Local instructor offers lowdown on water aerobics

Growing up, YWCA Lower Cape Fear aquatics director Aileen Sutton swam competitively for eight years and began her aquatics career at a YWCA in Asheville after college, where an interview question about teaching water aerobics unexpectedly launched her career. 

Since moving to Wilmington in 2013, Sutton has worked in a variety of wellness and aquatics roles. Now in her fifth summer as aquatics director at the YWCA, she says the community keeps her passionate about the work. “We see generations coming through,” she said. “Parents who learned how to swim at the YWCA now have their kids learning how to swim at the YWCA.” 

That sense of community is one reason water aerobics remains so popular. Beyond the social connections, Sutton said the benefits are extensive.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Water aerobics improves strength, cardiovascular health, balance, and flexibility while fostering community connections.
• The details: YWCA Lower Cape Fear aquatics director Aileen Sutton says the natural buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints while providing significant resistance. She also encourages beginners to start at their own pace and notes that even simple movements in water anywhere can improve mobility and balance.
• Why it matters: Water aerobics offers an accessible form of exercise that supports long-term health, recovery, and independence.
• The more you know: Several local facilities offer water aerobics classes, including the YWCA Lower Cape Fear, Nir Family YMCA, Robert Strange Pool, Brunswick Community College's Dinah E. Gore Sports and Aquatics Complex, and Coastal Fitness Center in Hampstead.

“The water itself decreases impact,” Sutton explained. For people recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, or dealing with joint pain, water offers a gentler way to stay active. At the same time, it provides considerable resistance. “Just with your hands, you can push up to 60 pounds through the resistance of the water.” 

The result is a workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, and flexibility without placing excessive stress on the body. Sutton has also seen therapeutic benefits for participants recovering from surgeries or dealing with lymphedema, where gentle movement and the natural pressure of the water can support healing. 

For first-timers, Sutton’s advice is simple: give yourself grace. “There’s no judgment at all,” she said. She encourages newcomers to come with an open mind and understand that it may take time to build coordination, strength, and confidence in the water. 

Not ready to join a class? Sutton said a home pool, spa, or even the ocean can become a fitness tool. “Walking forward and backwards in the water, doing some sidestepping, doing some squats can have huge returns in comfort and mobility on land,” she said. “Balance exercises are especially valuable because they support safety and independence as we age.”

As for what she personally enjoys about water aerobics, Sutton said that good music is a big part of the appeal. “We’re jamming, we’re in the water, we’re moving. That’s a win-win-win.” 

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Water aerobics classes around Wilmington

Ready to give water aerobics a try? Here are a few places around the Wilmington area that offer aquatic fitness classes.

YWCA Lower Cape Fear

The YWCA Aquatics Center will temporarily close August 3-October 2026 for facility renovations. The YWCA has partnered with New Hanover County Parks and Gardens to provide members with access to the Echo Farms Pool, located at 4112 Echo Farms Blvd., during the renovation period.

• Address: 2815 College Rd, Wilmington
• Phone: (910) 799-6820

Nir Family YMCA

Nir Family YMCA offers classes ranging from AquaFit and Aqua Zumba® to deep- and shallow-water aerobics.

• Address: 2710 Market St., Wilmington
• Phone: (910) 251-8196

Robert Strange Pool

Managed by the City of Wilmington and YMCA, the Robert Strange Pool offers deep-water aerobics most Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes are included with a YMCA membership.

• Address: 401 S. 10th St., Wilmington
• Phone: (910) 899-7332

Dinah E. Gore Sports and Aquatics Complex at Brunswick Community College

Classes at the Dinah E. Gore Sports and Aquatics Complex include Silver Splash, Aqua Combat and North Carolina Arthritis Foundation-approved water exercise classes.

• Address: 210 College Road, Bolivia
• Phone: (910) 846-2348

Coastal Fitness Center

Coastal Fitness Center offers group aquatics classes, including Aqua Fit and Aqua Tabata. The classes are designed to help participants build strength, improve endurance and stay active through low-impact exercise.

• Address: 98 Quarter Horse Lane, Hampstead
• Phone: (910) 270-4044