WEBVTT
00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:40.320
It's hard to say where you can catch up with Jennifer Wenlin because most of the time she's on the road with her husband Mike.
00:00:40.560 --> 00:00:45.840
Maybe you already know the dynamic duo from their podcast, RV Lifestyle.
00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:49.600
Their RV Lifestyle can be seen on YouTube channel.
00:00:49.759 --> 00:00:56.799
They have an RV newsletter, a blog, and a series of best-selling travel guides, planning tools, and checklists.
00:00:57.759 --> 00:01:08.079
They have lived full-time in a recreational vehicle for the past 12 years and have traveled more than 300,000 miles across this great land of ours.
00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:13.840
Jennifer, however, is not only a land lover, she is a creature of the water.
00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:24.879
In fact, she's a certified water aerobics instructor, and she's going to spend some time with us diving in, so to speak, to the merits of water aerobics for our health.
00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:30.959
Personally, I have never tried it, but I think after today's things may change.
00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:40.000
We talk about health benefits of water exercise here because health is a main pillar of decluttering 55 plus with Michelle Pasoff.
00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:47.760
It is at the very foundation of aging powerfully in this new era of aging where we're living longer and better than ever before.
00:01:48.000 --> 00:02:00.799
In addition to eating and exercising right on the show, we talk about technology, memoirs, relationships, where to live and what to do in retirement, financial and legal matters, and even pre-planning final arrangements.
00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:07.680
Sometimes these are areas of life that can be challenging to face in one way or the other as the years go by.
00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:12.639
Sweeping them under the carpet to put off another day or forever is an act of cluttering.
00:02:12.879 --> 00:02:25.280
Instead of staying in a state of confusion about things, we bring topics to the table into the light of day to speak about them so that we can help make difficult choices and get into action and get things done.
00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:34.159
In the end, it's our point of view here at Decluttering55 Plus with Michelle Passoff that this will make you stronger, healthier, and happier.
00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:42.639
So let's learn what we can today about water aerobics from Jennifer and discover the benefits to your health of this form of exercise.
00:02:42.879 --> 00:02:43.919
Welcome, Jennifer.
00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:45.199
How are you today?
00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:53.759
I am doing fantastic, and I can't tell you how excited I am to have this opportunity to tell people to get to the pool and to exercise.
00:02:53.919 --> 00:03:02.879
Whether you're a runner or no matter what your background is in exercising, if you've never exercised before, the pool is such a friendly environment.
00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:10.719
So you believe in mixing water aerobics with other kinds of exercise, or do you choose your lane and stay in it?
00:03:11.919 --> 00:03:19.360
Well, uh, how I got started in water aerobics was Mike talked me into joining a gym, which I didn't think I needed.
00:03:19.520 --> 00:03:21.840
But we went to the gym and that was fun.
00:03:22.159 --> 00:03:26.080
And he ran a marathon in 82, a long time ago.
00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:30.800
And uh I ran the last six miles with him, and I thought, well, I like running.
00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:33.759
I I've always loved moving and exercising.
00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:39.759
And then somebody introduced me, they invited me to go to an aqua class, and I thought, well, I'll go try that.
00:03:39.919 --> 00:03:43.439
And then I thought, this is so much fun playing in the water.
00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:57.039
And I used to, when I first started out, I was in the water, and people thought I was a weightlifter because the water, the resistance, using the water correctly to build muscle and tone, it's awesome.
00:03:57.360 --> 00:04:01.919
And so then I the classes got too big, like I'd have 50 people in a class.
00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:09.599
So then I had to stand on deck so that uh everybody could see me, and I had to get a microphone so everybody could hear me.
00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:11.919
And I absolutely loved it.
00:04:12.080 --> 00:04:13.520
It is just so much fun.
00:04:13.680 --> 00:04:16.240
It's it's the perfect place to work out.
00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:21.759
Chest deep, you lose 80% of your body weight, so it's not hard on your joints.
00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:23.680
You can jump around and have fun.
00:04:23.759 --> 00:04:27.199
And the number one rule is you get you gotta have fun.
00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:35.279
I mean, I felt that when I taught a class, it was like I had a party, I invited all these people, and I wanted everybody to have a good time.
00:04:36.399 --> 00:04:39.279
You know, you think of exercise as anything but fun.
00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:43.680
Like sometimes I uh, you know, I we do a lot of walking, my husband and I.
00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:46.879
We live right two blocks from the bay in uh St.
00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:48.160
Petersburg, Florida.
00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:51.120
So that one of our routes is to walk along the bay.
00:04:51.279 --> 00:04:54.800
Our other route is to walk along uh the Gulf of Mexico.
00:04:54.959 --> 00:04:59.120
So we do a lot of walking, and I'm always like going, oh, okay, it's five o'clock.
00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:01.120
That's kind of my time to go walking.
00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:06.160
It's time to go walking, and then I get out there and I go, Oh, that was a bad idea.
00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:09.600
Why don't I why do I think I want to exercise?
00:05:09.759 --> 00:05:12.160
You know, it just doesn't sound like much fun.
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:15.279
But you're saying water aerobics is fun?
00:05:15.920 --> 00:05:19.759
It is fun, and you build friends there.
00:05:19.920 --> 00:05:25.040
And then we used to once a month everybody go out for lunch, so it was a social time.
00:05:25.439 --> 00:05:29.680
And there really is a lot of community building when you do these classes.
00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:32.560
And community, I was very surprised.
00:05:32.800 --> 00:05:34.879
I was very surprised to learn.
00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:44.639
Um, you know, I'm working on uh I'm just finishing up a book on declaring 55 plus, which is all about getting your life in order, not your garage in order.
00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:53.759
And I was surprised to one of the big surprises for me in working on the book was to learn the importance of social connection, especially as you age.
00:05:53.920 --> 00:06:03.439
So uh, and I have heard a neighbor of mine who is a water aerobics uh fanatic say the same thing that you're saying, that um there's a community around it.
00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:05.680
So it's a great way to make friends.
00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:07.199
Tell me more about that.
00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:10.480
Okay, so if you don't come, somebody's gonna miss you.
00:06:10.639 --> 00:06:14.399
If you say, Oh, I can't go because I don't have a ride, oh, I'll give you a ride.
00:06:14.720 --> 00:06:21.120
And you want to see people because I don't know about you, but I consider every person a book and I want to hear the next chapter.
00:06:21.279 --> 00:06:26.160
I want to hear about their life, I want to hear how their kids are doing, I want to hear all this and that and the other thing.
00:06:26.399 --> 00:06:35.120
So it's very social, and that's another problem as an instructor, trying to make it social, but yet make people exercise.
00:06:35.920 --> 00:06:40.639
So, what tell me how long is an exercise class when you do water aerobics?
00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:42.800
It used to be 50 minutes.
00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:48.639
So 50 minutes, and um, how many times a week should you do?
00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:51.600
Should you do it uh how many times a week?
00:06:52.240 --> 00:06:55.439
At least once, but three times you'll benefit more.
00:06:55.600 --> 00:06:58.560
And the hard part, you can't just let it be social.
00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:00.720
It can't just be standing there.
00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.000
You need to work.
00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:08.879
I mean, I was always tell my people, get your heels down, get your knees up, you know, move it forward, back.
00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:19.759
Of course, letting them have permission to take it easy if they need to take it easy, but yeah, pushing them to, you know, to make it count, holding posture, all that.
00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:22.720
I absolutely loved teaching the classes.
00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:26.079
And I taught everywhere, everywhere in the Detroit area.
00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:30.959
Now, um, since you're on the road so often, do you get a chance to do that anymore?
00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:35.439
Uh both uh participate in a class or teach a class?
00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:39.759
No, that was the hardest part for me when we to started traveling all the time.
00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:45.199
One place where I used to work, out of a 10-week session, I could only be there one week.
00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:49.680
And I got a sub the rest of the time, a qualified good person takes the thing.
00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:53.439
And I thought, you know, I can't come one out of 10 weeks.
00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:56.399
They're gonna fire me, and my feelings are gonna be really hurt.
00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:00.079
I better quit before they better leave before they fire you, right?
00:08:01.199 --> 00:08:02.959
Well, so anyway, that was very hard.
00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:09.279
Uh, do you select uh places when you're on the road specifically because they might have a pool?
00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:12.079
Um, have done that a little bit in the past.
00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:23.360
And once we were uh doing a story at a place and the instructor didn't show up, and I was certified my CPR, and so I taught a class.
00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:28.079
And uh one of the ladies at when the class ended said, I didn't, I thought you were the instructor.
00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:30.319
I said, No, I'm just I'm just a guest here.
00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:34.320
I'm just I know how to teach, and instructor didn't show up, so I taught.
00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:50.320
Oh, and the the most exciting thing was when we were in uh the Red Sea, I uh we were there doing some work, and uh they were supposed to have an aqua class, and there was no instructor, and I said, When's the aqua class?
00:08:50.639 --> 00:08:51.519
Well, we don't have an instructor.
00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:56.480
I said, Oh, well, I'm an instructor, and they said, Well, would you teach some of our people how to teach aerobics?
00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:57.919
I said, I'll be happy to.
00:08:58.399 --> 00:09:07.840
So one poor young man, we went out in the Red Sea, and I'm showing them and talking about water and the resistance and how to carry yourself and everything.
00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:12.480
So Mike was over there teaching people, journalists, how to use the computer.
00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:16.639
And I said, I'm over here teaching people how to teach aqua aerobics.
00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:18.000
What could be better?
00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:26.879
What could be better, and in such exotic places, maybe you can make your next itinerary to go to the most exotic places in the world to teach water aerobics.
00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:27.679
There you go.
00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:32.559
What would be the most exotic place you could go to teach water aerobics anyway?
00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:34.879
Right now I'm thinking about Hawaii.
00:09:34.960 --> 00:09:36.000
I've only been there once.
00:09:36.080 --> 00:09:37.919
I have a yearning to go back.
00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:50.080
Well, I was thinking uh I went to Hawaii once on the way back from Australia, thinking it would be a nice place as a midway stop to recover from jet lag, and it was anything but it made it worse.
00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:53.840
So don't go on your way to back from uh Australia.
00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:57.600
So I always like to start thinking about exercise.
00:09:57.759 --> 00:10:00.399
I like to start with the wardrobe, you know.
00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:04.159
Maybe that gives you some kind of incentive to do the exercise.
00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:11.840
So do you have do you need any special equipment or clothing to um do your water aerobics?
00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:23.440
Well, there are places where you can get suits that are chlorine resistant, so they last a little longer, and that are modest suits that you're going to feel comfortable in.
00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:28.240
I mean, there's some suits that go down to your knees and up to your neck and zippers in the front.
00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:30.559
So there are all kinds of suits.
00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:33.919
And something that people don't think about, you need shoes.
00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:35.200
You need aqua shoes.
00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:36.000
Oh, really?
00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:44.639
Especially as we age, the padding on the bottom of your feet diminishes, and you need the shoes so that you don't hurt your feet.
00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:47.440
What about a cap?
00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:49.279
Or do you need that?
00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:50.320
Do for what?
00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:53.679
Do you need a cap or do you not get under the water?
00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:55.840
I don't have them under the water.
00:10:56.000 --> 00:11:00.559
I think I would have lost half my people if I would have said they had to get their hair wet.
00:11:00.879 --> 00:11:02.799
No, we don't have hats.
00:11:03.279 --> 00:11:05.759
So you just have so I never thought of that before.
00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:08.720
Where do you get a water-resistant suit?
00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:12.480
There are places online where you can you can buy them.
00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:23.759
And when I was an instructor, I had a code I could give them and they could get a discount, but I'm no longer, I let my I let that lapse because I I was paying a lot of money and not teaching classes, so I let it ride.
00:11:24.080 --> 00:11:35.360
So you won't be getting a discount on your chlorine-resistant suits today, but um look for chlorine-resistant suits and footwear.
00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:38.799
And aerobics footwear?
00:11:39.279 --> 00:11:41.840
Uh yes, there is aerobics footwear.
00:11:41.919 --> 00:11:47.360
And I, if you're gonna be in the pool, please, please, please get it so that you don't slip when you're on the deck.
00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:51.039
That's always something to consider, and to protect your feet.
00:11:51.440 --> 00:12:03.039
Now, just like you have um, you know, barbells in a gym, are there any other kind of hand equipment that you need or that are provided when you go for water aerobics?
00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.159
Oh, yeah.
00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:06.720
It's so much fun, all the equipment.
00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:11.120
A pool noodle, it can be a small noodle, a big noodle.
00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:16.240
I can show you so many exercises to do with just simply a noodle like what kids play with.
00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:21.679
There are hand buoys that you could get, different sizes for resistance.
00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:31.519
I even had fun with people with balls, just simple little balls, and we'd throw it in the air and catch it with the other hand for eyes to work your eyes.
00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:34.799
And then we'd have two balls, you know, juggling.
00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:37.039
We'd have partners and we'd throw.
00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:42.879
So this is all fun, you know, when you miss, when you catch, all kinds of ways to have fun in the water.
00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:50.879
I used to have are these usually provided by the facility where you go to the pool, or um, do you bring your own supplies?
00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:53.919
And if so, what supplies do you have to bring on your own?
00:12:54.480 --> 00:13:00.720
Well, sometimes people used to buy the hand buoys to make sure they there were enough so that everybody had the hand buoys.
00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:03.440
And often they would supply things.
00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:14.159
And if not, if I'd been to a workshop and like with the uh balls that you catch and throw and have a great time with, I would bring them because I thought it made the class more fun.
00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:22.159
And uh kickboards, pushing and pulling with the kickboards, sitting on the kickboards, having little races.
00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:24.960
I can't tell you all the good things you can do in the water.
00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:29.519
I used to tell my people, you're not gonna, if you fall over, it's okay.
00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:40.000
Stand up, stand on one, you know, one foot, uh push the water, you know, not touching the person, but making more resistance for the person next to you.
00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:42.000
So you challenge your core.
00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:48.080
Walk across the pool, heel toe, heel toe, walk backwards, walk sideways, all kinds of things.
00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:50.639
The water is the best place to work out.
00:13:50.799 --> 00:13:59.679
Even running, if you're a runner, they found in studies that people who ran in the water benefited more than running on land.
00:13:59.919 --> 00:14:01.519
I used to be a runner for 21 years.
00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:17.360
No, I can I can believe that because I I used to get up every morning when I was living in New York City and meet a friend uh right at the um edge of Central Park, and we would go, you know, for half a mile and meet another group of people and run the rest of the way.
00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:22.240
And I decided I was gonna stop uh running because I think it's too hard on your joints.
00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:25.759
There's benefits to water aerobics in that way, isn't there?
00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.840
Oh, yeah, it's very kind.
00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:39.360
And you know, we're talking about chest deep, losing 80% of your water or your weight, but you can also put a belt on and not touch the bottom at all and work out.
00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:41.360
And is that resistance?
00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.559
It's there.
00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:45.279
What other health benefits are there?
00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:50.639
Like um, you know, if you have injuries, is this is water aerobics is probably good.
00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:57.519
Um, like if you hurt what your knee or something like that, that you could you you don't have to stop exercising?
00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:59.840
No, you don't have to stop exercising.
00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:03.200
The deep water exercise, love it.
00:15:03.279 --> 00:15:07.840
And again, that's the running, again, where you're suspended and reach out your legs.
00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:14.879
They found that runners actually got stronger running in the water, not touching, reaching out, and uh it's all good.
00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:22.000
They even have some pools where they put a harness on you and you get the resistance of the water going towards you and you run.
00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:24.799
It's like a physical therapy to make you stronger.
00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:32.799
The water is very forgiving, you know, as long as you're not allergic to the chemicals in it or something, or you know, it's a great place to work out.
00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:37.440
Well, where where do you find pools and classes?
00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:45.039
Where's a what's a good resource for our listeners if they want to get in the water and start exercising?
00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:50.159
YMCA, any health club, well, not all health clubs have a pool.
00:15:50.320 --> 00:15:56.080
I worked for LA Fitness, they had a pool in most of their clubs, I believe all of their clubs.
00:15:56.399 --> 00:16:00.000
So um just search it, you'll find it.
00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:17.440
There's pools out there, and then find out what you're uh water aerobics classes in my town, and they will find either your YMCA or senior centers or just down the block from us, we have an aquatic center, so sometimes there's standalone opportunities.
00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:25.600
Does it um I don't I guess if you live in a cold climate, a lot of those facilities are going to be indoors, presumably, right?
00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:30.879
So you don't have to worry about the season what season it is or not, right?
00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:32.240
No, you don't have to worry about it.
00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:32.960
In fact, in St.
00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.240
Pete in St.
00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:38.399
Petersburg, I used to teach outdoors, and the heat kind of got to me.
00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:40.720
I'm not a big fan of being hot.
00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:44.240
So I enjoy being indoors.
00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:46.799
No wonder you live in Michigan.
00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:50.399
I'm not a big fan of I'm not a big fan of being cold.
00:16:51.279 --> 00:16:52.080
You're but right.
00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:53.039
I call it cold.
00:16:57.679 --> 00:17:00.080
So um how do you get started?
00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:01.840
Like how what what do you think?
00:17:01.919 --> 00:17:13.440
If you're already doing one routine, uh maybe with a personal trainer inside a gym, and uh yeah, I guess you have to change your mind and say, I'm gonna try something new.
00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:18.160
Yes, and if you have a friend that you can will join you, that's great.
00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:26.640
You don't have to have a friend because you will make friends, and everybody wants to tell you, okay, this is what you do, get these shoes, do this, do that.
00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:34.720
You know, you can sort through all that, and the instructors will be very welcoming to you and tell you what you need and everything.
00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:43.039
So just find a club where there are aqua classes, and it doesn't matter what you look like in your bathing suit.
00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:50.400
Don't let that say, like, you know, do I have to lose uh 25 pounds before I go or what?
00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:53.279
No, no judgment zone.
00:17:53.359 --> 00:17:57.519
You know, my my gym has a big sign up that it's a no judgment zone.
00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:10.160
Just um get out there and decide you're gonna have fun, you're gonna meet people and make sure that you do exercise, don't just get in the back row and you know, strike up an acquaintance.
00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:14.000
And and uh make plans for dinner plans with the friends.
00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:18.480
Yeah, if you actually have to do the work, oh no.
00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:24.480
Yeah, I used to have people introduce themselves and say where they were from, and boy, that you just lose control real quick with that.
00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:25.200
Where are you from?
00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:26.240
Oh, I used to live there.
00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.839
Yeah, right, right.
00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:31.759
It was social as it becomes the main event, not that push and pull, right?
00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:38.799
Yeah, but I are there any statistics on what the average age group is of people who do water aerobics?
00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:41.599
I think it's the over 55 crowd.
00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:48.640
I I think they feel comfortable with that simply because of it being more gentle on your joints and your body.
00:18:49.440 --> 00:19:00.960
Yeah, at the same time, it has health benefits with I guess building flexible flexibility, you get the resistance, um uh strength building.
00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:11.680
Are there uh are there doctors that recommend it for um for seniors or for any particular ailments that you know of, or is it just generally a good thing to do?
00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:24.960
I'm sure that there are doctors who recommend that and for different ailments and will tell you special things that you could do because there are physical therapy places that have pools, and you get in the pool and they tell you what to do.
00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:27.839
That's I mean, get to the pool.
00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:29.440
Beg your pardon?
00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:30.559
Get to the pool.
00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.839
Get to the pool.
00:19:32.079 --> 00:19:32.480
Yes.
00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:38.640
Well, um, have you uh heard anything about weight loss and water aerobics?
00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:42.400
Does it help you uh shed some pounds, maybe?
00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:50.960
Well, I'm sure it would, but the best thing for weight loss is to not eat smaller portion sizes, don't eat the job.
00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:55.759
Don't come on my show, Jennifer, and tell me that I have to stop eating in order to lose weight.
00:19:56.319 --> 00:19:57.119
That's not fair.
00:19:57.680 --> 00:20:02.960
Calories in, you know, it's so many, you have to give up so many calories to lose a pound.
00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:05.119
You know, you can't eat the junk.
00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:07.599
You have to be aware of what you're putting in your machine.
00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:10.400
Is water aerobics a good calorie burner?
00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:11.359
Oh, yeah.
00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:13.519
Yeah, it is, but you gotta do the work.
00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:16.480
You gotta do the work, you gotta figure out how to make it fun.
00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:19.359
Isn't this like today and use AI?
00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:22.160
There's no AI substitute for anything here.
00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:33.440
No, I'm I'm learning, I've never had a weight problem in the last few years I have, and I'm I'm trying to get some weight off, and I'm of course I'm not in the pool anymore.
00:20:34.160 --> 00:20:36.640
I understand you do find your way to a gym, though.
00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.279
Is that right?
00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:41.359
Well, we have spent a lot of your time on the road, but you find you manage to find your way.
00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:45.200
Yeah, if he wants to live with me, we will find a gym.
00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:46.000
I don't know why.
00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:51.599
I don't like walking outside because if I get too hot or too uncomfortable or whatever.
00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:58.559
On my treadmill, I know it's better for you to walk outside, but on my treadmill it's level and I can stop and start.
00:20:58.640 --> 00:21:00.319
I can make it faster, slower.
00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:06.240
I feel like I have more control, plus I have a Peloton bike where I can do fun things.
00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:09.279
I have an elliptical, a few weights.
00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:12.319
And you can watch HGTV usually at the same time.
00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:12.960
Right.
00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:14.319
What could be bad?
00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:15.920
Yeah, what can be bad with that?
00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:18.160
As long as they those food commercials.
00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:18.720
Oh.
00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:19.599
Oh no.
00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:26.720
Well, what do you what you know, um, exercise is really kind of a pillar of decluttering 55 uh plus.
00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:29.680
What tell me your viewpoint on exercise?
00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:37.680
Why is it that you, no matter whether it's a pool or a treadmill or it's indoors um or it's outdoors, you find your way to exercise.
00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:40.000
Tell me your point of view on exercise.
00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:45.599
If you don't use your body, you're gonna lose the ability to use your body.
00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:49.200
One week off, you lose three weeks worth of conditioning.
00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:53.759
Is that so you've got to make a fun way to move.
00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:59.680
How do you how what has you have the mentality that exercise is fun?
00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:02.720
Like I'd like to change my mind about that.
00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:05.839
I feel so much better when I get done.
00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:09.119
I usually, my daughter-in-law says, I don't drink coffee.
00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:11.599
She says, it would be easier to drink a cup of coffee.
00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:16.720
I get up in the morning, I go straight to the uh treadmill, and I usually walk.
00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:23.680
But I do know you need to be up for half an hour to let your body kind of wake up before you start making demands from it.
00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:29.039
But I just it gets my blood flowing, it clears my head, it helps me focus.
00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:32.960
I use it, I used to run on the treadmill.
00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:34.480
I'm not running anymore.
00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:38.799
You reach a point where you pay your dues for running on cement.
00:22:38.880 --> 00:22:41.119
And running is was very addictive to me.
00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:43.200
You're pounding, you're pounding, you're pounding.
00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:44.079
Not good for you.
00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:45.839
Really not good.
00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:47.519
Your walking is good for you.
00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:53.039
If you could make yourself walk and keep that pace going, that's perfect.
00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:55.200
And where you live is beautiful.
00:22:55.359 --> 00:23:02.559
So you get the you're with your husband, you're with the tranquility of the water, you know, where you're walking, wonderful.
00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:04.480
That is probably the best, easiest.
00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.880
That's another point I want to ask.
00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:10.880
Are the is are water aerobics classes mixed?
00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:14.319
Are there men and women, or is it mostly a gal thing?
00:23:14.640 --> 00:23:17.759
It's mostly a gal thing, but uh, you do get men.
00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:23.440
I worked one of the clubs I worked at, it was almost all guys that came in during the morning.
00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:26.319
They were firefighters and they would come in and work out in the water.
00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:29.599
And I would tell them, if you do what I say, you're gonna get a good workout.
00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:38.480
So it's not just, you know, if you think of a firefighter, you think of somebody who's had to go through a lot of physical training and there's a very physical person.
00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:43.680
So it's not necessarily water aerobics, isn't necessary for the weak and weary.
00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:49.519
And oh, my worst experience was I I had a Marine in my class, and he told me he was a Marine.
00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:55.599
And I had worked out, this was an evening class, I had worked out really hard with weights and stuff before I got in the class.
00:23:55.839 --> 00:24:01.599
And it was I was in the water and I tried to get out, and I thought, oh, my arms are so tired, I can't pull myself out of the pool.
00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.680
This is so embarrassing.
00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:15.279
And lo and behold, you have uh uh you know firefighters and you know muscle men in your classes, so it's not only for the weak and weary.
00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:18.480
Uh it's possible that water aerobics is for everybody.
00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:20.000
It is for everybody.
00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:26.559
You know, people picture older ladies with a shower cap on their head, you know, in the pool.
00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:30.799
It it can't there's a lot of that, but it doesn't have to be that.
00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:42.640
I mean, one class when we were on the road, I went to they had uh oh gosh, I can't think of the name of it right now, a Zumba class, and everybody was jumping around and they were just having a blast.
00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:46.640
So it can be all different levels.
00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:50.160
Well, I think I'm you've changed my mind.
00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:53.200
I think I'm going to try that water aerobics class.
00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:58.799
I'm gonna get I don't want to go down there with a bathing suit and I'll wait until I lose 25 more pounds.
00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:00.640
I'm just gonna I'm gonna try it.
00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:02.480
Maybe I'll make some new friends.
00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:05.039
Oh, you will definitely make new friends.
00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:06.480
And it's just like going to the gym.
00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:08.880
You can't wait till you get the perfect body to go to the gym.
00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.319
You gotta go to the gym.
00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:11.920
It's gonna make you feel better.
00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:16.799
Like which came first, the exercise or you know, the fit body.
00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:20.240
So it's really great uh that you do that.
00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:29.680
And um, if people want to get in touch with you, they go through the www.rvlifestyle.com website.
00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:30.319
Yes.
00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:45.119
And if you have any questions about water aerobics, if you have any questions about uh what to wear, because that's always important, um, go ahead and get out there and get a bathing suit, get a swim cap.
00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:46.400
You don't need a swim cap even.
00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.039
You can leave your hair.
00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:51.920
Unless you're afraid somebody's gonna splash some water on your head.
00:25:52.240 --> 00:26:04.880
Let your fingers do the googling to find out the closest aquatic center or YMCA or senior center or whatever you can to join a class in your neighborhood to try water aerobics.
00:26:05.039 --> 00:26:07.839
Remember, action is the only thing that makes a difference.
00:26:08.079 --> 00:26:14.480
So set a goal, put it in your schedule, follow through on those promises to get fit and healthy.
00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:22.799
Also, if you haven't done so, visit our website at www.decluttering55plus.com.
00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:29.920
Go to the Let's Connect button to sign up for notifications about what's coming next on this podcast.
00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:35.599
Let us know about how you exercise and if you have ever given water aerobics a try.
00:26:35.759 --> 00:26:41.759
If not, tell us if you decided to take on the challenge of jumping in the pool as a better way of life.
00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:53.599
If you haven't seen my latest book, Decluttering 55 Plus Wisdoms to Create a Legacy Not a Mess, jump on over to Amazon.com or layitflat.com and get yourself a copy.
00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:57.039
It features illustrated prompts to get things done.
00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:58.400
It's fun and useful.
00:26:58.640 --> 00:27:01.440
Get it for yourself, your family, your friends, you'll love it.
00:27:01.680 --> 00:27:12.480
I want to thank Jennifer Wenlin again for joining us to talk about the merits of water aerobics and uh to all of you out there for uh joining us as well.
00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:19.279
We're gonna be back every week with another topic to get your wheels turning about things that make a difference as you age.
00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:22.000
So you live longer, happier, and healthier.
00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:23.599
So I'll see you next week.
00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:31.759
I want to thank you for being here and now get out there and between now and then enjoy yourself and have a flutter free day.
00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:40.320
It's hard to say where you can catch up with Jennifer Wenlin because most of the time she's on the road with her husband Mike.
00:00:40.560 --> 00:00:45.840
Maybe you already know the dynamic duo from their podcast, RV Lifestyle.
00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:49.600
Their RV Lifestyle can be seen on YouTube channel.
00:00:49.759 --> 00:00:56.799
They have an RV newsletter, a blog, and a series of best-selling travel guides, planning tools, and checklists.
00:00:57.759 --> 00:01:08.079
They have lived full-time in a recreational vehicle for the past 12 years and have traveled more than 300,000 miles across this great land of ours.
00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:13.840
Jennifer, however, is not only a land lover, she is a creature of the water.
00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:24.879
In fact, she's a certified water aerobics instructor, and she's going to spend some time with us diving in, so to speak, to the merits of water aerobics for our health.
00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:30.959
Personally, I have never tried it, but I think after today's things may change.
00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:40.000
We talk about health benefits of water exercise here because health is a main pillar of decluttering 55 plus with Michelle Pasoff.
00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:47.760
It is at the very foundation of aging powerfully in this new era of aging where we're living longer and better than ever before.
00:01:48.000 --> 00:02:00.799
In addition to eating and exercising right on the show, we talk about technology, memoirs, relationships, where to live and what to do in retirement, financial and legal matters, and even pre-planning final arrangements.
00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:07.680
Sometimes these are areas of life that can be challenging to face in one way or the other as the years go by.
00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:12.639
Sweeping them under the carpet to put off another day or forever is an act of cluttering.
00:02:12.879 --> 00:02:25.280
Instead of staying in a state of confusion about things, we bring topics to the table into the light of day to speak about them so that we can help make difficult choices and get into action and get things done.
00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:34.159
In the end, it's our point of view here at Decluttering55 Plus with Michelle Passoff that this will make you stronger, healthier, and happier.
00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:42.639
So let's learn what we can today about water aerobics from Jennifer and discover the benefits to your health of this form of exercise.
00:02:42.879 --> 00:02:43.919
Welcome, Jennifer.
00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:45.199
How are you today?
00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:53.759
I am doing fantastic, and I can't tell you how excited I am to have this opportunity to tell people to get to the pool and to exercise.
00:02:53.919 --> 00:03:02.879
Whether you're a runner or no matter what your background is in exercising, if you've never exercised before, the pool is such a friendly environment.
00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:10.719
So you believe in mixing water aerobics with other kinds of exercise, or do you choose your lane and stay in it?
00:03:11.919 --> 00:03:19.360
Well, uh, how I got started in water aerobics was Mike talked me into joining a gym, which I didn't think I needed.
00:03:19.520 --> 00:03:21.840
But we went to the gym and that was fun.
00:03:22.159 --> 00:03:26.080
And he ran a marathon in 82, a long time ago.
00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:30.800
And uh I ran the last six miles with him, and I thought, well, I like running.
00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:33.759
I I've always loved moving and exercising.
00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:39.759
And then somebody introduced me, they invited me to go to an aqua class, and I thought, well, I'll go try that.
00:03:39.919 --> 00:03:43.439
And then I thought, this is so much fun playing in the water.
00:03:43.680 --> 00:03:57.039
And I used to, when I first started out, I was in the water, and people thought I was a weightlifter because the water, the resistance, using the water correctly to build muscle and tone, it's awesome.
00:03:57.360 --> 00:04:01.919
And so then I the classes got too big, like I'd have 50 people in a class.
00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:09.599
So then I had to stand on deck so that uh everybody could see me, and I had to get a microphone so everybody could hear me.
00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:11.919
And I absolutely loved it.
00:04:12.080 --> 00:04:13.520
It is just so much fun.
00:04:13.680 --> 00:04:16.240
It's it's the perfect place to work out.
00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:21.759
Chest deep, you lose 80% of your body weight, so it's not hard on your joints.
00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:23.680
You can jump around and have fun.
00:04:23.759 --> 00:04:27.199
And the number one rule is you get you gotta have fun.
00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:35.279
I mean, I felt that when I taught a class, it was like I had a party, I invited all these people, and I wanted everybody to have a good time.
00:04:36.399 --> 00:04:39.279
You know, you think of exercise as anything but fun.
00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:43.680
Like sometimes I uh, you know, I we do a lot of walking, my husband and I.
00:04:43.839 --> 00:04:46.879
We live right two blocks from the bay in uh St.
00:04:47.040 --> 00:04:48.160
Petersburg, Florida.
00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:51.120
So that one of our routes is to walk along the bay.
00:04:51.279 --> 00:04:54.800
Our other route is to walk along uh the Gulf of Mexico.
00:04:54.959 --> 00:04:59.120
So we do a lot of walking, and I'm always like going, oh, okay, it's five o'clock.
00:04:59.199 --> 00:05:01.120
That's kind of my time to go walking.
00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:06.160
It's time to go walking, and then I get out there and I go, Oh, that was a bad idea.
00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:09.600
Why don't I why do I think I want to exercise?
00:05:09.759 --> 00:05:12.160
You know, it just doesn't sound like much fun.
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:15.279
But you're saying water aerobics is fun?
00:05:15.920 --> 00:05:19.759
It is fun, and you build friends there.
00:05:19.920 --> 00:05:25.040
And then we used to once a month everybody go out for lunch, so it was a social time.
00:05:25.439 --> 00:05:29.680
And there really is a lot of community building when you do these classes.
00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:32.560
And community, I was very surprised.
00:05:32.800 --> 00:05:34.879
I was very surprised to learn.
00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:44.639
Um, you know, I'm working on uh I'm just finishing up a book on declaring 55 plus, which is all about getting your life in order, not your garage in order.
00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:53.759
And I was surprised to one of the big surprises for me in working on the book was to learn the importance of social connection, especially as you age.
00:05:53.920 --> 00:06:03.439
So uh, and I have heard a neighbor of mine who is a water aerobics uh fanatic say the same thing that you're saying, that um there's a community around it.
00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:05.680
So it's a great way to make friends.
00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:07.199
Tell me more about that.
00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:10.480
Okay, so if you don't come, somebody's gonna miss you.
00:06:10.639 --> 00:06:14.399
If you say, Oh, I can't go because I don't have a ride, oh, I'll give you a ride.
00:06:14.720 --> 00:06:21.120
And you want to see people because I don't know about you, but I consider every person a book and I want to hear the next chapter.
00:06:21.279 --> 00:06:26.160
I want to hear about their life, I want to hear how their kids are doing, I want to hear all this and that and the other thing.
00:06:26.399 --> 00:06:35.120
So it's very social, and that's another problem as an instructor, trying to make it social, but yet make people exercise.
00:06:35.920 --> 00:06:40.639
So, what tell me how long is an exercise class when you do water aerobics?
00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:42.800
It used to be 50 minutes.
00:06:44.160 --> 00:06:48.639
So 50 minutes, and um, how many times a week should you do?
00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:51.600
Should you do it uh how many times a week?
00:06:52.240 --> 00:06:55.439
At least once, but three times you'll benefit more.
00:06:55.600 --> 00:06:58.560
And the hard part, you can't just let it be social.
00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:00.720
It can't just be standing there.
00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:02.000
You need to work.
00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:08.879
I mean, I was always tell my people, get your heels down, get your knees up, you know, move it forward, back.
00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:19.759
Of course, letting them have permission to take it easy if they need to take it easy, but yeah, pushing them to, you know, to make it count, holding posture, all that.
00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:22.720
I absolutely loved teaching the classes.
00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:26.079
And I taught everywhere, everywhere in the Detroit area.
00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:30.959
Now, um, since you're on the road so often, do you get a chance to do that anymore?
00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:35.439
Uh both uh participate in a class or teach a class?
00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:39.759
No, that was the hardest part for me when we to started traveling all the time.
00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:45.199
One place where I used to work, out of a 10-week session, I could only be there one week.
00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:49.680
And I got a sub the rest of the time, a qualified good person takes the thing.
00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:53.439
And I thought, you know, I can't come one out of 10 weeks.
00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:56.399
They're gonna fire me, and my feelings are gonna be really hurt.
00:07:56.639 --> 00:08:00.079
I better quit before they better leave before they fire you, right?
00:08:01.199 --> 00:08:02.959
Well, so anyway, that was very hard.
00:08:03.439 --> 00:08:09.279
Uh, do you select uh places when you're on the road specifically because they might have a pool?
00:08:09.839 --> 00:08:12.079
Um, have done that a little bit in the past.
00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:23.360
And once we were uh doing a story at a place and the instructor didn't show up, and I was certified my CPR, and so I taught a class.
00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:28.079
And uh one of the ladies at when the class ended said, I didn't, I thought you were the instructor.
00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:30.319
I said, No, I'm just I'm just a guest here.
00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:34.320
I'm just I know how to teach, and instructor didn't show up, so I taught.
00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:50.320
Oh, and the the most exciting thing was when we were in uh the Red Sea, I uh we were there doing some work, and uh they were supposed to have an aqua class, and there was no instructor, and I said, When's the aqua class?
00:08:50.639 --> 00:08:51.519
Well, we don't have an instructor.
00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:56.480
I said, Oh, well, I'm an instructor, and they said, Well, would you teach some of our people how to teach aerobics?
00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:57.919
I said, I'll be happy to.
00:08:58.399 --> 00:09:07.840
So one poor young man, we went out in the Red Sea, and I'm showing them and talking about water and the resistance and how to carry yourself and everything.
00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:12.480
So Mike was over there teaching people, journalists, how to use the computer.
00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:16.639
And I said, I'm over here teaching people how to teach aqua aerobics.
00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:18.000
What could be better?
00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:26.879
What could be better, and in such exotic places, maybe you can make your next itinerary to go to the most exotic places in the world to teach water aerobics.
00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:27.679
There you go.
00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:32.559
What would be the most exotic place you could go to teach water aerobics anyway?
00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:34.879
Right now I'm thinking about Hawaii.
00:09:34.960 --> 00:09:36.000
I've only been there once.
00:09:36.080 --> 00:09:37.919
I have a yearning to go back.
00:09:38.399 --> 00:09:50.080
Well, I was thinking uh I went to Hawaii once on the way back from Australia, thinking it would be a nice place as a midway stop to recover from jet lag, and it was anything but it made it worse.
00:09:50.240 --> 00:09:53.840
So don't go on your way to back from uh Australia.
00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:57.600
So I always like to start thinking about exercise.
00:09:57.759 --> 00:10:00.399
I like to start with the wardrobe, you know.
00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:04.159
Maybe that gives you some kind of incentive to do the exercise.
00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:11.840
So do you have do you need any special equipment or clothing to um do your water aerobics?
00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:23.440
Well, there are places where you can get suits that are chlorine resistant, so they last a little longer, and that are modest suits that you're going to feel comfortable in.
00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:28.240
I mean, there's some suits that go down to your knees and up to your neck and zippers in the front.
00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:30.559
So there are all kinds of suits.
00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:33.919
And something that people don't think about, you need shoes.
00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:35.200
You need aqua shoes.
00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:36.000
Oh, really?
00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:44.639
Especially as we age, the padding on the bottom of your feet diminishes, and you need the shoes so that you don't hurt your feet.
00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:47.440
What about a cap?
00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:49.279
Or do you need that?
00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:50.320
Do for what?
00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:53.679
Do you need a cap or do you not get under the water?
00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:55.840
I don't have them under the water.
00:10:56.000 --> 00:11:00.559
I think I would have lost half my people if I would have said they had to get their hair wet.
00:11:00.879 --> 00:11:02.799
No, we don't have hats.
00:11:03.279 --> 00:11:05.759
So you just have so I never thought of that before.
00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:08.720
Where do you get a water-resistant suit?
00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:12.480
There are places online where you can you can buy them.
00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:23.759
And when I was an instructor, I had a code I could give them and they could get a discount, but I'm no longer, I let my I let that lapse because I I was paying a lot of money and not teaching classes, so I let it ride.
00:11:24.080 --> 00:11:35.360
So you won't be getting a discount on your chlorine-resistant suits today, but um look for chlorine-resistant suits and footwear.
00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:38.799
And aerobics footwear?
00:11:39.279 --> 00:11:41.840
Uh yes, there is aerobics footwear.
00:11:41.919 --> 00:11:47.360
And I, if you're gonna be in the pool, please, please, please get it so that you don't slip when you're on the deck.
00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:51.039
That's always something to consider, and to protect your feet.
00:11:51.440 --> 00:12:03.039
Now, just like you have um, you know, barbells in a gym, are there any other kind of hand equipment that you need or that are provided when you go for water aerobics?
00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.159
Oh, yeah.
00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:06.720
It's so much fun, all the equipment.
00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:11.120
A pool noodle, it can be a small noodle, a big noodle.
00:12:11.360 --> 00:12:16.240
I can show you so many exercises to do with just simply a noodle like what kids play with.
00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:21.679
There are hand buoys that you could get, different sizes for resistance.
00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:31.519
I even had fun with people with balls, just simple little balls, and we'd throw it in the air and catch it with the other hand for eyes to work your eyes.
00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:34.799
And then we'd have two balls, you know, juggling.
00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:37.039
We'd have partners and we'd throw.
00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:42.879
So this is all fun, you know, when you miss, when you catch, all kinds of ways to have fun in the water.
00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:50.879
I used to have are these usually provided by the facility where you go to the pool, or um, do you bring your own supplies?
00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:53.919
And if so, what supplies do you have to bring on your own?
00:12:54.480 --> 00:13:00.720
Well, sometimes people used to buy the hand buoys to make sure they there were enough so that everybody had the hand buoys.
00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:03.440
And often they would supply things.
00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:14.159
And if not, if I'd been to a workshop and like with the uh balls that you catch and throw and have a great time with, I would bring them because I thought it made the class more fun.
00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:22.159
And uh kickboards, pushing and pulling with the kickboards, sitting on the kickboards, having little races.
00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:24.960
I can't tell you all the good things you can do in the water.
00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:29.519
I used to tell my people, you're not gonna, if you fall over, it's okay.
00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:40.000
Stand up, stand on one, you know, one foot, uh push the water, you know, not touching the person, but making more resistance for the person next to you.
00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:42.000
So you challenge your core.
00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:48.080
Walk across the pool, heel toe, heel toe, walk backwards, walk sideways, all kinds of things.
00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:50.639
The water is the best place to work out.
00:13:50.799 --> 00:13:59.679
Even running, if you're a runner, they found in studies that people who ran in the water benefited more than running on land.
00:13:59.919 --> 00:14:01.519
I used to be a runner for 21 years.
00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:17.360
No, I can I can believe that because I I used to get up every morning when I was living in New York City and meet a friend uh right at the um edge of Central Park, and we would go, you know, for half a mile and meet another group of people and run the rest of the way.
00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:22.240
And I decided I was gonna stop uh running because I think it's too hard on your joints.
00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:25.759
There's benefits to water aerobics in that way, isn't there?
00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.840
Oh, yeah, it's very kind.
00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:39.360
And you know, we're talking about chest deep, losing 80% of your water or your weight, but you can also put a belt on and not touch the bottom at all and work out.
00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:41.360
And is that resistance?
00:14:41.600 --> 00:14:42.559
It's there.
00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:45.279
What other health benefits are there?
00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:50.639
Like um, you know, if you have injuries, is this is water aerobics is probably good.
00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:57.519
Um, like if you hurt what your knee or something like that, that you could you you don't have to stop exercising?
00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:59.840
No, you don't have to stop exercising.
00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:03.200
The deep water exercise, love it.
00:15:03.279 --> 00:15:07.840
And again, that's the running, again, where you're suspended and reach out your legs.
00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:14.879
They found that runners actually got stronger running in the water, not touching, reaching out, and uh it's all good.
00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:22.000
They even have some pools where they put a harness on you and you get the resistance of the water going towards you and you run.
00:15:22.080 --> 00:15:24.799
It's like a physical therapy to make you stronger.
00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:32.799
The water is very forgiving, you know, as long as you're not allergic to the chemicals in it or something, or you know, it's a great place to work out.
00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:37.440
Well, where where do you find pools and classes?
00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:45.039
Where's a what's a good resource for our listeners if they want to get in the water and start exercising?
00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:50.159
YMCA, any health club, well, not all health clubs have a pool.
00:15:50.320 --> 00:15:56.080
I worked for LA Fitness, they had a pool in most of their clubs, I believe all of their clubs.
00:15:56.399 --> 00:16:00.000
So um just search it, you'll find it.
00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:17.440
There's pools out there, and then find out what you're uh water aerobics classes in my town, and they will find either your YMCA or senior centers or just down the block from us, we have an aquatic center, so sometimes there's standalone opportunities.
00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:25.600
Does it um I don't I guess if you live in a cold climate, a lot of those facilities are going to be indoors, presumably, right?
00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:30.879
So you don't have to worry about the season what season it is or not, right?
00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:32.240
No, you don't have to worry about it.
00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:32.960
In fact, in St.
00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.240
Pete in St.
00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:38.399
Petersburg, I used to teach outdoors, and the heat kind of got to me.
00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:40.720
I'm not a big fan of being hot.
00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:44.240
So I enjoy being indoors.
00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:46.799
No wonder you live in Michigan.
00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:50.399
I'm not a big fan of I'm not a big fan of being cold.
00:16:51.279 --> 00:16:52.080
You're but right.
00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:53.039
I call it cold.
00:16:57.679 --> 00:17:00.080
So um how do you get started?
00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:01.840
Like how what what do you think?
00:17:01.919 --> 00:17:13.440
If you're already doing one routine, uh maybe with a personal trainer inside a gym, and uh yeah, I guess you have to change your mind and say, I'm gonna try something new.
00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:18.160
Yes, and if you have a friend that you can will join you, that's great.
00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:26.640
You don't have to have a friend because you will make friends, and everybody wants to tell you, okay, this is what you do, get these shoes, do this, do that.
00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:34.720
You know, you can sort through all that, and the instructors will be very welcoming to you and tell you what you need and everything.
00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:43.039
So just find a club where there are aqua classes, and it doesn't matter what you look like in your bathing suit.
00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:50.400
Don't let that say, like, you know, do I have to lose uh 25 pounds before I go or what?
00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:53.279
No, no judgment zone.
00:17:53.359 --> 00:17:57.519
You know, my my gym has a big sign up that it's a no judgment zone.
00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:10.160
Just um get out there and decide you're gonna have fun, you're gonna meet people and make sure that you do exercise, don't just get in the back row and you know, strike up an acquaintance.
00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:14.000
And and uh make plans for dinner plans with the friends.
00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:18.480
Yeah, if you actually have to do the work, oh no.
00:18:18.799 --> 00:18:24.480
Yeah, I used to have people introduce themselves and say where they were from, and boy, that you just lose control real quick with that.
00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:25.200
Where are you from?
00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:26.240
Oh, I used to live there.
00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.839
Yeah, right, right.
00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:31.759
It was social as it becomes the main event, not that push and pull, right?
00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:38.799
Yeah, but I are there any statistics on what the average age group is of people who do water aerobics?
00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:41.599
I think it's the over 55 crowd.
00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:48.640
I I think they feel comfortable with that simply because of it being more gentle on your joints and your body.
00:18:49.440 --> 00:19:00.960
Yeah, at the same time, it has health benefits with I guess building flexible flexibility, you get the resistance, um uh strength building.
00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:11.680
Are there uh are there doctors that recommend it for um for seniors or for any particular ailments that you know of, or is it just generally a good thing to do?
00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:24.960
I'm sure that there are doctors who recommend that and for different ailments and will tell you special things that you could do because there are physical therapy places that have pools, and you get in the pool and they tell you what to do.
00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:27.839
That's I mean, get to the pool.
00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:29.440
Beg your pardon?
00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:30.559
Get to the pool.
00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.839
Get to the pool.
00:19:32.079 --> 00:19:32.480
Yes.
00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:38.640
Well, um, have you uh heard anything about weight loss and water aerobics?
00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:42.400
Does it help you uh shed some pounds, maybe?
00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:50.960
Well, I'm sure it would, but the best thing for weight loss is to not eat smaller portion sizes, don't eat the job.
00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:55.759
Don't come on my show, Jennifer, and tell me that I have to stop eating in order to lose weight.
00:19:56.319 --> 00:19:57.119
That's not fair.
00:19:57.680 --> 00:20:02.960
Calories in, you know, it's so many, you have to give up so many calories to lose a pound.
00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:05.119
You know, you can't eat the junk.
00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:07.599
You have to be aware of what you're putting in your machine.
00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:10.400
Is water aerobics a good calorie burner?
00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:11.359
Oh, yeah.
00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:13.519
Yeah, it is, but you gotta do the work.
00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:16.480
You gotta do the work, you gotta figure out how to make it fun.
00:20:16.880 --> 00:20:19.359
Isn't this like today and use AI?
00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:22.160
There's no AI substitute for anything here.
00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:33.440
No, I'm I'm learning, I've never had a weight problem in the last few years I have, and I'm I'm trying to get some weight off, and I'm of course I'm not in the pool anymore.
00:20:34.160 --> 00:20:36.640
I understand you do find your way to a gym, though.
00:20:36.720 --> 00:20:37.279
Is that right?
00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:41.359
Well, we have spent a lot of your time on the road, but you find you manage to find your way.
00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:45.200
Yeah, if he wants to live with me, we will find a gym.
00:20:45.359 --> 00:20:46.000
I don't know why.
00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:51.599
I don't like walking outside because if I get too hot or too uncomfortable or whatever.
00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:58.559
On my treadmill, I know it's better for you to walk outside, but on my treadmill it's level and I can stop and start.
00:20:58.640 --> 00:21:00.319
I can make it faster, slower.
00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:06.240
I feel like I have more control, plus I have a Peloton bike where I can do fun things.
00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:09.279
I have an elliptical, a few weights.
00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:12.319
And you can watch HGTV usually at the same time.
00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:12.960
Right.
00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:14.319
What could be bad?
00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:15.920
Yeah, what can be bad with that?
00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:18.160
As long as they those food commercials.
00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:18.720
Oh.
00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:19.599
Oh no.
00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:26.720
Well, what do you what you know, um, exercise is really kind of a pillar of decluttering 55 uh plus.
00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:29.680
What tell me your viewpoint on exercise?
00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:37.680
Why is it that you, no matter whether it's a pool or a treadmill or it's indoors um or it's outdoors, you find your way to exercise.
00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:40.000
Tell me your point of view on exercise.
00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:45.599
If you don't use your body, you're gonna lose the ability to use your body.
00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:49.200
One week off, you lose three weeks worth of conditioning.
00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:53.759
Is that so you've got to make a fun way to move.
00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:59.680
How do you how what has you have the mentality that exercise is fun?
00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:02.720
Like I'd like to change my mind about that.
00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:05.839
I feel so much better when I get done.
00:22:06.559 --> 00:22:09.119
I usually, my daughter-in-law says, I don't drink coffee.
00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:11.599
She says, it would be easier to drink a cup of coffee.
00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:16.720
I get up in the morning, I go straight to the uh treadmill, and I usually walk.
00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:23.680
But I do know you need to be up for half an hour to let your body kind of wake up before you start making demands from it.
00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:29.039
But I just it gets my blood flowing, it clears my head, it helps me focus.
00:22:29.359 --> 00:22:32.960
I use it, I used to run on the treadmill.
00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:34.480
I'm not running anymore.
00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:38.799
You reach a point where you pay your dues for running on cement.
00:22:38.880 --> 00:22:41.119
And running is was very addictive to me.
00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:43.200
You're pounding, you're pounding, you're pounding.
00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:44.079
Not good for you.
00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:45.839
Really not good.
00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:47.519
Your walking is good for you.
00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:53.039
If you could make yourself walk and keep that pace going, that's perfect.
00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:55.200
And where you live is beautiful.
00:22:55.359 --> 00:23:02.559
So you get the you're with your husband, you're with the tranquility of the water, you know, where you're walking, wonderful.
00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:04.480
That is probably the best, easiest.
00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.880
That's another point I want to ask.
00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:10.880
Are the is are water aerobics classes mixed?
00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:14.319
Are there men and women, or is it mostly a gal thing?
00:23:14.640 --> 00:23:17.759
It's mostly a gal thing, but uh, you do get men.
00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:23.440
I worked one of the clubs I worked at, it was almost all guys that came in during the morning.
00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:26.319
They were firefighters and they would come in and work out in the water.
00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:29.599
And I would tell them, if you do what I say, you're gonna get a good workout.
00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:38.480
So it's not just, you know, if you think of a firefighter, you think of somebody who's had to go through a lot of physical training and there's a very physical person.
00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:43.680
So it's not necessarily water aerobics, isn't necessary for the weak and weary.
00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:49.519
And oh, my worst experience was I I had a Marine in my class, and he told me he was a Marine.
00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:55.599
And I had worked out, this was an evening class, I had worked out really hard with weights and stuff before I got in the class.
00:23:55.839 --> 00:24:01.599
And it was I was in the water and I tried to get out, and I thought, oh, my arms are so tired, I can't pull myself out of the pool.
00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.680
This is so embarrassing.
00:24:05.519 --> 00:24:15.279
And lo and behold, you have uh uh you know firefighters and you know muscle men in your classes, so it's not only for the weak and weary.
00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:18.480
Uh it's possible that water aerobics is for everybody.
00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:20.000
It is for everybody.
00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:26.559
You know, people picture older ladies with a shower cap on their head, you know, in the pool.
00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:30.799
It it can't there's a lot of that, but it doesn't have to be that.
00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:42.640
I mean, one class when we were on the road, I went to they had uh oh gosh, I can't think of the name of it right now, a Zumba class, and everybody was jumping around and they were just having a blast.
00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:46.640
So it can be all different levels.
00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:50.160
Well, I think I'm you've changed my mind.
00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:53.200
I think I'm going to try that water aerobics class.
00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:58.799
I'm gonna get I don't want to go down there with a bathing suit and I'll wait until I lose 25 more pounds.
00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:00.640
I'm just gonna I'm gonna try it.
00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:02.480
Maybe I'll make some new friends.
00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:05.039
Oh, you will definitely make new friends.
00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:06.480
And it's just like going to the gym.
00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:08.880
You can't wait till you get the perfect body to go to the gym.
00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.319
You gotta go to the gym.
00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:11.920
It's gonna make you feel better.
00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:16.799
Like which came first, the exercise or you know, the fit body.
00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:20.240
So it's really great uh that you do that.
00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:29.680
And um, if people want to get in touch with you, they go through the www.rvlifestyle.com website.
00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:30.319
Yes.
00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:45.119
And if you have any questions about water aerobics, if you have any questions about uh what to wear, because that's always important, um, go ahead and get out there and get a bathing suit, get a swim cap.
00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:46.400
You don't need a swim cap even.
00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.039
You can leave your hair.
00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:51.920
Unless you're afraid somebody's gonna splash some water on your head.
00:25:52.240 --> 00:26:04.880
Let your fingers do the googling to find out the closest aquatic center or YMCA or senior center or whatever you can to join a class in your neighborhood to try water aerobics.
00:26:05.039 --> 00:26:07.839
Remember, action is the only thing that makes a difference.
00:26:08.079 --> 00:26:14.480
So set a goal, put it in your schedule, follow through on those promises to get fit and healthy.
00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:22.799
Also, if you haven't done so, visit our website at www.decluttering55plus.com.
00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:29.920
Go to the Let's Connect button to sign up for notifications about what's coming next on this podcast.
00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:35.599
Let us know about how you exercise and if you have ever given water aerobics a try.
00:26:35.759 --> 00:26:41.759
If not, tell us if you decided to take on the challenge of jumping in the pool as a better way of life.
00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:53.599
If you haven't seen my latest book, Decluttering 55 Plus Wisdoms to Create a Legacy Not a Mess, jump on over to Amazon.com or layitflat.com and get yourself a copy.
00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:57.039
It features illustrated prompts to get things done.
00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:58.400
It's fun and useful.
00:26:58.640 --> 00:27:01.440
Get it for yourself, your family, your friends, you'll love it.
00:27:01.680 --> 00:27:12.480
I want to thank Jennifer Wenlin again for joining us to talk about the merits of water aerobics and uh to all of you out there for uh joining us as well.
00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:19.279
We're gonna be back every week with another topic to get your wheels turning about things that make a difference as you age.
00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:22.000
So you live longer, happier, and healthier.
00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:23.599
So I'll see you next week.
00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:31.759
I want to thank you for being here and now get out there and between now and then enjoy yourself and have a flutter free day.
