Sunday's Internet Edition, July 20, 2008.
2nd water aerobics class
|
| CLASS MEMBERS work out during a water aerobics class recently. Because of the demand, a second class was added. – Photo by CEDRIC IGLEHART |
Staff writer -
Water Aerobics has become so big in Copperas Cove this year that the Parks and Recreation Department has added a second class.
“We added the second class based strictly on demand,” Parks and Recreation Director Ken Wilson said. “Any time you have over 60 people in a class consistently; there is a need for more.”
Even with rainfall the current class, held at City Park Pool Mondays through Thursdays at 7 p.m., has averaged over 60 people a night.
“One night there was over 80 people and we had to turn some away,” Wilson said. “It just didn’t seem right to have to turn people away.”
The limit for the class is 80 people.
The new class, which began Monday, will also be held Monday through Thursday evenings but at the South Park Pool off of FM 3046 (across from Martin Walker Elementary School.) at 6 p.m.
The new class has also been steadily increasing in size. The limit for the new class is 50 people.
Both classes follow the same format, including warm up and cool down, aerobic exercises and strength exercises.
“Most of all, people come to these classes to have fun, socialize, cool down and get some exercise in addition to the above,” Volunteer Instructor Terry Beekman said. “We emphasize the part about having fun. The exercise comes with it as an added bonus.”
This is the fourth year for the class, which Beekman had started. Each year it has grown in popularity.
“One of the best things is that people don’t have to commit to coming each and every night,” Parks and Recreation Aquatics supervisor Kristi McIntyre said. “It’s a pay as you come class with the participants choosing when they want to come.”
The class is open to ages 14 and above. Ages 14-18 have to be accompanied by a parent.
Beekman stresses that the class is taught to accommodate the older students in the class. “If you want a harder workout, work harder,” Beekman said.
Beekman said that while many people in the class don’t even know how to swim, but still want the non-impact benefit of the water class.
“It’s easier on the body, it’s cool and refreshing and it’s fun,” Beekman said.
Classes cost $1 per session with 10 session laminated passes available for $10 at each pool.
With recent rainstorms, there has been some classes that have been cancelled.
“We’d rather be cautious and cancel, than to risk injury of anyone,” McIntyre said.
For more information, come to any class or call McIntyre at 547-9247.