



For as long as I can remember I have loved being in the water. I discovered Aquacise when I was pregnant with my first child and have been passionate about it ever since. Over the years, I have attended many seminars and courses which have allowed me to develop the classes further to help a range of adults from the young at heart to the young and fit in body achieve their fitness potential.
As a swimming instructor, I decided in 2004 to qualify to specialise in teaching Adult and Child classes after teaching older children for a number of years and realising how little confidence some of them had when they began lessons. I feel that it is so important for children to learn to enjoy the water at a young age and my job satisfaction comes from seeing Mums, Dads or Grandparents all having a great time in the water with their little ones.
I hold the STA level 1 Certificate for Teaching Swimming, the STA level 2 Certificate for Aquatic Teaching Baby and Pre-School and the STA Aquacise Qualification. I also hold a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. In my spare time I still love the water and am a keen open water swimmer, having completed several open water swims to raise money for charity.
MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 7.15 – 8PM
AquaBootCamp is a challenging but fun 45 minute class designed to burn calories and tone the body. We use High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) methods such as Tabatas and Circuits to provide a workout that will build strength, shape muscles and burn calories while being easy on the joints. We also use a range of equipment to add resistance and aid muscle toning potential.
The class is conducted entirely in chest deep water making it suitable for non-swimmers
The continuous resistance of the water allows you to engage more muscle fibres through a larger range of motion. Basically, with every move you make in the water you are fighting against the resistance of the water, forcing your muscles to work harder (and burn more calories). However, the buoyancy of the water gives you a larger range of motion on all of your joints.
The ‘squeezing’ effect of the water (hydrostatic pressure) assists the flow of blood back to the heart, helping to expand lung capacity and meaning that, although you are working intensively, you don’t get as breathless as when you work out on land.
What should I wear?
A well-fitting, supportive swimsuit (There will be jumping!)
Can I slow down if I get tired?
Absolutely. Working at your own pace, you will find that over the weeks you become stronger, fitter and able to work harder.
Will I have to use heavy weights?
All equipment is provided in a range of sizes for different abilities.
Do I have to be a member of the club to attend classes?
No, just turn up and pay for each class on the day
MONDAYS 12 O’CLOCK, WEDNESDAYS 11.30AM, FRIDAYS 9.30AM
AquaStretch is a class which focuses on joint mobility and back strengthening and is designed to allow those suffering from painful conditions such as arthritis and back pain to exercise with little or no impact on painful joints.
You will find that attending regularly will help to improve your posture, core strength and balance with all of the exercises designed to strengthen you for the challenges of daily life as you age.
THURSDAYS 9.30AM
AquaBlast for those who would like a more challenging workout but which is not as intense as AquaBootCamp. It will help with weight loss and toning.
In water, you can control the intensity of your workout, depending on whether you want the support of the water to strengthen your core, back and joints or to use the resistance of the water for a far more challenging workout.
Exercising in the water gives you a far greater range of movement on all your joints than land-based exercise, due to the buoyancy of the water. This makes it ideal for arthritis sufferers or anyone with joint problems. It has more toning potential as water has 12 times the resistance of air. Unlike gravity, the resistance exerted by water works in both directions, so each movement works two muscle groups.
The hydrostatic pressure (‘squeezing effect’) of the water assists the flow of blood around the body and back to the heart which helps to keep your blood pressure and heart rate lower than on land, meaning that you can work to a high intensity without getting as breathless as on land.
The water also has a natural cooling effect on the body, so no more sweaty workouts!
What should I wear?
A well-fitting swimsuit with good support.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No.
Will I have to go out of my depth or underwater?
No, the class is conducted in chest-deep water. There may be some splashing but you don’t have to go underwater or out of your depth.
Do I have to be a member?
No, you can come in just to do Aquacise.
Which type of class will be best for me?
Please contact Julie if you wish to discuss your individual requirements. Please note that my Privacy Policy, as required by GDPR, is available to view on request
Aquababes is a great, fun way for you to learn how to encourage your baby or young child to develop all of the skills they need for swimming. By singing activity songs, playing games and using lots of toys we develop water confidence, breath control, floating, kicking and arm movements in babies and young children. Once all these skills are in place, your child is ready (and keen!) to swim.
The benefits of taking your baby or young child swimming are
Moving about in warm water mobilises, stretches and strengthens their limbs
It strengthens their core muscles, improving balance and preparing them for crawling and walking
It increases heart and lung efficiency
It has a positive effect on sleeping and eating patterns
It provides mental stimulation.
It assists with social development as your child grows.
What is the water temperature?
31 degrees c.
Do I need to book a course?
Yes, each course is 10 weeks long, consisting of a 30 minute session each week.
How do I book?
Please contact Julie to check availability or to go onto the waiting list for the next course.
What will we do in the class?
Enjoy spending time and having fun with your child as they learn.
Will my child have to go underwater?
Gentle submersions are encouraged after your child has learnt to hold his/her breath on cue. However, this is only done when you and your child are ready.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Please bring your child to class in a suitable swimming costume and swimming nappy. If it is their first time in the pool, you may want to bring a small toy from home, which your child can bring into the water with them to help them feel more comfortable.
You may find it useful to bring your own changing mat, but please note that we do not allow pushchairs in the changing room for safety and hygiene reasons.
Children over 12 months: please bring a set of armbands with you. You won’t need them for the whole of the lesson, but they are useful to allow your child to get used to the feel of a buoyancy aid and allow some independent movement.
Please bring a large, cosy towel onto poolside with you, to wrap your baby up warm after the class.
EATING BEFORE A LESSON
Babies can be given a light snack 15 minutes or so before a lesson, to prevent hunger pains. It also helps to have a snack ready for after the lesson.
ILLNESS
Should your child feel unwell or generally ‘off colour’ during the lesson, please don’t feel that you have to stay for the full 30 minutes. A child may be reluctant to return to class the following week if they have been unhappy or uncomfortable the week before.
CANCELLED LESSONS
Please note that you are paying to book your place for a 10 week course and refunds or deferred classes will not be given for any sessions missed by you. Please note that my Privacy Policy, as required by GDPR, is available to view on request
In the event of a class being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as problems with pool water quality or temperature, or extreme bad weather, a further session will be added on at the end of the course.
Here are some kind words from people who have attended my classes.
Sarah G, AquaBootCamp I've been Boot Camping with Julie now for 3 years. It started with friends dragging me along and I quickly realised how much I enjoyed it each week. I had spinal surgery last year and getting back to Boot Camp was the one thing that kept me going whilst recovering. I have met a great bunch of people, of varying ages, who I now class as friends, as well as Julie who made sure I behaved myself when I came back and didn't overdo it!!
Debbie D, AquaBlastJulie's Aqua-Blast classes are ..... well, a blast! But whilst enjoying a good giggle we also work hard. Combining a mixture of aerobic, stretching and strengthening exercises often with the help of various aids we get a thoroughly well rounded, safe, workout! It turns out that frisbees do not have to be thrown, dumbells can float, and that there are very many surprising uses for a for a foam woggle!
Pru S, AquaBlast & AquaStretch Professional teacher - Always smiley and encouraging Use as much energy as you can or choose to exercise every muscle; also the lungs and circulation without straining the joints! Nice folk - good fun - it lifts your spirits.
Wendy & Peyton, AquababesI have been taking my granddaughter to Aquababes for a couple of years now. Her parents were amazed at her confidence and independence shown in the water when they took her on holiday. She absolutely loves going to Julie's class and I get the enjoyment of watching her progress. Keep it up Julie you're doing a great job......
Sheila S, AquaStretch Well, I have been going to Aqua at Great Bentley for around 13 years, twice a week, wouldn't miss it .It’s made such a big difference to my fitness also social life .Julie is such a Great instructor, everybody enjoys the classes. .Just keep up the good work Julie couldn't do without you.
Want to join one of my classes or just get in touch?
© Julie Wheeler Aqua