Aquatics class offers safe exercise

July 01--When one of Linda Schilke's legs was amputated 4 1/2 years ago, she thought she would never be able to swim again.

"Growing up in Yuma, swimming was always one of my favorite pastimes," Schilke, 52, told the Yuma Sun. "I could swim for hours. I used to do water aerobics."

But after her amputation, "I thought I would never swim again. I couldn't get in and out of a pool. It was kind of depressing. I cried."

But then she heard about the adaptive aquatics program offered through the Yuma Parks and Recreation Department. The program offers water exercises for people who have a disability or a medical condition that restricts normal movement.

The program is open to women and men of all ages. Current participants range in age from 30 to 96. The oldest participant is 96-year-old Dorothy Starek, who has been attending the class since 1964.

For Schilke, the program has allowed her to feel "normal" for a few moments.

"When I go to the class, I'm just like everyone else. I can do just about every exercise."

Schilke gets in and out of the pool with the use of a lift chair.

The water exercising has also helped with her recently diagnosed arthritis.

"I can't tell you how good it feels to swim. It's a wonderful feeling and my doctors are thrilled. I exercise my whole body, from neck to toes and everything in between."

Schilke's overall health has improved since she started attending the class last spring, she said.

"My stamina is better, much better."

She feels so much better that the retired teacher now volunteers at her old school. "I can volunteer because of my swimming," she explained.

Class instructor Jean Rivers, 72, pointed out that the water exercises are designed to increase range of motion and flexibility of joints. She said the class is perfect for those affected by arthritis or other conditions, such as bad knees and shoulders, injuries, neuropathy, loss of a limb, diabetes and those recovering from surgeries.

"The beauty of water is that it has no impact. You don't bounce, yet you still benefit from the buoyancy of the water," Rivers said.

"It's much easier to bend knees, make circles with your arms and shoulders and exercise the torso with twisting."

Rivers, who has been a water safety instructor since she was 18, also noted that participants are able to move more freely and painlessly in the water.

"I have even seen people gain some mobility they lost due to age. Sometimes you don't have mobility on land, but you develop it in water,."

She has seen people in wheelchairs "graduate to walkers and driving," she said.

Rivers said the class members are very thankful to the city of Yuma for making the activity available and providing lifeguards.

Rivers personally has benefited from aquatic exercising.

"It's relieved stiffness I've had since getting older," she said.

She recently tore a knee cartilage, leaving her "crippled and in pain." She said exercising in the water has relieved her pain and for the moment she won't need surgery.

"I love swimming, I love water and what it can do for the body," she said.

"It's a great accompaniment to a weight loss program. It tones muscles."

Rivers also emphasized that participants benefit from the social aspect of the class.

"They tell jokes, share news, they get to talking about their families, laugh with each other. They empathize with other people," she said.

"They do things they wouldn't do if they just stayed sitting at home."

In addition, participants don't need to know how to swim.

Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or 539-6856.

Ready to swim?

* During the summer the program is held at Carver Pool, 1250 W. 5th St., from 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. In the winter, the program is moved to Marcus Pool, 545 W. 5th St.

* The class costs $3 a day for residents and $4.50 for non-residents. A season pass costs $38 for residents and $57 for non-residents. A monthly pass is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents.

* For more information or to register, call the city's Park and Recreation Department at 373-5243 or visit www.YumaAZ.gov/ParksAndRecreation; click "Residents," then click on "How Do I Register For An Activity?"

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