keep moving, but add in an extra splash of fun

Tuesday & Thursdays are my hard core workout days with Claire, and then I try to get to the gym on Saturday on my own to do it again. This gives me three days in a week where I get a gym workout in.

I'm still sore after each of these visits, so it can be hard to get my butt moving on the in-between days. That's why I look for other activities that will get me moving and bump up my heart-rate but still seem like fun.

Wednesday nights I visit the trusty Y and attend an aqua-jogging class (also known as water running or H2O fitness). Seriously - this class is a blast and had the bonus of being an amazing workout. We put on special belts that give us some extra flotation in the water, and attach bungee cords at the back so we can tether ourselves to the lane markers in the pool. Then our super energized (but not peppy) instructor leads us through 45 minutes of activities, alternating every minute between running and other movements like cross-country skiing, jumping jacks, flutter kicks or dolphin kicks, to name just a few. My heart rate gets up in the first 5 minutes and stays there. It's a low-impact workout, so perfect if you are recovering from and injury, or your joints need a break.

I thought the class would be really old, but on my first visit last fall I was surprised to discover that it was a great mix of ages, from 20s - 70s. Mainly woman, though - I think the most men I've seen there have been 3 (aside from the instructor). And if anyone is feeling like they are embarrassed to be out in a swimsuit - note that they close to pool down so the only people who might be around are those lazing in the warm wading pool - usually parents with a young tot or two.

So this is where I'll be tonight - running my heart out underwater. Wearing one of these super nifty belts:

Up next - the activity that lets you accessorize with bangles and bells!