Into the Deep

Posted by Amy Baranski

***Update: read Out of the Deep for a summary of my first lap swim!***

Since there's no water aerobics class offered on Fridays at my local pool I considered trying lap swim this past week.

Lap swim intimidates me. 

It makes me think of really strong and long people with amazing bodies (not just to look at but in the cardiovascular sense).

Swimming seems easier to me now that I'm older, but I'll never forget the Herculean effort it took during middle school swim class to finish laps. Maybe I was doing it wrong? Or maybe the other students were counting their laps incorrectly, which I repeated to myself in class often enough to remember that mantra 20 years later. Just thinking about lap swim takes me out of my comfort zone.

That's exactly why I'm going to try it.

I skipped the pool on Friday, but on Saturday I bused there for the 10:00 a.m. water exercise class. I showed up early. So early that I got to take a snapshot of the locker room without looking like a total creep. It was empty.

Obligatory locker room shot.

The Saturday morning class is not Hydrofit nor Aqua Jog. It takes place in the shallow end and constitutes a lot of undignified jumping up and down. You have moderate impact with the bottom of the pool. If you don't feel it at the time you certainly do the next day. It was an interesting class with a 50-65+ year-old set. But I did not like the jumping up and down so much; it did not feel so great on my belly.

The entire time I kept staring at the lap swimmers, like they were the cool seniors while I was just starting freshman year.

They were at the other end of the pool and my whole water aerobics class experience morphed into this mental obsession, needing to know if you had to be able to execute a flip turn in order to swim in the lanes. I saw many of the swimmers somersaulting underwater and emerging towards the opposite end of the pool from whence they came. I saw several lanes designated by the words fast, medium, easy, very easy. I was relieved to see the last label, but when I studied that lane it did not look very easy. I have no idea if I'll be able to make it one length of the pool and back, but I really want to try. I actually only want to try in a completely private setting so no one can see me.

It would be OK if a lifeguard were on duty. 

Other than that I'd prefer no one with better athletic ability to be around. Even though those are the exact people you want in the pool with you. It's silly but it makes me uncomfortable to even think about it. So I'm going to do it. There's even a session tomorrow morning at 6:30...

Exercising While Pregnant

Posted by Amy Baranski

Taking on 12 new things for our blog this year, in addition to being pregnant for the first time, did make me think what the hell am I doing? I decided to take advantage of our blog's format to accomplish things I've been dying to do before baby arrives. It provides a framework for my mental and physical preparation for baby's big debut.

I purposefully picked activities to complement my 12 exciting months of 2012. This month we are taking the plunge with water aerobics! I have always loved the water, specifically being in water. Fresh water, salt water, even pool water. Will my baby love water too?

I joined the fun last Friday at the hydrofit deep water exercise class at Green Lake Park. While baby works out in utero I jumped into an 85 degree pool for some hydrofitness. I adore experiencing new things with my baby already. Squee!

Aerobic exercise during pregnancy?

Old beliefs and lack of scientific research have led many people to think it's bad for pregnant women to practice aerobic exercise. The guidelines published by the ACOG (American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology) actually recommend 30 minutes of it a day! Always consult your doctor or midwife before starting any new work out routine. Each woman carries her own set risks and needs.

Read ACOG's FAQ on exercising while pregnant, and bookmark their site for general gynecological health awareness for you and or your teen girl. Lastly, monitor your heart rate during aerobic exercise. This practice is good in general. Use a tool like the Mayo Clinic online heart rate calculator to see what your target range is. Ask all questions and air all concerns with your health care provider before starting something new.

Is hydrofit deep water exercise okay for me and my baby?

I had the same question the night before my first class and texted my friend Ann for advice. She said I could totally do it. After going, I agree! If health care provider encourages moderate exercise during your pregnancy water aerobics such as hydrofit deep water may be right for you. Take the plunge.

Hydrofit is a class offered by Seattle Parks and Recreation. Their website describes it thus:

"This non-impact deep water class incorporates muscular strengthening, aerobics conditioning, and abdominal toning exercises. In it you'll use flotation equipment for buoyancy and water resistance. Participants should be comfortable in deep water."

You may find a similar class in your area. The class lasts for 45 minutes and entails jogging, sidestroke, abdominal stretches, otter rolls, and weight lifting. It's an amazing non-impact work out.

Ten tips I learned from hydrofit class:

1. There may be two classes going on at one time at either end of the pool. 
2. Choose which one to join. 
3. Shallow end classes have more impact on your joints. 
4. Deep water classes are non-impact.
5. In either you can work at your own speed and level.
6. Before getting in the pool find the instructor let him/her know you're pregnant.
7. Secure your flotation belt above your bump.
8. Grab two hand weights and set them on the edge of the pool.
9. Bring a water bottle and keep it by the side of the pool.
10. The class moves in a circle; try not to bump into people.
11. Talking in class is totally okay!

Remember that moderate exercise is important during pregnancy it can help with your over health maintenance, labor, and beyond. Talk to friends with babies, mommas-to-be, your doc or midwife, and find what works for you. I love water aerobics so far and would say give it a try!