Take The Plunge For A New, More Fit You

You know you need more exercise. You have vowed to get more exercise. But you just haven’t taken that last baby step to put it into your schedule. What if the exercise program was low cost, high impact, and no further than your neighborhood swimming pool? Would you give it a try?

Aquarobics and WaterMotion are water aerobics and group water therapy classes that are now being offered at the swimming pool starting Sept 14.

“The best news about these classes is they work at your own pace so it is perfect for the person returning to exercise, but can grow with you as your fitness level increases to an advanced level,” said Carolyn Scott, owner of Aquarobics.

The water motion classes are appropriate for anyone who might have had challenges with joints, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or just coming off surgery, Scott said.

The Renton site classes are new for Aquarobics, but Scott said many Renton participants have been commuting to other pools, so it will be nice that they don't have to travel as far.

A long-time Aquarobics participant, Molly McCarty of Fife, touts the benefits of the programs.

“After years of body-pounding aerobics and running I have found a program that I can get the same maximum cardio workout without the damage to my body. I have more endurance and muscle tone, but more importantly I just feel terrific and happy,” McCarty said.

Another longtime participant, Anne Jess, has been attending the Mercerwood Shore Club and credits the program for helping her rebuild after she suffered a debilitating injury. Jess cites the music, the instructors, and the camaraderie with others as keeping her coming back for more.

"We have a lot of fun exercising to the music while getting a great overall workout," she said.

Scott said she hopes the new Hazen location will appeal to parents who drop their kids off at school, and are looking for a mid-morning workout nearby. 

“I purposely created the time for this reason,” Scott said of the 9 a.m. Aquarobics class. 

Pools teach our children to swim, provide a community, build memories and provide a lifelong exercise option when many other avenues close due to joint issues as we age,” Scott said.

Earlier this year Patch told you about the challenges of keeping within the Renton School District, and their subsequent fundraising efforts to  needs.

Community organizers for fundraising events held over the last year, said that programs such as Aquarobics help to keep the pools operational.

Classes at Hazen start on Monday, Sept. 12. Aquarobics will run on Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10 a.m. and WaterMotion on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Classes run in 5-week sessions, and packaged classes range from $8-9.25 per class (Packages of 10 and 15 classes). Drop-in classes are available for $12. Aquarobics offers the first class free.

For more information about Aquarobics, click here.