If you’ve ever gone to one of the aquatic group fitness classes in San Diego and the area, you probably know how interesting and helpful they can be. Activities like these can improve your health, build your muscles, and even help you lose weight. If you know the advantages of these exercises, you’ll probably want to learn more about their history.

To find out where and when water aerobics was first performed, keep reading for a short and brief history lesson.

What is the history of water aerobics?

Water aerobics is a type of resistance training done mostly vertically in waist-deep or deeper water. Apart from being extremely healthy for people of almost all ages, it’s also an effective way to lose weight. 

The following facts will help you understand how this amazing activity was born:

The beginning 

• 2400 BC – Immersion in water was viewed as both a religious and healing experience. 
• 1500 BC – The water was used to reduce fever.
• 800 BC – The water was used for healing in Bath, England.
• The Greeks and the ancient Romans believed water could be used for treating conditions such as arthritic joints.
• Egyptians and Assyrians Babylonians believed in the healing power of water.
• 500 AD – Water and baths were used less.
• The 1700s – The German doctor Sigmund Hahn developed hydrotherapy.

First water aerobics class

• Water aerobics was first invented in America by the television fitness professional Jack LaLanne. 
• He was considered a health symbol and a fitness guru from the moment he opened his first spa in 1931. 
• He practiced the first form of this activity in the 1950s. 
• He developed these exercises for the purpose of relieving the pressure formed by the force of gravity.
• Water aerobics became widely popular during the 1970s and 1980s. 
• At first, the equipment you needed was only a swimsuit and a swimming pool.
• Seniors and people recovering from injuries and surgeries often chose this type of activity.
• Eleonora Vallone was the first to use a type of aquatic discipline named GymNouto or GymSwim which consisted of 3,000 exercises
• She considered water a solution to physical and mental problems during the recovery from a serious accident

Modern-day water aerobics

• Water aerobics has different names such as aquarobics, hydronastics, waterobics, aqua aerobics, aquafitness, aquafit, and aquatic fitness.
• It is inspired by various sports and activities such as athletics, dance, gymnastics, and jogging.
• This activity progressed over the years so today we even have water ballet and a wide array of water yoga forms.
• The equipment that’s used today is water weights and a variety of flotation devices.
• All types of exercises are performed while music is playing in the background.
• The music that’s used depends on the type of program.

Where can I take up professional aquatic group fitness classes in San Diego and the area?

If you’ve decided to do water exercises and want the help of experienced and knowledgeable instructors, The Plunge is the place for you. Our facility follows all safety standards and is well-equipped for individual and group water aerobics classes. Our professionals are friendly, trained, and ready to go the extra mile for their clients. 

We have programs tailored to people of all ages, from juniors to seniors. Our carefully designed workouts will improve your health and help you develop a useful water aerobics routine and achieve your fitness goals in an effective and interesting way.

Whether you’re located near Shoreline Park or elsewhere in San Diego, go to our site and fill out an online registration form today.