water aerobics

i started a water aerobics class last week. i've heard from many friends that these classes are great and thus far i've really enjoyed it. it's nice because it's all ladies so i don't feel overly body-conscious (except one time this older guy came and i felt like it was a little weird). plus there are two or three other pregnant women in the class so it's fun to chat and swap stories and such. here i am at 20-weeks pregnant, getting pumped about my first day of class:


i go three times a week for about an hour each time. there are two different instructors so i get a good variety: one of the instructors is pretty mild and does a lot of calisthetics. the other is sort of intense, which i like, because i work harder and i feel like i'm getting a better workout. we do both shallow and deep water, so again, that adds to variety. overall i'd say it's pretty good cardio and toning without being overly strenuous. and a perk: it's nice that the water makes me feel almost weightless (note the manatee photo below).

i have to admit, sometimes i feel a little goofy jumping around the pool like a frog or doing the can-can under water, but to be honest that's part of the appeal for me. it's goofy and fun; i feel like a little kid splashing around in the water; and i get a great workout. here's how i feel after i finish a class:

hopefully this class will help me in my quest to stay fit and healthy so i can lose the baby weight soon after the baby comes. even if not, i have a good time.