Snow is in sight and summer might seem far away, but for those looking to mix up their indoor fitness routines in the colder months here on the South Shore, indoor pools found at your local wellness center are a great, year-round option.
Throughout the winter, The South Shore YMCA’s indoor pools see thousands of visitors on a weekly basis, and so programs are frequently offered and adjusted to meet the needs of today’s swimmers. And, due to the recent unveiling of the South Shore YMCA Swim Academy, the South Shore Y’s aquatics, competitive swimming and water fitness teams have been grouped together as one, making it easier than ever before to get involved with swimming however it best fits your interests and needs.
As on land, working out in the water can lead toward better cardio endurance and improved heart health. Due to the difference in resistance from land to water, the water can also provide additional, unique health benefits as well. Water fitness lessens impact on your joints which can lower your risk of injury, it can give those recovering from injuries an alternative to land training, and it can lead to improved blood flow, as cool water makes the body’s circulation system work harder to stay warm, which increases circulation.
“From swim lessons and family swim, to water aerobics, there are plenty of options offered by the South Shore Y to experience the benefits of water fitness,” shared Meaghan Hilton, Director of Aquatics, South Shore YMCA, Emilson Branch. “There are cases where gravity on land could potentially be less safe for someone with stability issues, and in these instances, we’ve seen many who cannot walk on land walk in the water. Whether you’re just starting out, looking for new ways to train, or aiming to exercise in a low-impact environment, there is a program here for you.”
Because of the combination of added resistance and buoyancy that are unique to water, another advantage of a water-based workout is that it’s appropriate at any age, making the audience near limitless.
“Our classes here at the Y range in level of strenuousness from low to moderate to high,” explained Mary Beth Hynes, American Red Cross Administrator, South Shore YMCA, Emilson Branch. “We use both our cool and warm-water pools, depending on the class. Many participants have arthritis or related joint/muscle conditions and have shared that aqua classes provide them with much relief and the opportunity to stay mobile.”
In addition to the supportive community of fellow members you’ll find in the water, the instructors who lead the Y’s water fitness programs can help you get the most out of your time in the pool.
“We have a team of terrific, dedicated instructors who know and care about their class members and who bring creative, innovative ideas to their aqua workouts,” added Hynes. “It’s most rewarding to hear our members share their stories of success, many who cite how they wouldn’t be walking if it weren’t for their participation in our water fitness classes. Hearing that these programs make a real impact on people’s everyday lives and well-being is what drives us to expose more and more people, no matter their age, to all of the options that water fitness has to offer.”
To learn more about water fitness classes at the South Shore YMCA Emilson branch in Hanover, please visit www.ssymca.org or contact Mary Beth Hynes, American Red Cross Administrator, South Shore YMCA, at mhynes@ssymca.org or (781) 829-8585 ext. 8243. To learn more about water fitness classes at the South Shore YMCA Quincy branch, contact Kenneth Berardi, Aquatics Director, South Shore YMCA Quincy, at kberardi@ssymca.org.
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About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.