Water Aerobics: A Fat Girls Guide to Taking the Plunge

One of my clients, who has Downs Syndrome, needed to find an exercise program that would help her become fit without hurting her joints. We looked into water aerobics as an option for her. As her staff I would need to assist her while in the water and I went into a blind panic once we received the go ahead from her physician.

I had to do the one thing I avoided for 15 years, shop for a swimsuit. I was not happy. Did they even make a suit in my size? I was hoping not as I had a vision of bouncing bikinis and for some reason Jane Fonda was teaching the class.

After talking myself out of Hari Kari in the middle of a local department store, a woman suggested I try a specialty swimsuit store that sells only suits that are made for use in chlorinated pools and had full figured sizes. I thanked her after I got over the urge to shove her size 10 suit down her throat.

Yes they really do make swimsuits that will fit a 214 lb woman, as well as a variety of other sizes. I can't tell you how it looked, as I tried it on with my eyes closed but was told it was full figure flattering. All of the suits there are made for use within pools and I was told my suit would last me for at least a year. For the price I paid, it had better last me till my youngest goes off to collage and he was 7 years old at the time.

Before you run away screaming, here are some are a few facts about the benefits of Water Aerobics. It made me hold off from bolting out the door.

· Just one hour of Water aerobics can burn anywhere from 450 to 790 calories! If you are combining it with a healthy diet, you're having pure fat loss.

· Over weight people can do more types of movements while within the pool then they can on dry land. All with out the stress on the joints as the water helps support you.

· You are giving you heart a cardiovascular work out and with a good routine it will work every major muscle within your body.

· The water adds resistance to your movements, in a sneaky way, so you are really working out more efficiently and don't even feel it!