Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1323259
JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021 21 living fit sleep health / aqua fitness Aquatic workouts are making waves Experience the benefits of pool fitness classes During the pandemic, the WAC pool has been more popular than ever. Lap times fill quickly, and more members are discovering aquatic fitness classes. See what you're missing when you reserve a spot in one of the Club's five weekly classes in the pool. Not only do water workout classes provide a low-impact approach to staying fit, but they also get your heart pumping and your muscles working. In addition, you actually burn more calories while working out in the water. is occurs because water removes more body heat than air, in turn driving caloric burn through thermogenesis. In other words, your body burns calories working to keep you warm. Beyond the physical advantages, pool workouts also provide a mental escape. Nowhere is that more true than in the art deco oasis that is Helene Madison Pool on the 6th Floor of the WAC. But don't take our word for it. Check out the pool schedule online at wac. net/pool and reserve your spot in an upcoming water fitness class. From low- key Aqua Fit sessions to high-intensity Aqua Boot Camp, you're sure to find an aquatic answer to your fitness needs. make falling asleep difficult: stress, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and sleep disorders. ese factors have varying effects on sleep patterns but can, in most cases, be managed by following recommended sleeping practices. Here are some tips to help you sleep better: 1. Turn off the busy mind: Information overload can leave our minds racing and prevent us from falling asleep. Recommended techniques to help you switch off your mind include listening to a calming podcast, doing breathing exercises, and trying a guided meditation. 2. Release muscle tension: Tense muscles and body aches can make falling asleep difficult. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). Physically tense and then relax your muscles. e idea is that as you do this your mind will relax, as well. 3. Avoid caffeine: Beverages like coffee, soda, and energy drinks can adversely leave your heart beating faster. Try drinking soothing bedtime teas like chamomile, passionflower, and magnolia. is is an abbreviated list, and different combinations of techniques will work for different people. You can also talk with the WAC naturopath about other techniques that might work for you. Ultimately, sleep is critical to our well-being, and figuring out how to get more and better sleep will likely lead to noticeable physical and mental improvements. —is article was abridged from "20 tips to fall asleep faster and enjoy better sleep" by Sleep Report. Learn more at sleep.report/20-tips-better- sleep. To make an appointment with the WAC naturopath, contact the Wellness Center at 206.464.1396 or wellness@wac.net. MONDAYS 10–11 AM Deepwater Aqua Fit WEDNESDAYS 10–11 AM Shallow Aqua Fit THURSDAYS 10–11 AM Aqua Fit Yoga FRIDAYS 10–11 AM Aqua Boot Camp, high-intensity 11 AM–12 PM Aqua Boot Camp, low-intensity Schedule subject to change. As of press time, all pool use required reservations via Mindbody. Instructions can be found online at wac.net/pool. AQUATIC FITNESS SCHEDULE E M I L I O H U E R TA S