Program Corner - Jump into Fitness with Water Activities

As the new year rolls in, many of us are setting fresh fitness resolutions and looking for ways to stay motivated throughout the year. While traditional gym workouts are a staple for some, there's another approach that is gaining popularity:  water-based exercise. Water aerobics, swimming laps, and learning to swim are not only fun but offer numerous health benefits. Whether you're aiming to boost your cardiovascular health, strengthen your muscles, or simply reduce stress, aquatic exercises are the perfect solution to help you achieve your fitness goals in 2025.

Water Aerobics: A Fun, Low-Impact Full-Body Workout

Water aerobics is a fantastic way to improve your fitness while minimizing impact on your joints. The buoyancy of the water reduces the strain on your body, making it ideal for people with arthritis, those recovering from injuries, or anyone looking for a low impact yet effective workout.

Our water aerobics classes provide a variety of benefits, from improving cardiovascular health to building strength and enhancing flexibility. Plus, they’re a great way to have fun while you work out!

Join our classes at the Bear Levin Studer Y this year:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 2 pm with Lorrie:  Enjoy a fun-paced class that focuses on cardio and strength, all while keeping a smile on your face.
• Tuesday/Thursday at 2 pm with Bridgett:  Focus on balance and strength training with a supportive and encouraging instructor.
• Tuesday at 5:30 pm with Dory:  This fast-paced class will help you build cardio endurance and strength while helping you wipe away the stress from your workday.
• Thursday at 5:15 pm with Rachel:  Get in a solid session of balance and strength training that’s designed to help you unwind and relieve stress from the week.

Water aerobics is suitable for all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. Whether you're in it to improve your overall fitness or rehab from an injury, these classes will provide the support you need to achieve your health goals.

Swimming Laps: A Comprehensive Cardio and Strength Workout

Swimming laps is one of the best full-body workouts you can do, engaging nearly every muscle group while offering an excellent cardiovascular workout. Regular lap swimming improves heart health, increases lung capacity, and enhances overall strength and endurance. It also improves flexibility, balance, and posture, making it an efficient and effective workout for anyone looking to stay in shape.

Swimming laps can be as easy or as challenging as you want. By switching up strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke), you can target different muscle groups to get a total-body workout. Plus, swimming can be a great way to reduce stress and relax your mind. The rhythmic motion of swimming and the calming effect of water can work wonders for your mental well-being.

Learning to Swim: A Lifelong Skill for Health and Safety

If you're someone who hasn’t yet learned to swim, 2025 could be the year to take the plunge! Swimming is not only a great way to stay in shape, but it’s also an important life skill that can enhance safety, particularly for children and seniors.

Swimming improves coordination, balance, and cardiovascular health while also toning muscles. Whether you're learning for fun, fitness, or safety, swimming is an exercise you can enjoy throughout your life. Plus, it's low-impact, making it perfect for people with joint issues or those who need a gentler form of exercise.

We offer swimming classes for every age and skill level, designed to help you achieve your goal of learning to swim, no matter where you are in your life’s journey.

Whether it’s water aerobics, lap swimming, or learning to swim, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Join us at the BLS YMCA pool or, in the summer, at the Pullum YMCA. We’d love to meet you and help you achieve your fitness goals!