Wellness starts here
Summer has ended but your aquatic fun doesn’t have to
Are you someone that can’t wait to jump into a pool or lake at the first sign of summer? Are you sad to be packing up your swimming trunks and bathing suits? If swimming is something you love, why limit yourself to only a few months of this great activity?
Swimming is one of the best ways to stay active and have fun. At our YMCA branch on Charlotte Street we have a 25-metre swimming pool, with aquatic classes, lane swims, family swim times, therapy swims and learn to swim programs for all ages.
“Many of our members start their day with a swim. From children to seniors, this is a popular activity,” says Anita Vosman-O’Rourke, director of member relations. “Our wheelchair accessible ramp and our submersible wheelchair make swimming accessible to everyone. We encourage you to stop by and try our pool.”
It’s never too late in life to develop a love of the water. Starting this month, we’re offering an adult therapy swim program and adult learn to swim programs.
Top benefits of swimming include the following:
• It reduces stress;
• It’s an excellent cardiovascular exercise;
• It strengthens your body;
• It helps you to manage your weight;
• It’s low impact, so it’s easy on your joints and muscles and • It improves sleep.
“I love my Y and attend adult leisure swims and aquafit classes,” says long-time member Theresa MacNeil. “I come almost every morning and can’t think of a better way to start my day. I have gained friendships at the Y and find the staff friendly and helpful.”
“If you’re looking for a new activity, try our aquatfit class,” says Vosman - O’Rourke. “You’ll be led by a Y instructor to push and pull your body through water. The resistance of the water strengthens your muscles, while your body weight is supported by the buoyancy of the water. This is really easy on your joints and a lot of fun.”
This is also the time of year when parents are starting to think about fall swimming lessons. We encourage you to call membership services staff and book your spot as soon as possible for this popular program. We are happy to announce the hiring of our new aquatics co-ordinator, Shane Bernard. Shane will join our Y team this month.
Swimming lessons and water safety are extremely import
ant and should be taught from a young age. According to the Royal Lifesaving Society, almost 500 Canadians die every year in water-related incidents. Children under five are those most at risk.
For more information on the YMCA of Cape Breton, visit capebreton.ymca.ca , call 902-562-9622 or email info@cbymca.com. You can also visit us on Facebook or Instagram.