Submitted by Stephanie Roloff for Lacey Parks and Recreation
It’s that time of the year again – the time for a New Year’s resolution to get healthier. This year try something different and make a splash with a water fitness class. Lacey Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of water fitness classes at River Ridge High School Pool.
For anyone just starting a fitness routine, exercising in the water is a great low-impact option. Exercising in the water is a good workout – and a little harder than you might expect due to the resistance. But the water also makes it easy to customize a workout by adjusting the range and speed of movement.
Jen Norby began an aquatic fitness exercise class at the recommendation of her doctor several years ago while pregnant. She continued as a way to lose weight, gain flexibility, improve her heart health and have a positive attitude about herself. Four years ago she began instructing aquatic fitness classes. Norby teaches Deep Water Aerobics and started the Boot Camp H20 class, a higher-intensity class that incorporates lap swimming, push-ups, and weights. As an instructor Norby said, “It is so rewarding to see the joy and people’s faces during class and hear about the triumphs have overcome by exercising in the water.”
Jean-Marie Dymond needed a dual knee replacement in 2012. To prepare for the difficult surgery and strengthen her upper body, she began taking aquatic fitness classes through Lacey Parks and Recreation. Dymond attributes her quick recovery to her deep water aerobics class. After her recovery, she continued with the class because of the affordable prices and well-trained instructors who thoroughly explain the exercises for every level.
Jenny Wilson, Recreation Supervisor for Lacey Parks and Recreation said, “Registration is simple. There are no membership fees, contract or hassles. Just browse the class options, choose a class and sign-up over the phone.”
Classes are offered weeknights at River Ridge High School Pool year-round. Classes range from Lap Swimming, Boot Camp H20, Shallow Water Aerobics and Deep Water Aerobics. For the full class schedule, view the recreation guide here. You can also try one class for free; call Lacey Parks and Recreation at 360-491-0857 for details.
