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.

“The water itself decreases impact,” she 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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Here's a compilation of several available water aerobics classes in the Wilmington area:

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 Boulevard during the renovation period. 

Nir Family YMCA

Located at 2710 Market Street, the YMCA offers classes ranging from AquaFit and Aqua Zumba® to deep and shallow water aerobics.  

Robert Strange Pool

Managed by the City of Wilmington and YMCA, the Robert Strange Pool located at 401 S. 10th Street offers deep water aerobics most Mondays and Wednesdays and it’s included with a YMCA membership. 

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

Classes at the Dinah E. Gore Sports and Aquatics Complex (210 College Road in Bolivia) include Silver Splash, Aqua Combat, and North Carolina Arthritis Foundation approved water exercise classes.

Coastal Fitness Center

Located at 98 Quarter Horse Lane in Hampstead, Coastal Fitness Center offers group aquatics classes including Aqua Fit and Aqua Tabata.