Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/404125
A N N A D E L A P A Z 48 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 strokes. In class, you will refine stroke tech- nique, breath control, starts and turns, and endurance work. This class is a great pre- cursor to joining the WAC Masters Swim Team, lap swimming, or triathlon training. Wednesdays, October 29 –November 19: 2:30–3:30 pm Aqua Boot Camp A high-intensity, low-impact workout for athletes and non-athletes alike who want a tough workout without aggravating knees, hips and other injury-prone joints. Friday: 10:45–11:45 am Deep Water Fitness Using fitness disciplines, this class offers a safe and challenging water- based workout that includes cardio conditioning, body toning, and exhilaration in deep water. Monday : 11–11:45 am Cardio Express A 30-minute shallow-water workout designed to get you moving, with low impact to joints. This is great for cross- training or as an alternative to a rest day. Monday : 10:30–11 am Joints in Motion Ease joint and muscle pain. This class takes participants through gentle range- of-motion, joint-mobility and flexibility exercises. It is appropriate for those suffering from arthritis or muscle pain and stiffness or those recovering from an injury. Wednesday: 10:30–11 am; free with Fitness Advantage Masters Swim Team Organized workouts to enhance endurance and improve stroke technique. Master swimmers are encouraged to attend practice regularly and to compete. Email masterscoach@wac.net for more information. Monday–Thursday: 6:30–7:30 pm; $30/month Private Swim Lessons The WAC aquatics team offers lessons designed to suit anyone's needs. Private lessons available during family swim times, based on availability. Private lessons:$35 per lesson, $120 four-lesson package Back on course By Quin Nelson MEET THE ATHLETE As a teenager, Erik Ness was passionate about triathlons, but he later shelved his athletic ambitions because, as he says, "life happens." Now a physician with a family, the 44-year-old WAC member is back in the game. He competed in several triathlons during the past year along with a couple of half-marathons. We caught up with him to talk about his midlife comeback. Why did you get back into triathlons? A colleague mentioned he was going to compete in the Pacific Crest Triathlon in Sunriver, Oregon, in June 2013. My family loves that area, so I entered the race and parlayed it into a vacation. Having been out of the water and off a bike for 25 years, I started swimming at the WAC, running, and doing 4th Floor cycling sessions. I took a bit of a beating in my first race but loved the whole experience. How did you get better? I started working with WAC Triathlon Coach Julie Vieselmeyer. She's fantastic. She's very knowledgeable and a tremendous triathlete herself. She also does a great job helping me balance my training with my work and family life. Tell us more about that balance. It's certainly a challenge. I often work out in the early morning or fit in a quick workout at lunch or after work at the WAC. What keeps you motivated? I really enjoy working out, and it's a tremendous stress-reliever. The social aspects of the training are great, and the physiology and science behind the training also fascinate me. Perhaps most important, it gives my family the opportunity to travel and see more of the Northwest and exposes my kids to the positive environments of races. What advice do you have for others looking to get fit in their 40s? It's all about finding something you enjoy and somehow carving out the time.