The Waiting Room

Every Monday and Wednesday night, I go to water aerobics. I really enjoy the class. The instructor is great and is very motivating. At the end, I feel like I got a great workout.

The one thing that I don't like about the class is the chatty women who stand in the back of the pool and converse during the workout. I don't mind a little chat, but these women seem to think it's a social hour. They are not new to the class. They have taken it before. I can't say they are bored, because the instructor keeps the class fresh. I can't say that they are having difficulty because the instructor also gives modifications and models them for those who are unable to perform certain exercises.

Did I mention that these women are in their sixties? Bet you thought I was going to be blasting a bunch of young folks!

Last night was really bad. I was standing toward the back of the pool because the class has become crowded with new people. I got to experience how chatty the Cathys were. They are loud. In fact one woman was chatting away with her back to the instructor while the instructor was teaching!

After a 30 minute cardio session, the class moves toward the deep water for the strength circuit. The circuit can be done for those who are not comfortable in the deep water. The instructor does not go too far into the deep end, so as to allow the others to hear her and participate. Well, the Chatty Cathys just hang out in the shallow end and continue talking, still not participating. And when it time for the cool down, they are headed to the locker room to hit the sauna!

The entire time this was going on, I could tell that the instructor was bothered by the behavior of the Chatty Cathys. Granted, they have acted like this before, but last night was worse. There are 12 in the class and by the end only five people, including me, were fully participating.

I was frustrated with these women for doing what I believe was wasting time. There are probably other people that would like to participate in the class but can't because it is full. I felt sorry for the instructor because I know she is doing a great job. And she is probably stuck because how do you politely these people to kindly shut up or get out of the pool!

I guess I could look at it as the Chatty Cathys loss because they are throwing good money away by goofing off instead of participating. It's also funny how these are the same women who bitch in the locker room that they are still overweight!

I wanted to tell the instructor that I appreciate what she is doing, but I missed her when it was time to leave. On Wednesday, I am going catch her before class and tell her that I appreciate what she is doing and that it has made a difference for me.

One small voice...