CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health and Fitness - Herrington-Ornelas

09/23/2025

Starting Monday, 9/29, the 9:00 AM Aqua classes will have exclusive use of all pool lanes. During this time, lap swimming will not be available.

09/02/2025

Why the 8 a.m. Tue/Thu Aqua Class is Strength & Resistance (Not Aerobic)
You have asked if our 8 a.m. Aqua class is more like an aerobic workout. While a few moves may look similar, this class is actually designed to build strength and resistance using the natural power of water.

What Makes It Different
In the water, “aerobic” exercise means moving nonstop at a moderate–to–high pace to mainly challenge your heart and lungs. Instead, our class focuses on using water’s resistance and buoyancy to strengthen muscles in both the upper and lower body — all with much less stress on your joints than land workouts.

How the Class Works
• We alternate between two routines every other week, with exercises like Burpees, Chest Press, Push-Ups, Mountain Climbers, Leg Extensions, and Leg Press variations.

• Water resistance replaces heavy equipment, so your muscles get stronger without the impact of traditional cardio.

• Repetitions are reduced from the original program, so you can focus on control, form, and strength.

• Each move has Levels 1–5, so you can choose the version that fits your comfort and ability.

• The Talk Test shows we’re not working at a true aerobic level, even if it sometimes feels challenging.

A Note from Your Instructor
You’ll always be reminded to work at your own pace and listen to your body. Over time, we’ve built this class into a strength and resistance format, helping everyone understand which muscles they’re working for better all-around health.
So, while a few moves may feel aerobic, the real focus is on strength, endurance, and functional fitness — with just a light sprinkle of cardio along the way.

09/02/2025

Resistance-Based (Not Aerobic)
There have been questions about whether the 8 a.m. Aqua class leans more toward aerobic training. While some movements may appear similar, this class is intentionally designed as a strength and resistance program.

Key Distinction
In aquatic training, an exercise is considered aerobic when it is performed continuously at a moderate–to–high intensity, elevating heart rate to challenge the cardiovascular system primarily. By contrast, this class is structured around using the natural resistance, drag, and buoyancy of water to strengthen both upper and lower body muscle groups — with minimal joint impact compared to land-based exercises.

Class Structure
• Two written routines alternate every other week, with exercises such as Burpees, Chest Press (2 variations), Push-Ups, Mountain Climbers, Leg Extensions, and Leg Press movements.

• Water resistance replaces continuous cardio load, emphasizing muscle engagement rather than aerobic endurance. Note: many are not able to do the hand or apparatus equipment that would build more of the weight-building aspect of cardio-that makes it more on the S&R side.

• Repetitions are reduced to 1/3 of the original design, placing focus on controlled ex*****on, strength, and form.

• Progressive modifications (Levels 1–5) allow participants to scale intensity appropriately.

• The Talk Test consistently shows activity levels remain below aerobic thresholds.
• The Rate of Perceived exertion may also be at play here as participants talk and describe the class times with me.
Instructor Notes
• Participants are regularly reminded to exercise at their own pace and within their personal health considerations.

• The progression toward a true strength/resistance format has been gradual, helping participants recognize and activate specific muscle groups for improved overall health.

While some movements may mimic aerobic exercise, the class framework prioritizes strength, endurance, and functional fitness, with only light aerobic elements incorporated.

08/15/2025

05/16/2025

Summer Special!

05/09/2025

Reminder: the pool will be closing at 11am this Saturday 5/10 and we are looking at reopening the pool on Monday 5/12.

05/06/2025

The pool will be closing at 11am this Saturday 5/10 in order to drain water. It will reopen on Monday 5/12.

04/17/2025

Easter Weekend Schedule

01/10/2025

Pool is open