Pop into one of our YMCA pools and you'll likely see a few different things going on. You'll find lap swimmers, first-time swimmers, floaters, and...dancers? You may be catching up to Aqua Dance Blast, one of the Y's best-kept group exercise secrets. Currently offered at Franklin, Robertson County, Clarksville and Bellevue YMCAs, Aqua Dance Blast is an upbeat way to get a full-body workout in the water.
Why members love it
Jan Taylor, Aqua Dance Blast instructor at Franklin Family YMCA, loves to teach this water cardio class because "anyone can do it. You don't have to know how to dance, and there's no judgment based on skill." While many seniors love to get moving in this class because of the little-to-no joint impact, Aqua Dance Blast is open to anyone up for trying something new. In fact, it's also a great choice for folks recovering from an injury or those looking to add increased resistance to their workout.
What to expect
You'll be moving around to choreographed dances with exciting music in this energetic class. Jan teaches on the pool deck to make sure everyone can see. "The water is a great equalizer for all fitness levels," Jan says. "My playlist includes songs from a variety of genres." She loves to get participants moving to hits like Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" and Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline."
You can burn between 300-400 calories in an Aqua Dance Blast class. You'll get 35 minutes of non-stop cardio, joint-cushioning aqua dance, and a community of new friends who encourage you to hit those moves confidently. "Smiling and laughing included!" Jan emphasizes.
For beginners, Aqua Dance Blast is a great fit. You'll be about chest-deep in water and surrounded by people of all ages and fitness levels. Just bring your swimsuit, a good attitude and a willingness to try. Find an Aqua Dance Blast class near you and get movin' and groovin' in the water!