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Water Workouts Build Fitness; Classes Offered By the Southern Branch YMCA Have Also Forged Friendships.

Posted on: Wednesday, 8 December 2004, 00:00 CST

Come on in, the water's fine.

The word on the benefits of water exercise programs at the Southern Branch YMCA has been trickling through southern York County and northern Maryland counties for some time.

Three mornings a week, 20 to 30 people suit up for a workout in the pool. Some have arthritis while others have had joint replacements, and they all come in search of a way to stay in shape without the pain of regular exercise.

This program is designed for people with arthritis and similar difficulties and offers water walking combined with slow and gentle movements aimed to improving range of motion and muscle strength.

"We use a lot of stretch and tone exercises with a lot of repetitions and not a lot of impact," said instructor Lisa Eavey of Shrewsbury.

The participants sing the praises of the program and of Eavey's skill in "motivating us to get it right."

"I enjoy it very much," said Barbara Winemiller, 69, of Seven Valleys. "I have arthritis and diabetes and it is important to get exercise, but I can't walk anymore. It is too painful. This program is wonderful," she said.

Sandy Kaufman, 63, of New Freedom, has had several joints replaced and for her the program offers much-needed exercise while eliminating stress to her hips and knees.

But the program goes way beyond that, said Elaine Williams, 60, of Jarrettsville, Md.

"We were all strangers when we began and we have become friends. We do a lot of things together. We take trips, Lisa has us to her house for lunch, we go shopping, we have a Christmas party and we have a real support group going. When someone misses a day or two we call to make sure they are doing OK. These things are so important," Williams said.

Two other programs, deep-water exercises and low-impact water aerobics, are also available, and like the arthritis program, are offered three times a week, Eavey said.

With the deep-water program, "there is no stress. People wear a flotation device and work at their own pace. This provides the kind of exercise one would get on a treadmill except there is no impact because it is all done in water," Eavey said.

Low-impact water aerobics are a little more strenuous than deep- water exercising and will put a little more stress on the joints, she said. Water walking is another option, she said, and something people can do on their own.

One of them is Fran Doll, 61, of Loganville, who comes early to water walk and stays for the arthritis program.

"I have arthritis and diabetes and exercise is important and with this program you do what you can do, what is within your own capabilities. Plus there is the fun of being together and sharing. If I don't come three times a week I feel like I am missing something," said Doll, who also provides a ride for a friend who cannot drive.

Maybe the most important thing is that the programs offer people an opportunity to exercise and socialize and a reason to get out of the house, Eavey said.

"We want those people who are sitting in their recliners at home that they need to exercise and water is very beneficial. We invite them to join us," she said.

In other words, come on in, the water's fine.

PIC: DAILY RECORD / SUNDAY NEWS LORI CROUSE KLAUBER

Marie Peek of Shrewsbury has been attending the Arthritis Aquatic Class at Southern Branch YMCA for two years. She and other members of the class find it a gentle way to stay fit.

Source: York Daily Record

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