Water Aerobics – Keeping Fit, Making Friends

Submitted by Karen Thompson                                      

Fernandina Observer – Features Reporter

I really have never liked exercising.  I’ve tried jazzercise, core, step, curves and the list goes on.  But, since I made a resolution when I retired to “shape up,” I decided to try water aerobics.  And I like it!

Many places on the island offer water aerobics classes.  I chose the sessions at the Atlantic Rec Center because they are reasonably priced, close to my house and are offered every weekday all-year long.  The pool is heated in the winter and I understand solar thermal panels are being installed at the pool as I write this.  That will save lots of money when it comes to heating the water in the colder weather.

Water aerobics classes began at the Rec Center in 2004.  Instructors  Kym, Audrey and Gaja , each with their own routines and styles make every session a new experience.   Shallow and deep water classes are offered.  Participants are male and female, young and old, long-time residents and “snowbirds” in all shapes  and sizes.

Kym and Audrey pepper their routines with words about the physical benefits of exercising in the water.  “Water dancing” increases muscle strength because the water provides a natural resistance to each movement.  Because it is an aerobic exercise it also:  increases lung capacity, decreases risk of chronic diseases, maintains bone health and improves quality of life by decreasing disabilities.  It burns 400-500 calories an hour.

In some cases, this is physical therapy for people recovering from surgery, seeking relief from chronic aches and pains.  Many in the class have had hip replacements and after short recoveries, return to the pool.  The Atlantic Center pool is equipped with a lift for those physically unable to walk into the pool.

I am often inspired by the “ladies in the front row” who have been involved in this sport for 20, 30 years.  They have surely earned their place in the pool.  I’m told that the oldest person in the class is 93 or 96 depending on who I talk to.

But, one of the best benefits to me has been friendships.  I lunch with some of the ladies from time-to-time, I play canasta with another group and there is even a cruise in the planning stages.  The pool on the cruise line is reserved each morning for water aerobics classes then everyone is free to socialize and participate in other cruise-type activities.

I’m heading off to the pool now.  What could be better than starting the day with great music and friends and getting some exercise at the same time?

Editor’s Note: Karen moved to Fernandina Beach two years ago after working in Chicago as a senior public relations specialist for the Midwestern regional office of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Prior to that, she was an editor, columnist and writer for a chain of Chicago newspapers , an account executive for several Chicago public relations agencies and proprietor of her own pr/marketing business. She grew up and earned her journalism degree in Wisconsin.

October 23, 2013 8:42 a.m.