Why water fitness?

The Bath Area Family YMCA's Water Fitness Program offers a variety of classes for all fitness levels from beginning participants and health seekers to athletes looking for a new cross training option. Some ask, "Can I get a good work-out in the water?" The answer: of course you can. And here is why: The movement of the body through water provides resistance throughout the workout. This means that not only is the heart rate increased while calories are burned, but the entire body is also toned as every muscle is exercised. Water disperses heat more efficiently, so there is less chance of over-heating. Exercising in water continually cools the body. On land, the force of gravity makes weight bearing painful because of the compression of the joints in the arms, legs and abdomen. Because water also makes us more buoyant, the pain caused by these forces on the body is eliminated. This creates an extremely effective, but still lower impact -- and therefore less painful --alternative to land-based fitness.

For a fun, challenging, and effective workout, try aquatic exercise classes.

Aqua Fit

Use the power of water to increase cardiovascular fitness as well as muscular strength and endurance. Be ready to move to the music. This class uses water resistance equipment and utilizes both shallow and deep water to provide a challenging and fun water fitness experience.

Monday and Wednesday mornings   9:00-10:00AM
Early Winter Session Dates: Oct. 30th - Dec. 8th

Fee: Members $48.00                      
Community members  $72.00

Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program (AFYAP)

The warmth, buoyancy, and resistive property of water can help decrease pain and stiffness and improve or maintain joint flexibility for individuals with arthritis. National Arthritis Foundation certified instructors provide a steady workout, incorporating movements designed to encourage range of motion, and develop increased flexibility. An enjoyable and safe recreational water exercise program that includes exercises and activities designed to promote functional endurance as well as musculoskeletal flexibility and strength. All ages are welcome!

Tuesday and Thursday Morning:  11:00-11:45am
Fall Session Dates: Sept. 11th - Oct. 18th

Fee: Members $40.00                
Community Members $65.00

H20 Aerobics

Join our instructors for this 45 minute intensive workout which provides a variety of activities ranging from dance routines to boxing to keep your workout exciting. Classes will incorporate cardiovascular conditioning, interval training, resistance exercises, and flexibility. Uses shallow water.

Tuesday and Thursday  7:00-7:45PM
Fall Session Dates: Sept. 11th - Oct.18th

Fee: Members $40.
Community Members $65.00

Splash and Dash

Come join us for a great early morning workout. Jump-start your day and still get where you are going on time. This 30-minute class can be used as a stand alone program or in addition to your morning lap swim or exercise routine.

Membership required for participation. No Fee

Tuesday and Thursday  7:00-7:30 AM
Fall Session Dates: Sept. 11th - ongoing

Day's End  

Stop in on your way home and unwind from your long day with this no-impact deep-water class. Ideal cardiovascular exercise with no weight bearing stress. Water running is a component of this program, which is beneficial for both cross training or rehabilitating an injury.

Membership required for participation. No Fee

Monday and Wednesday afternoons,  5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 10, 2007 - Ongoing

Aqua-Ex 

This exercise program is what exercise was meant to be...FUN! You won't even know you are working as you are surrounded by cool, refreshing water. It will keep you on your toes and on the move for a revitalizing hour of aerobic, strengthening and stretching activities. Treat yourself to new energy and friends as you tone, shape and firm. Easy entry stairs are provided for getting in and out of the pool. It is not necessary to get your face wet or have any swimming skills.

Membership required for participation. No Fee

Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, 11:00 - Noon
Aug. 1, 2007 - Ongoing

Aqua-Circuit 

Looking for a structured workout without the commitment of joining a class? Try Aqua-Circuit. This program allows you to set your own pace and intensity as you move independently amongst 10 stations that target each area of your body. The circuit generally takes approximately 40 minutes, including 5 minutes to warm-up and 5 minutes cool down. Designed for members to use individually and independently. Membership required for participation.

Available Mon. - Fri. mornings 5-8:45 AM  and Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, 5:00-6:00 PM    No Fee

Water Works  

Discover the fitness and therapeutic benefits of water walking, jogging, and running. 30-minutes of water walking is equal to two hours of walking on land. Available during adult open times in either pool. No Fee

Aquatic Physical Therapy

Provided through Mid Coast Hospital Rehabilitative Services, Aquatic Physical Therapy provides individualized exercises and activities in an environment which utilizes buoyancy to minimize the force of gravity. Rehabilitation goals can be realized when aided by the effects of water, which helps decrease pain and enhance functioning. Treatment plans are developed and supervised by a physical therapist. Clients must be referred by a physician.

Monday and Wednesday 1:30-3:30PM

Fee: Covered by Medical Insurance

For more information, please contact Diane at: diane@bathymca.org