When your workout is a pool party: water aerobics in West Hollywood
Readers have asked for a class that would suit older people or those recovering from an injury. This class works for those groups, and it works for everyone else too. It’s water aerobics, this one at the West Hollywood Pool, part of that city’s recreation program.
I tried this class on a crazy hot morning, but the class runs all year in the city’s lovely heated outdoor pool. The teacher, Tina Noori-jah, incorporated some yoga moves and exercises normally done on dry ground for a low-impact workout that targets arms and legs as well as the core. You don’t need to know how to swim.
West Hollywood Pool, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, lat.ms/1K5lHBZ
Aura
Tina Noori-Jah teaches a water fitness class at the West Hollywood Pool.
Noori-jah, who graduated from nursing school in May, says she grew up swimming at the pool and was a coach there. She’s enthusiastic and patient, and it’s a real relief to be in class with people who are not all perfectly proportioned in their Lulumon gear. People sang along with some of the songs, which included hip-hop, the Beatles and Stevie Wonder. About 30 people take the class, offered weekdays.
Effort
Up to you. Noori-jah recommended standing in water up to my chest. But the deeper you stand, the harder the workout. The dumbbells and bands used for some exercise also come in different difficulty levels. When she told us to “jog” across the pool, a couple of participants barely strolled, while others made waves. By the end, my arms had had a really good workout.
Style
Encouraging and easygoing. It’s a beautifully kept outdoor pool, in a park, with showers and lap swim times available most days. The pool is heated to 81 degrees.
Cost
One class is $4 for residents, $6 for non-residents, and $3 for seniors, with packages available.
Please email me, or contact me on Twitter @mmacvean, if you have ideas for classes I should try.
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