The Sechelt Aquatic Centre is offering aquafit classes that provide more than just exercise for many of the participants.
Recreational theorists wax eloquent about the social benefits of recreation programs, yet these benefits are not readily evident to the general public. Here are some examples of the highly valued things that happen in the aquafit classes.
Instructors and patrons know one another by name and greet each other warmly at the pool. Hugs are often the order of the day and social gatherings involving both class members and instructors occur both at the pool and in homes throughout the year.
When people are absent from classes, someone usually follows up with a phone call to ensure the “missing person” is OK.
Serious exercisers make use of the deep end of the pool while the more socially inclined stay in the shallow end. Instructors recognize this need on the part of some to talk and share during classes as long as it doesn’t detract from the fitness ethic of others.
A wonderful aspect of the classes is that the water provides an environment whereby many land-based physical problems and restrictions are put to rest for a time. The support and buoyancy that the water allows means a freedom of movement that is just not possible in the day-to-day lives of many.
Periodically, some people will break into song to accompany the background music in what might be termed a vocal cacophony.
While it is likely not verbalized, nor perhaps recognized, these classes are the prime social events of the day for many seniors who take part. Positive ways of overcoming what one sociologist has termed “the lonely crowd” is vital in our crowded, hurried modern world and some of these ways certainly have been discovered in and around our classes.
The age range is broad – there are many grey-haired wonders who ply the waters of the aquatic centre as well as some young ones. One particularly touching scene witnessed most days by our pool gang is when an elderly gentleman comes to the warmer section of the pool hand in hand with his sweetheart wife of 60-plus years. It is a true love story we have the privilege of witnessing.
Empathy, sharing, creation of new friendships, sense of community, and outright joy are what recreation programs should be all about. These values and more have been fully developed in the aquafit classes in Sechelt.
