New instructor Gina Coehlo joins Megan Wiegand, Jeanne Parker, and Kathy Marrou at the indoor pool. (Photo by Lynne Kelsey)
Suzie Kardog-Edgren
Rocking horse, bullfrog, dainty frog, hoedown, cross country, toy soldier—how are these words connected? They describe various movements used during a water aerobics class!
As a runner, walker, and biker of long standing, I didn’t think water aerobics would be much of a workout. All I really did was play in the water for about 50 minutes, led by an instructor who took us through a warm-up of “high-knee jog, swim arms,” a period of higher intensity movements, and a final cool-down period of stretching in the water. I was wrong! I could barely lift my arms up to the computer keyboard after my first session. Who knew water could be so heavy and provide such a workout?!
Led by an instructor, either at poolside or in the water with us, we often also use foam water weights or foam noodles, provided at the pool, to increase resistance and augment our workouts. Benefits of water aerobics include strengthening and toning muscles, improved flexibility while reducing the risk of muscle and joint injuries, stress relief, lowered blood pressure, enhanced balance and coordination, help with arthritis and back pain, and increased endurance. It can also help reduce body fat and lower cholesterol, and stops overheating from exercise.
Participant Kris Wichern states that “water aerobics has totally rehabbed my body and made me so much stronger and more flexible. I found many of the moves overlap with exercises my physical therapist taught me! My achy joints are not so achy after this low-impact workout, and even on days when I’d rather take it easy, I feel so much better when I get both exercise and smiles first thing in the morning!” Like many of the regulars, Kris says she has met some of her best friends through their time together each morning in the pool.
The newest member of the teaching team is Gina Coehlo who has been teaching water aerobics for almost 20 years. She joins fellow instructors Kathy Marrou, Megan Wiegand, and Jeanne Parker, in leading classes Monday through Saturday at the indoor pool at 8:30 a.m. The first class is free. Thereafter, classes are $5 each or $30 for the month, with unlimited attendance. For more information, contact Kathy Marrou at [email protected].
Y’all come in—the water’s fine!