Why Water?

Water exercise has many distinct advantages over land exercise:
Buoyancy - the upward pressure exerted by water opposes the force of gravity and can assist or resist movement. Immersed to the waist, your body weighs 50% less than it does on land. Buoyancy also decreases the compression on weight bearing joints.
Resistance - with 12 times the resistance of air, water pressure resistance is provided in all directions.
Massaging Effect - the turbulence created by water movement is soothing.
Water Walking - benefits your muscular and cardiovascular systems and provides flexibility proportionate to how hard you work... and it energizes!
Warm Water - can reduce pain, help muscles relax, and generally improve circulation.

Do I have to know how to swim?

The answer here is a definite "NO." The water is waist to mid-shoulder deep and there are balance bars on the sides of the pools.

What are the possible benefits of the exercises?

Improved independence through better physical fitness.
Improved sleep – regular exercise helps promote a more natural and restorative sleep.
Improved general sense of well being through fitness and endurance.
Improved Daily Functionality
Stress reduction – increasing the heart rate improves the level of endorphins in the blood and helps to reduce pain.
Peer support – exercising in a class with others living with similar conditions
Helps refocus thoughts outward and away from the pain.

What types of exercises are involved?

Range of motion - to maintain or restore normal joint movement.
Strengthening - improve muscle conditioning lost through inactivity.
Conditioning - to gradually improve overall fitness.

Who is eligible to join?

Clients living with:
Arthritis, Osteoarthritis,
Rheumatoid, Psoriatic
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Fibromyalgia
Joint replacements
Lupus, MS, Parkinson’s
Stroke Recovery
Chronic Pain
Motor Vehicle Accident recovery
All musculo-skeletal difficulties or illnesses your doctor believes you may benefit from water exercise

Individual Requirements:

Doctor's referral is required (the form is available on the "Contact Us" page)
Participants must be able to work independently without the assistance of others.

How large are the classes?

Classes range in size depending on pool size; from 10-13 participants . Classes are led by a qualified instructor and a certified lifeguard is on deck during all classes.

Classes are approximately 40 minutes in length, consisting of 30-35 minutes of structured exercise and 5-10 minutes to relax and socialize.

Are these Classes covered by health insurance?

"No". These classes are considered recreational in nature. Our instructors are not medical professionals. The specific exercises however are those recommended for people with arthritis related conditions and many participants are reporting significant improvement since joining the program.

What is the cost?

Fees are $60.00* for a 10 week session. Classes run consecutively during the year and are 40 minutes in length.

As a non-profit organization fees are kept to a minimum to cover operational costs only.

*Fees are non refundable and are subject to change.