Welcome to another new thing I’ve done for my health and wellness. I tired water yoga with Aqua Vida. This has been on my list to do a little while and I took the class. Do not think for a second that it’s not a relaxing and rigorous class. Here’s my before you go and review.
Before you go to Aqua Vida
The class is located inside the AKA hotel in University City. Street parking is your friend but there is also a lot nearby. The class is about an hour and you will need to be present at least 15 minutes before. Packing for class is typical. You should wear either a swimsuit or yoga clothes. Definitely bring a change of clothes just in case.
The locker room is spacious and has built in locks to secure your items. In addition here are some other addition items to bring:
- Hair tie for longer hair (I forgot mine)
- Shower essentials in case you shower in the premises after class
- Normally in the pool I would wear water shoes. I suggest coming with your bare feet. It helps with your grip on the water board
Easy Flow with Christine
I know this sounds cliche but it’s the truth. This class is more than a fitness class. I pushed myself in ways I hadn’t before. For instance, Christine made it clear before we started that the pro tip to keeping yourself balance was in your mindset. If you’re feeling wobbly take your time and remind yourself that you’re balanced. I did not fall off my board. The days and moments leading up to the class I kept thinking I would.
The class is an experience. Christine has a personality that makes you feel safe and seen. Even if you have no swimming experience you can take the class. The water is 4ft in height. If you fall off you can simply stand up.
Fitness is the name of the game
Yes this class is relaxing but Aqua Vida is a fitness class. I was sore the next day. My body was stretched in so many ways. Although you can see on my Instagram that it “looked” like no big deal trust me it was. Each movement was to mush me into shape and I honestly loved it. Since starting to be consistent at the gym yoga is a great way to stretch the muscles that we use in a better way.
The class helped me see also see where I could focus some strength training too. At some moments I found my body shaking and took mental note. Just like when I did the Cold Plunge, Aqua Vida is more than an out of body experience as it is a mental one. Aqua Vida also has other fitness classes available:
- AquaFIT HIIT™ SUP Workouts
- AquaSCULPT™ SUP Fitness
- AquaKids SUP Clinic
- Stand Up Paddle Tours
- Pilates Express
Would I take another Aqua Vida Water Yoga class?
Hands down! This changed my mind about the expectations of water yoga. Normally when you hear water yoga you assume it’s yoga near water. This is in the water overlooking the city at night. It’s magnificent to see. I enjoyed the class and I was so proud of what I had accomplished. This mental release was exactly what I needed. During moments of pause I took in everything. In addition I said silent prayers for various parts of my life and world.
Experiences at Aqua Vida
You can book a private experience. So think bachelorette, birthday and more. In addition Aqua Vida on February 3rd will have a floating sound bath. This means no yoga or movement. You simply engage in the beauty of sound bath while in the water. On the same day there is pool side sound bath. This means you can sit alongside the pool in the chairs and listen to the sound bath with Luna Maye.
I’ve lived in Philadelphia now for 14 years now and this was an experience I will never forget. Cheers to new experiences, wellness, and mental clarity. Thank you to Christine for having me at Aqua Vida.
