Ante-natal aerobics- worthwhile?

[Hayls]

I really need to do some exercise and am thinking of starting aqua aerobics. Does anybody have any advice about doing these classes? I'm 22 weeks and I read somewhere that it's around the right time to start.
This might sound silly but what do they actually involve? Although I can swim OK and quite enjoy it, it has to be on my terms- I hate being out of my depth and get really panicky if I put my head under the water (i know, bit of a wuss). Is it possible to do these classes without doing either of these things? I'm too embarrassed to phone up and ask. I've tried to overcome these 'fears' and dh has also tried to encourage me but I've been like this since I was young. Strange though, as I really do enjoy swimming!
Don't know what else I can try- got dodgy knees so some activities are out of bounds and have tried a pregnancy yoga video but fell asleep not long into it! OR are there more exciting videos I can try?

I have become quite unfit since becoming pg as I just couldn't find the energy and felt too nauseous but would like to try to do some exercise now and hopefully it will be easier to get back in shape after the birth (funny how everything we say these days either starts or ends 'after the baby's born'...) Much as I like lazing around and using pgncy as an excuse to eat chocolate, must try to change!

TIA for your advice

What ever class you want to follow I would ask if you can see the teacher's qualification to teach antenatal this or that... and ask to attend once before committing!
I teach antenatal yoga and no one )dares) fall asleep during my class

Pupuce, I certainly wouldn't dare!
I did do yoga for a while before I was pg and really enjoyed it but they changed the times and I couldn't make it any more. Would really like to do it but not sure how to find one locally- any tips?

Yes look \www.birthlight.com\here - if that doesn't turn up something for you let me know !

here sorry...

Thanks Pupuce, will have a look.

I did aerobics and aqua aerobics while pg - for the only time in my life! It was the only time when my lack of coordination and fitness was considered acceptable.

My hospital and gym both did antenatal aerobics classes. Aqua (ordinary classes)was a bit more hit and miss - I went to one class where the instructor didn't even ask if anyone had any special needs, so I felt petrified throughout.

You don't even need to be able to swim for aqua. One word of advice - don't do what I did and start chatting to other ladies at aqua using the line "so, when's your due?" Poor lady was mortified!

Just wondered if anybody else had any experiences they wanted to share before i book up for some classes? I'm a paranoid wreck and never do anything without someone (dh, mum etc) at least saying they think it's a good idea!
That makes me sound really weird and insecure - i'm not really!

I do antenatal fitness and am nearly 18 weeks and love it. I do it at my local hospital. The base of my spine is chipped and being a window dresser for nearly 10 years I too have dodgy knees Hayls, but enjoy the exersise. It gives me energy and makes me feel more awake and a little less sick! Haven't tried aqua aerobics but I think the water is shallow enough so that if you did slip you wouldn't harm yourself. Even if the others did it in deeper water at your gym could you ask to go in slightly shallow water, I am sure they wouldn't think you were stupid. Go on Give it a go!!!