Fun in the water for credit - (7/6)
by Irasema Romero, Reporter
The Physical Education department offers an aquatic fitness class during summer semesters, providing students with a workout that is an out-of-the-ordinary fitness class.
In light of the summer heat and the importance of working out, the aquatic fitness class lets the participants to stay cool and have fun while putting the body to work.
This exercising method uses the resistance of the water to work out the major muscles of the body, according to Don Mathus, aquatic fitness instructor.
“We work the body for an extended period of time and try to make it fun and enjoyable in the setting of the pool.”
Because of the particular workout, it may be what a person needs to get out of the daily routine of the gym.
“It would be a good way for somebody who does not like other forms of exercise to try this,” said Mathus.
During a regular class, participants jog an equivalent of two miles without even “breaking a sweat,” said student Homer Valadez, who has convinced two of his friends to take the class during the Summer II semester.
One of the major benefits of working out in water is the impact exerted on the joints is reduced because of the buoyancy of the body, according to the Aquatic Exercise Association.
“I can sincerely tell you that aquatic fitness helped me lose much of the weight I wanted to lose,” said Adalberto Sanchez, who took the class last year. “Not to mention the awesome skin color I had all summer long”
Mathus wants students to know the importance of working out because the body needs to be fit and healthy, he said.
Even though it is an aerobic workout, it is not necessary to be in shape beforehand to participate. Anyone can enroll in the class and work at their own level, said Mathus.
The Aquatic Fitness class is scheduled for Summer II from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. |
