Water wellness

By Carolyn Flanagan

Assistant Blogs Editor

Sadly misinterpreted as a seniors’ sport, most students overlook the water as a valuable way to get exercise. The Journal spoke to Tiffany Bambrick, co-ordinator of fitness and wellness at the ARC and a certified water fitness instructor, about the benefits of aquatic fitness.

No impact– Exercising in the water does not create impact on your joints, unlike running or cross-training.

Good for injury recovery-Because of its low impact on joints, swimming is an ideal workout if recovering from an injury. In fact, if you have been training, you can maintain your cardio-vascular capacity for up to four to six weeks if you continue to exercise in the water.

Adds variety– Not everyone likes running, the gym or the bike. Variety is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In the water, you can swim lengths, tread water, run, take a class or even do resistance training, to name a few. Any activity can be adapted to the water.

Use equipment-Flutter boards, pool noodles, water belts and dumb-bells (with foam core) can all be used in an aquatic workout. In addition, your own body and the properties of water can provide resistance on their own.

Varsity athletes are also doing it– Cardio, flexibility, strength and conditioning and all other components of a regular work out can be found in an aqua fitness class. Contrary to popular belief, you can work up a sweat in a pool.

You can make it your own– The ARC offers classes in aquatic fitness that you can modify to do on your own if the group setting isn’t for you.

Fun– If you enjoy the water, that is. You can be uninhibited and let loose in the water.

Casual swim times at the ARC

Monday: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 4 to 7 p.m. (Fridays until 8 p.m.)

Saturday to Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m., 9 to 10:30 p.m.

Aquatic Fitness Plus Class

Tuesday/Thursday 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

Tags

aqua fitness, exercise, Health, student fitness

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