Water Exercise Senior Fitness Programs

Sessions Start the Week of Sept. 14

People age 60 and over who enjoy pool exercises can choose from a variety of water exercise programs being offered at the Somerset Valley YMCA in the Bridgewater Aquatic Center, located at 601 Garretson Road in Bridgewater, and at the Somerset Hills YMCA, located at 140 Mt. Airy Road in Bernards.

Courses at the Somerset Valley YMCA include water walking, water Pilates, hydro and deep water exercise classes. Water walking, a great program for beginners, is conducted in shallow water, which creates resistance while supporting the body. Water Pilates exercises are graceful movements performed at a slow pace, which employ stretching, breathing, concentration and control. Hydro classes are low-impact exercises performed in the shallow end of the pool that incorporate a combination of calisthenics, such as leg lifts, wall exercises and water-jogging. The deep water course, which is designed to strengthen the entire body, incorporates the highest level of cardiovascular exercise. Participants of this course wear an aquatic belt and perform movements throughout the session.

The cost for a 14-class course at the Somerset Valley YMCA is $49. Participants are asked to complete a registration form in advance. Contact the Office on Aging at (908) 704-6346 to obtain a form.

The Somerset Hills YMCA hosts two water exercise programs. The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics program (AFAP) offers a series of gentle activities performed in the shallow end of the pool that are designed for people with arthritis, rheumatic diseases and individuals who are recovering from an injury. It is not necessary to know how to swim for these classes.

The other program, titled “WET/Got Water?,” is a moderate to intermediate water exercise course.

Somerset Hills YMCA participants are asked to complete an Office on Aging registration form and a YMCA Release and Waiver of Legal Liability form in advance. Pre-registration for courses is requested, as class size is limited.

To sign up for a course or to obtain the appropriate registration form, contact the Office on Aging at (908) 704-6346.

Checks can be made payable to the Somerset County Office on Aging (“S.C.O.O.A.”). Prior to the first class, checks and completed registration forms should be mailed to Barbara Karpinski, Office on Aging, PO Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876.

For more information about the senior fitness programs, contact Health Promotion Coordinator Erin Toomey, county Office on Aging, at (908) 704-6346 or Toomey@co.somerset.nj.us.