Workout in the water
June 16, 2006
By JOSEPH M. DELEON News-Post Staff
jdeleon @ fredericknewspost . com
FREDERICK — A woman swam in place while a jet of water pushed against her. Senior citizens flexed their arms and legs in a pool of warm water, their muscles and joints soothed by the therapeutic movements. Teenagers scaled a climbing wall and jumped into a pool.
These were just some of the activities taking place at local pools during the past few weeks.
Aquatic fitness is growing in popularity, creating a market for new products and drawing people in record numbers to swimming pools that offer fitness programs.
Roughly 18 percent of U.S. residents who swim, about 21.4 million people, do so for fitness or exercise, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA).
The Washington-based association reported more than 95 million recreational swimmers in 2005, said spokesmanMike May. The next two most popular recreational activities are recreational walking and recreational bicycling, with 92 million and 15.6 million respectively.
In addition to recreational swimmers, SGMA reported 15.6 million fitness swimmers and 5.8 million people who engage in aquatic exercise. The number of people who exercise in the water increased by 7 percent from 2004 to 2005.
About 60 percent of the U.S. population plays or exercises in the water, according to SGMA.
"Aquatic recreation will continue to grow in popularity over the years, because we are a society that is gravitating to low-impact activities like Pilates," Mr. May said. "The long-term trend for aquatic activities in general is on the upswing because of our aging population and because water is fun. I see a significant increase in aquatic recreation over the next decade or so."
Recreation becomes exercise
Activities such as aqua Pilates and aqua jogging are increasing in popularity.
Gary Thill, editor of Aquatics International magazine, described why water exercise is on the rise.
"Water is almost like a lubricant to muscles and joints," he said. "And it creates a natural resistance, so it's a nice medium for movements you make in training, but without the impact of (traditional) fitness programs."
Paul Gorgol, owner of Pools, Patios & Porches in Frederick has noticed more customers asking about aquatic fitness products.
"A lot of people want to work out, but don't have the time or don't want to join a gym," he said.
The most popular fitness products he carries are Endless Pools, and AquaJogger. Endless Pools simulates a lap pool by creating a strong current. The original Endless Pool had to be built into a pool as it was being constructed. A new, more affordable model called Fastlane can be installed in an existing pool.
AquaJogger provides resistance to the hands and feet as swimmers jog in place. A foam belt keeps users afloat while hand gear, which resembles dumbbells, and ankle cuffs increase water drag.
Another product making waves is the AquaClimb.
The AquaClimb is made of fiberglass panels mounted to the deck of a swimming pool. Each 1-meter-by-1-meter panel is attached to a metal frame leaning 10 degrees over a swimming pool.
Swimmers pull themselves out of the pool onto the climbing wall. If climbers lose their grip, their fall is cushioned by the water.
Evan Scott, vice president of sales for Pyramide USA Inc., which manufactures AquaClimb, said fitness is a byproduct of the AquaClimb experience.
"It's mainly about recreation, but AquaClimb is drawing kids back to the pools," the 25-year-old sport climber said.
Climbers are lured by the challenge of scaling the wall. Repetitive use of the AquaClimb builds functional strength and mental focus, he said.
Mr. Scott said the AquaClimb can be used as a tool by health clubs, gyms and municipal swimming pools to attract more people.
"It's an especially useful tool for attracting teens," he said.
Steve Howard, director of aquatics at the YMCA, said he has seen a dramatic increase in the demand for aquatics fitness classes. Enrollment is up 20 percent from last year, to 270 adults.
"In the past two years, we have added seven new classes and our enrollment is the highest it's ever been," he said.
Mr. Howard is proud of the Arthritis Plus class.
"Our biggest accomplishment is to see people with limited mobility leave with improved flexibility, posture and balance," he said.
The newest aquatic fitness classes are deep water running and aquacore. Both classes target fit adults who want a challenge. The next series of classes is scheduled for June 26 to Aug. 19.
For details, contact Steve Howard at 301-663-5131, ext. 247 or showard@frederickymca.org .
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