Bush Telegraph

In the swim with Aqua-aerobics

Keen participan­ts ready for another season of exercise and fellowship

- Dave Murdoch

Three times a week for most of 2021 the Waisplash Pool Aqua-Aerobics group has met at 9am in the pool for an hour and a half of fun, exercise and fellowship.

The group has numbered steadily between 25 and 30 participan­ts, mostly women, who enjoy the therapeuti­c effects of the activities, both physical and mental, several saying it has been a great way to strengthen weaker limbs especially after surgery and to gain fitness the low impact way.

Staff member Millie Riwai says it is all about getting active in water,

Api Churchouse has been the instructor who has inspired the group to turn up three times a week, providing a whole range of activities which are fun and within the capabiliti­es of the group.

Api says she has been running the group for five years and loves doing it. This year’s programme concluded on December 20 with a potluck morning tea after the session.

Waisplash manager Philomena Beale says Api is the powerhouse of the programme but she is also grateful to her other staff who have encouraged the participan­ts to give it their best shot.

Some used the Aqua-aerobics programme to help clock up the kilometres in the 100 Kilometre Challenge which ran from June 1 and concluded on November 1.

During the Covid lockdown the

participan­ts found it hard not getting the exercise and equally missing the company of their friends. They were down at the pool as soon as it opened.

They will feel the same over the Christmas break although they have attended the pool in public sessions but they will be back in force when Aqua-aerobics begins again on January 31.

 ?? ?? Dannevirke Wai Splash Aqua-Aerobics group lining up for a stretch.
Dannevirke Wai Splash Aqua-Aerobics group lining up for a stretch.
 ?? ?? It’s amazing what you can do with a piece of polystyren­e called a “noodle”.
It’s amazing what you can do with a piece of polystyren­e called a “noodle”.
 ?? ?? Mata Youngman presents Api Churchouse with a gift from the group.
Mata Youngman presents Api Churchouse with a gift from the group.
 ?? ?? The group taking instructio­n from Api Churchouse.
The group taking instructio­n from Api Churchouse.
 ?? ?? Vertical stretches this time.
Vertical stretches this time.
 ?? ?? Playing follow the leader.
Playing follow the leader.

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