not feel a connection to the music that the majority loves to sing along to.
The timing of classes could also be an issue. They are offered during the day, when retired people are more likely to be available. Earlier and later in the day there is competition for pool time with swim clubs and lane swims, possibly because because more of those swimmers have to get to work or school.
We could change the perception of aquafit as being an easy, social activity for elderly women. Some places do offer intensive aquafit, but it doesn’t seem to be an option where I live.
Or maybe I could just learn to accept that these women enjoy having their own space, where they can sing, or chat, or work as hard as they want. This Guardian article has a lovely description of the joys of aquafit.
Maybe not every sport needs to be all things to all people.
Or maybe we need to have more male or visible minority, instructors and more classes at times that work well for the people who currently aren’t participating.
Or maybe we just need more sports facilities. I can dream…
Interesting. In my gym there are three distinct aquafit demographics–older women, injured women, and pregnant women. The older women are the “anchor” group because they come all the time. It’s not all white women though. I think because it’s in the women only pool there is a pretty good representation of women whose religions and cultures restrict being in bathing suits around men.
As an older woman who has taken precisely one aquafit/water aerobics class ever, but whose sister loves it…I think it is bound to attract older people because we are more likely to have limited motion and/or pain that water can help with. Where I live, a continuing care community, the classes are mostly women, but they are about as mixed in ethnic background as is the entire community. I’m in Silicon Valley near San Francisco, so a large Asian population. Maybe that’s a more local thing – the people who found it brought their friends along, and they tended to be more similar in background? Just a guess.
I don’t do it because I am too busy with my bike and hiking and a bit of running and dance classes and strength training and yoga – basically, I really only look forward to water activity where there’s a good coral reef & a mask & snorkel waiting. I am guessing that it’s just easier for many of us to hop on the bike or head out for a walk than it is to change into a swimsuit. Plus there are more options & perhaps more flexible times if we do something that isn’t a class. And as you mention, retired people have more flexible schedules.
But, if anyone here was considering it, don’t let the apparent ease make you think it won’t do anything for you. The one I took (was visiting with my sister at a health spa) left me with sore places I hadn’t known existed. And I had ridden my bike 75 miles easily the previous day in preparation for a charity ride of 500 miles in 5 days. However it may appear, it will definitely make you stronger!
There are also hair issues, esp in classes where there’s splashing. I say that as a sometimes, splasher. https://www.femestella.com/how-black-girl-hair-prevents-black-girls-from-working-out/