Health

5 Aquatic Workouts in DC

Tone up while staying cool with these water-based fitness classes.

Give your joints a break and stay cool by taking advantage of the many aquatic workouts available in Washington. Photograph via Shutterstock.

With every day this week predicted to top 90 degrees, we totally get it if you can’t bear that outdoor run or workout. And since Washington has yet to get its own Aqua cycling studio (representatives told Well+Being there are no plans to open one in DC at the moment), consider these five fitness classes your best options for water-based workouts. They’ll keep you cool while still getting you in tip-top shape.

Aqua Boot Camp, Pilates, and Aerobics at YMCA 
Schedule varies
YMCA Silver Spring offers eight different adult water fitness classes, including its most intense class, Aqua Boot Camp. Other programs include Deep Water Aerobics, which involves endurance and strength-training in deep water, and Pilates Circuits Water Aerobics, where you perform Pilates moves adapted for water. Program prices vary for nonmembers.

Aquafitness at Washington DC JCC 
Monday and Thursday at 6:45 PM
A fun one-hour workout in the pool. Your aching joints will love a break from pounding the pavement. $8 for nonmembers.

Aquatics at Balance Gym 
Schedule varies
Balance Gym’s newest location in Foggy Bottom offers its aquatics class in a saltwater lap pool. While submerged, your workout will involve resistance and interval training, cardio, and stretching. $20 for nonmembers.

Aqua Babies and Masters Swimming at Sport & Health 
Schedule varies
Eleven Sport & Health locations offer various swimming programs, including Aqua Babies, which teaches new parents how to safely work with their babies in the water. Masters classes are also offered at all locations for serious adult swimmers looking to improve their stroke and overall performance. Fingers crossed the Crystal Park location brings back its Indoor Sprint Triathlon class, which starts with a swim in the 25-yard heated pool and finishes with cycling and sprint portions. Prices vary for nonmembers.

Aqua Zumba at Washington Sports Club Columbia Heights 
Wednesday at 8 PM
Dance your way through this water-based Zumba class at Washington Sports Club in Columbia Heights. You’ll improve your cardio endurance, tone your muscles, and work up a sweat to heart-pumping music. $30 for a day pass; $15 if you come with a member.

You Might Also Like:

How to Make the Most of Your Beach Run

5 Outdoor Fitness Classes in DC

A Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running