Making a Splash: Aquafit for Beginners

Walking into a new fitness class can feel daunting. You might be wondering where to go, what the moves will be like, or whether everyone else will already know what they’re doing. If that’s putting you off trying aquafit, there’s good news: you don’t need to know how to swim to take part.

At Village Health and Wellness, aquafit is another name for our Aqua Aerobics class – a low-impact, full-body workout in the pool that combines cardio, toning and stretching with music. Whether you’re completely new to exercise, returning after a break or simply looking for a gentler way to get moving, our Aqua Aerobics classes are designed for all fitness levels.

Here’s what aquafit means, what happens in your first class, who it suits and how to get started at Village Gym.

What is aquafit?

So, what is aquafit? In simple terms, aquafit and aqua aerobics are the same thing – “aquafit” is simply a shorter way of describing a water-based fitness class.

Unlike swimming, there are no lengths to complete and no strokes to master. Village Gym’s Aqua Aerobics class takes place in the heated pool and combines aerobic movements with toning and stretching. Expect a mix of aqua Zumba-inspired moves, stretch-based water yoga and aqua jogging, all set to music. 

The workout is designed to get your heart rate up while the water provides natural resistance. In fact, water is around 800 times denser than air, creating around 12 times more resistance. That means your muscles have to work against the water as you move, without needing to lift heavy weights. 

The result? A full-body workout that’s easier on your joints while still giving you plenty to get your teeth into.

What to expect in your first aquafit class

If you’ve never tried an aquafit class before, knowing what happens can make that first step much easier.

First things first: you don’t need to be able to swim. Village Gym’s Aqua Aerobics is performed in standing-depth water, so there’s no swimming involved. You’ll be following the instructor from the pool rather than making your way up and down a lane.

For your first session, bring comfortable swimwear, a towel and a bottle of water. A swim cap is optional, but can be useful if you have longer hair. We also recommends a light snack afterwards to help you refuel.

Once the class begins, your instructor will guide you through a warm-up before building into cardio and toning movements. You’ll work through a mixture of exercises designed to get you moving, with stretching and a cool-down bringing the session to a more relaxed finish.

And don’t worry about getting every move perfect. The instructor demonstrates what to do, and you can take movements at your own pace. If something feels too challenging, simply scale it back. The aim is to get moving, enjoy yourself and build confidence in the water, not to keep up with someone else.

The benefits of aquafit

There’s a reason water-based workouts have become such a popular part of the fitness routine. Aquafit benefits come from combining movement with the natural resistance and buoyancy of water.

At Village Gym, Aqua Aerobics is designed to help build muscle strength, improve cardiovascular fitness and enhance lung function. Because you’re working against the resistance of the water, you can challenge your muscles without the same impact you might experience with some land-based exercises. 

The water’s buoyancy also helps support your body, making Aqua Aerobics a lower-impact option that’s easier on your joints. That makes it particularly appealing if you’re returning to exercise, looking for a change from your usual gym routine or simply prefer a workout that feels a little kinder to your body.

There’s a social side, too. Exercising alongside other people, with an instructor and music to keep you moving, can make it easier to stay motivated and turn exercise into something you look forward to.

So, is aquafit good exercise? Absolutely. It brings together cardio, resistance and movement in one enjoyable, accessible class.

Aquafit for over-50s and joint health

If you’re looking for aquafit for seniors or a workout that’s kinder to your joints, Aqua Aerobics could be a great place to start.

The key advantage is the water itself. Its buoyancy supports your body as you move, reducing the amount of weight-bearing strain placed on your joints. 

Gentle, regular movement can also help you maintain strength, mobility and confidence as you get older. For anyone searching for aqua aerobics for arthritis, the low-impact nature of exercising in water can make it an appealing alternative to higher-impact activities.

Just as importantly, you don’t need to arrive with a certain level of fitness or previous class experience. Aqua Aerobics is suitable for beginners, so you can work at a comfortable pace and build from there. 

And because it’s a group class, you get the added benefit of being around other people. Sometimes keeping active is about more than the workout itself – it’s about finding something you enjoy and want to keep coming back to.

Find out more about Village Health and Wellness memberships and discover the options available at your local club.

How many calories does aquafit burn?

If you’re wondering about aquafit calories burned, our Aqua Aerobics class is estimated to burn 400–500 calories per hour, according to the Aquatic Exercise Association. 

That’s a useful guide, but your individual calorie burn will vary. Your body weight, how hard you work and the amount of resistance involved can all make a difference.

The water itself plays an important role, too. Moving through water requires more effort than making the same movements in air, thanks to its natural resistance.

If weight loss is your goal, the biggest difference comes from making Aqua Aerobics part of a regular, balanced exercise routine rather than focusing on the calories burned in one individual class.

Getting started at Village Gym

Ready to give aquafit a go? Our Aqua Aerobics is a great place to start if you want a steady, low-impact pool workout. Compared with Aqua Zumba, which is a more dance-led, party-style workout combining low- and high-intensity moves, Aqua Aerobics puts more emphasis on a balanced mix of cardio, toning and stretching.

And if you’re tempted by Float Fit, that’s a different kind of challenge altogether, combining higher-intensity and yoga-inspired movements on a floating board. 

For your first aquafit class, check the timetable at your local Village Health and Wellness Club before setting off, as class availability varies between clubs. Then simply book your Aqua Aerobics session and get ready to make a splash.

For more information and to find your local class, visit the Aqua Aerobics page.

FAQs

Do you need to know how to swim for aquafit?

No. You don’t need to be able to swim to take part in Village Gym’s Aqua Aerobics class. The workout takes place in standing-depth water, so there are no swimming strokes or lengths involved.

What should I wear to an aquafit class?

Wear comfortable swimwear that allows you to move freely. Bring a towel and a bottle of water, and wear a swim cap if you prefer.We also recommend bringing a light snack to refuel afterwards. 

Is aquafit good for weight loss?

It can be a useful part of a weight-loss routine. Village Gym estimates that an hour of Aqua Aerobics burns around 400–500 calories, although the exact amount varies from person to person. Regular attendance, alongside a balanced diet and wider active lifestyle, is more important than the calorie burn from one session. 

Is aquafit suitable for people with arthritis or joint pain?

The low-impact nature of Aqua Aerobics can make it a suitable option for people who want to exercise while reducing weight-bearing strain on their joints. Village Gym highlights the class as being easier on the joints and suitable for seniors and beginners. 

If you have an existing condition, persistent pain or concerns about starting a new exercise routine, it’s sensible to speak to your GP or healthcare professional first.

What’s the difference between aquafit and Aqua Zumba?

At Village Gym, Aqua Aerobics is the steadier, all-round water workout, combining cardio, toning and stretching. Aqua Zumba is more dance-led, using Latin-inspired movements and a mixture of low- and high-intensity exercises to create a more energetic pool-party feel. 

I’ve kept the copy deliberately reassuring for beginners and avoided making the piece sound like a generic “10 benefits of water aerobics” article. One point I’d recommend checking with the Village team before publishing is the “standing-depth water throughout / instructor demonstrates every move” wording, as those details were in your brief but aren’t explicitly stated on the current national Aqua Aerobics page.