SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 19
living fit
wac aquatics
humbled," she says, recalling how she
used Helene Madison Pool to train for
her first triathlon about 10 years ago.
"I see her all the time," Ed says. "She
creates a nice pace for everyone to follow
in class, especially newcomers."
Nancy says she enjoys the
camaraderie of aquatics classes,
which her physical therapist first
recommended, as well as the physical
benefits. "e stress you put on your
joints is a lot milder," she says. "I've
noticed that I can work out harder in the
pool with less risk for re-injury."
is sentiment is shared by member
Sarah Schmitz. Sarah has been using the
pool since 2019 to rehab a torn ACL.
Aer three knee surgeries, she realized
her rehab journey is as much mental as
physical.
"e WAC has offered such a great
family-style support for me," she says.
"Whether it's talking to members or
talking to staff, everyone is upbeat,
which has helped me stay positive."
Sarah usually visits the pool three to
four times weekly. "I know what being in
the pool has done for me over the past
few years," she says. "And I've met some
amazing people."
Low-impact pool workouts are a crucial part
of Sarah Schmitz's physical therapy routine.
THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING
Lap swimming is a fantastic, low-impact workout that combines aerobics,
stretching, and strengthening. "Swimming is one of the few exercises
where you work your entire body at once," WAC Aquatics Supervisor Lynn
Barnhart says. Lynn has personally used swimming to rehab a foot injury—
on doctor's orders—and points to the sport's mental health benefits, as
well. "Your body falls into a rhythm while swimming, which leaves your
mind free to wander," she says.
According to U.S. Masters Swimming, the health benefits of swimming
include:
WAC AQUATICS RESOURCES
Learn more about
Helene Madison Pool.
• wac.net/pool
View the pool schedule, including
lap swim, family swim, aquatic fitness
classes, and group swim lessons.
• wac.net/pool-schedule
Learn more about group and private
swim lessons and meet
the instructors.
• wac.net/group-swim-lessons
• wac.net/private-swim-lessons
• wac.net/swim-instructors
Contact Aquatics Supervisor
Lynn Barnhart at lbarnhart@wac.net
or 206.464.3073.
Improved
cardiovascular
function
Increased
flexibility
and balance
Reduced stress
and improved
focus
Stronger muscles
and joints
Lower blood
pressure
u
Helene Madison Pool reopens September 3 following annual maintenance.
