Looking for a high-energy way to get a low-impact workout? Search no further than water aerobics. Metro Atlanta offers lots of options in all sorts of settings, from posh clubs to easy-access community centers. Here are a few to consider:
1515 Sheridan Road NE, Atlanta. 404-325-2700. wellbridge.com/athletic-club-northeast.
For the fitness buff, ACN offers a 60-minute water fitness class that involves cardiovascular and sculpting in the pool. Then there's Aqua Recovery, which is considered soothing and effective exercise for those dealing with arthritis or similar ailments.
8 Concourse Parkway, Sandy Springs. 770-698-2000. wellbridge.com/concourse-athletic-club/sandy-springs/.
The club's 25-meter heated, indoor saline swimming pool is the year-round setting for group classes. Two aerobic options include Aqua Zumba and Aqua Recovery for individuals dealing with the pain of arthritis or similar conditions.
2665 North Decatur Road, Decatur. 404-501-2222. dekalbmedical.org/our-services/wellness-center/.
An 18.5-meter indoor heated pool plays host to aqua fitness classes at beginner's through advanced levels. DeKalb also offers low-impact exercises with Arthritis/Arthritis Plus classes designed to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. The classes are conveniently schedules on a variety of weekdays, very early weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.
5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4000. atlantajcc.org.
The Dunwoody MJCAA Aquatic Center welcomes people of all faiths, ages and backgrounds to join the center and take classes at the indoor pool. Water aerobics classes include Silver Sneakers, designed to improve flexibility and cardio endurance; basic and beginner water fitness; and deep water cardio. Most sessions are at noon or 6:30 p.m. weekdays. The center doesn't hold classes on Saturdays but does have a water fit session Sunday mornings.
Piedmont Healthcare Atlanta Fitness Center
2001 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-605-2130, piedmont.org/locations/fitness-centers/atlanta-fitness-center.
This is the place to find the trademark Oh Baby! water aerobics class, which is designed specifically for new and expectant moms, and other water aerobics sessions including water Zumba. Membership rates involve monthly dues.
West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center
4488 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 678-407-8801. Gwinnettcounty.com
All Gwinnett County year-round recreation facilities offer water exercise classes. The West Gwinnett Park center has a healthy sampling, including no-impact, deep water classes with flotation belts and shallow-deep combination classes that are low-impact. In the summer, the center occasionally offers an outdoor class. All the classes feature music. It's a good place to experiment, with drop-in rates for people ages 15 and up (though members pay less per class).
