Community service to end
Spa, hotel co-operate on offering aqua fitness classes for its members over many years
Almost 20 years ago my husband and I joined an arthritis aqua fitness class, part of our pool membership which we had purchased at the CP Prince Edward Hotel.
The fitness centre, at that time, and for many years afterward, was managed by the Spa and staffed by them as well.
They had a staff person who was accredited to teach those who have arthritis a water exercise class consisting of low impact, water-based exercises that reduce joint stress with little or no impact on joints.
A few years ago, while the Delta Prince Edward ran the hotel, the Spa ceased managing the fitness centre and it became an unsupervised area; but the Delta agreed to continue these classes.
Within the last few weeks, the Delta, now Marriott-owned, has advised members that classes will cease on August 31, and pool memberships will increase by 50 per cent, as they have purchased expensive new equipment for their exercise rooms.
Those rooms are inaccessible for pool members; yet, we’re being stuck with a 50 per cent increase, while losing our classes.
That was a good thing the Spa and hotel had done all those years, by offering classes for its members — it was good public relations, which also drew in many members.
It was also a community service for arthritics, the only one.
The Arthritis Society has its head office in N.S.; and this has them in a flap, not knowing which hotel / area might accept such a group.
I imagine many members will follow the instructor to another pool if another pool is found.
I know I benefit greatly from the classes; I work out with a pool noodle other days, on my own; but there is much I do not cover.
I feel better after a structured class setting. This instructor is willing to continue classes, but cannot without a pool.