Full body workout with low impact

Photo By Sgt. Tabitha Bartley | Allison Simon and Carline A. Bier do toe touches during the deep water group exercise at the Quantico 50M Pool on Monday. Simon and Bier had to swim, wade, and use weights during the hour long class.  

QUANTICO, VA, UNITED STATES

07.09.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Tabitha Bartley 

Marine Corps Base Quantico

QUANTICO, Va. - The Barber Physical Fitness Center has found a way for participants to get a full body, low impact workout with the deep water group exercise from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday at the Quantico 50M Pool.

The entire class floats in the deep end of the pool, using flotation belts and other devices, if needed. They swim laps to increase their heart rate, stretch and use dumbbells for resistance in the water.

“You don’t have to be an amazing swimmer to attend the class,” said Amy Elsbury, group exercise instructor. “Even though it’s a group class, we can make individual adjustments so everyone feels comfortable.”

The water exercise is easy on joints. Participants receive a full body workout that is low impact, especially to the lower portion of the body.

“I’m not in pain and my joints aren’t stiff,” said Allison Simon, a participant in the class for two years and is more than 50 years old. “I seem to get a better stretch when I’m in the pool.”
Simon, who suffers from a foot injury, is able to participate in the class and get a workout without causing her pain or further injury.

“We have a lot of people attending the class who are recovering from injury and even surgery,” said Elsbury. “They are able to get a workout without injuring themselves and they leave with more energy.”

For active duty and reserve service members the class is free, but for other participants, $5 a class or a water exercise pass that is free for active duty and reservist, $30 for family members and retirees, and $40 for DOD civilians. Shallow water group exercises are held on Tuesday and Thursday.

“It’s a great class,” said Simon. “I would recommend this class to anyone.”

• Date Taken: 07.09.2012
• Date Posted: 11.17.2012 09:21
• Story ID: 98005
• Location: QUANTICO, VA, US