Exercising in water is a fantastic way to keep fit as it gets your heart rate up without putting a strain on your body. Water is 800 times denser than air, giving a high level of resistance to increase the intensity of your workout. The water also gives you the benefit of cushioning your joints and reducing any strain on them, so it’s perfect if you have any mobility issues.
Book one of our aqua fitness classes today. Not a member? You can still access our online system by setting up a free pay-as-you-go profile.
Starting to Swim
We understand it can be daunting learning to swim when you’re older, and our course starts with the basics to help you with this. You will learn the foundation skills you need to be able to swim. Once you have mastered these, then we help you learn to enjoy the water and develop your swimming strokes. Some of you learn to swim purely for pleasure, and some so you can join in with your children; whatever your motivation, we will support you with your goals.
View our lesson term dates here
Suitable For : Beginners
Class Duration : 1 hour
When : Tuesday evenings
Equipment Needed : Towel, Swimming Costume
Cost : £50.00 per month (Via Direct Debit)
Memberships Included : None
Improving your Technique
If you can already swim and would like to improve your swimming technique, then our improvers course is perfect. You will develop your stroke and breathing techniques to give you a more effective and efficient stroke. At the start of the course you will be able to swim short distances but as you improve your strokes and breathing you will be able to swim further than before.
View our lesson term dates here
Suitable For : Intermediate
Class Duration : 1 hour
When : Tuesday evenings
Equipment Needed : Towel, Swimming Costume
Cost : £50.00 per month (Via Direct Debit)
Memberships Included : None
Master your Technique
If you can already swim, but want to advance your technique further, then our advance classes are perfect for you. At this level you will focus on stroke technique, using swimming drills to practice the four swimming strokes. Our instructors will lead you through the class, working on swim sets that will help you to develop and increase your swimming fitness and endurance.
Suitable For : Improvers/Advanced
Class Duration : 1 hour
When : Tuesday evenings
Equipment Needed : None
Cost : £50.00 per month (via Direct Debit)
Memberships Included : PAYGO
Hints ‘N’ Tips
Looking to improve your swimming? Whether you want to learn to breathe to both sides when swimming front crawl or fancy trying butterfly but don’t know where to start, this session gives you the opportunity to get some help and advice on your swimming technique from our Swim Academy instructors.
Operating as part of a normal lane swimming session but with an instructor on the poolside, this session takes place every Tuesday, 19:30-20:45, and from September the session will also take place on a Wednesday, 12:45-14:15. This is a drop-in session, so you can choose how long you want to swim for.
No need to book – just turn up & start improving your swimming!
Slow, Medium & Fast lanes will be available. Normal lane swimming will still be available for those who do not want additional help.
Suitable For : Must be able to swim 4 consecutive lengths
Class Duration : 1 hour 15 minutes
When : Tuesdays, 19:30-20:45 / Wednesdays 12:45-14:15
Equipment Needed : Drink, Towel, Swimming Costume
Memberships Included : Full, Swim
Aqua Aerobics
Our Aqua Aerobics classes provide a great cardio workout within the shallow parts of the pool. Whilst waist-deep in the pool, work against the resistance of the water to strengthen your whole body under the reassurance that your joints and muscles are protected from any high-impact exercises. Challenging yourself in our Aqua Aerobics class will also work to improve your cardiovascular system. A great workout for all abilities!
Suitable For : Anyone aged 14+
Class Duration : 45 minutes
Equipment Needed : Towel
Memberships Included : Full, Classes, PAYGO
Deep Water Aqua Classes
If you love Aqua Aerobics and want to take it to the next level, then this fun session comes with an added challenge. You’ll need to be able to swim for our Deep Water Aqua Aerobics as, unlike the Aqua Aerobic classes, this workout takes place in the deep section of our pool. Work against the resistance of the water to strengthen your whole body under the reassurance that your joints and muscles are protected from any high-impact exercises.
Suitable For : Anyone aged 14+
Class Duration : 45 minutes
Equipment Needed : Towel
Memberships Included : Full, Classes, PAYGO
1:1 Swimming Lessons
Some children (and adults) need more individual attention to help them develop their swimming skills. We offer 1:1 lessons for children or adults who want more support with either learning to swim or improving their swimming. Our friendly instructors help you build your confidence and develop your breathing and swimming techniques so you become a more confident and proficient swimmer. Alongside our 1:1 sessions, we also offer the option of 2:1 for siblings or friends close in ability.
Suitable For : Anyone
Class Duration : 30 minutes
Equipment Needed : Towel, Swimming Costume
Cost : 1:1 – £23.50 per session, 2:1 – £30.00 per session (£14.50 per person)
Memberships Included : None
The benefits of aqua aerobics classes
Aqua aerobics and swim classes offer several benefits for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Here are some of the key advantages of participating in aqua aerobics classes:
Low-impact exercise
Water provides natural resistance and buoyancy, making aqua aerobics a low-impact form of exercise. This reduces stress on the joints, making it an excellent choice for individuals with joint problems, arthritis, or those recovering from injuries.
Cardio and strength training
Aqua aerobics combines cardio and strength exercises. The water’s resistance creates a challenging workout for both the heart and muscles, improving overall fitness and promoting muscle toning. It engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a balanced workout for the entire body, including the core, arms, legs, and cardiovascular system.
Increased flexibility
The buoyancy of water allows for a greater range of motion during exercises, helping to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Suitable for all fitness levels
Aqua aerobics can be tailored to various fitness levels, making it suitable for beginners, seniors, and individuals with physical limitations or chronic conditions.
By incorporating aqua aerobics into your fitness routine, you can enjoy a safe, low-impact workout that improves overall health and well-being while reducing the risk of injury.
Is aqua aerobics good for you?
Aqua aerobics is an excellent form of exercise that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
Aqua aerobics and water fitness classes are highly effective workouts when it comes to burning calories. The natural resistance provided by water requires your muscles to work harder, leading to increased calorie expenditure. Additionally, the buoyancy of water allows for a greater range of motion, enabling you to perform exercises that would be difficult or impossible on land.
These classes also have a positive impact on mental health. The soothing and relaxing nature of water can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. The social aspect of participating in group classes also contributes to improved mental health by fostering a sense of community.
Can you do aqua aerobics when pregnant?
Aqua aerobics is an excellent form of exercise for expectant mothers, offering numerous benefits for both the mother and the developing baby.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes, making traditional land-based exercises more challenging and potentially risky. Aqua aerobics provides a safe and low-impact alternative that minimises the strain on joints and muscles. The buoyancy of water supports the body’s weight, reducing the pressure on the spine and joints, which can be particularly beneficial as the baby grows and the mother’s centre of gravity shifts.
The water’s natural resistance provides a gentle yet effective resistance training component, helping to maintain muscle tone and strength throughout the pregnancy.
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program during pregnancy. They can provide guidance on the appropriate intensity level and any potential modifications or precautions to consider.
Book a swim fitness class
For swim class and water fitness classes, book online here or phone the Bluecoat Sports Centre on 01403 247572.
Regular water fitness classes run at various times during the week, so there is bound to be a session that suits you. Visit our pool timetable to find our up-to-date class information. We also run an adult swim academy, senior swim times, and many kids’ swim classes. Don’t forget that you can also relax and unwind after a strenuous water fitness class in our state-of-the-art Sauna in Horsham!
Learn more about swimming at Bluecoat Sports
- Discovering The Benefits Of Swimming: A Comprehensive Guide
- When Can Babies Go Swimming?
- Kids Activities At Bluecoat Sports