Managing editor
The women splash gently around the swimming pool, giggling and visiting as they go.
Some are recovering from surgeries that required physical therapy, others want to exercise and become more physically fit. Regardless of their reasons for starting the water aerobics class, the reason they keep coming back is clear — to enjoy the camaraderie and friendships.
One of the faithful swimmers is Lucy Helmer of rural Marion. Two years ago, she would never have dreamed she would be taking a water aerobics class.
“I was terrified of water,” she said as she splashed around.
An incident occurred when Helmer was a child that made her fearful of water — even as an adult.
“My New Year’s resolution in 2009 was to get in the water and conquer this fear,” she said. And she did.
The 50-something business owner has been coming to the USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center since, enjoying the warm, soothing water. She also has knee problems, making it difficult for traditional exercising. Water exercise doesn’t put pressure on sore muscles or joints, but the benefits are similar to walking or running.
“It’s a great way to tone and it doesn’t hurt the muscles,” a pool manager and aerobics instructor Greta Smith said. “We can work out daily without hurting joints.”
Water exercising also helps mobility, allowing more flexibility without straining joints and muscles.
“Water aerobics is recommended when people have surgery. It’s also good for pre-surgery,” Smith said.
Sherry Cole of Hillsboro has been coming to the Marion pool for a year.
“I started coming when I hurt my shoulders,” she said. “The doctor said it was the best thing for me.”
Jackie English lives at Marion County Lake. She has been participating in the aerobics class since last spring.
“I’m from Wichita,” she said. “This place (in Marion) is a great facility. It’s better, cleaner, and nicer than Wichita.”
English was told by her doctor to do this form of exercising. Not only is it good for her health, it also allows English to enjoy sharing time with the women who have become her friends.
Octogenarian Jackie Hett of rural Florence is the newest member of the morning aerobics class. Since she began exercising five months ago, she has dropped a size.
“I fell in September and hurt my shoulder,” Hett said. She finds the warm water and gentle exercise beneficial, which aids her recovery.
While the women were doing their exercises, Laura Williams of rural Florence and Kelly Savage of Florence were swimming laps in the other side of the pool.
“The water is great to swim in,” Savage said. She comes two to three days per week.
“We’re like a pool family,” Williams said. “Greta and Ann (Leppke, also a pool manager) do a great job. You can’t beat the price. There’s no excuse not to come.”
Those who are not particularly fond of swimming or are afraid of water shouldn’t be fearful, Smith said.
“Don’t let that keep you from coming,” she said. “We’ll help you get past it.”
Even though Helmer is not as fearful as before, she still wears a belt with a floating device to keep her from going underwater. She does the backstroke because she doesn’t get her face wet.
“My New Year’s resolution for this year is to do the breaststroke,” Helmer said, “with my face in the water.”
Lap swimming is available four times daily and aerobic classes three times. Anyone can swim during open swimming, 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The pool also is used by USD 408 students as part of physical education classes and sports training.
Memberships are available or participants may pay each time they swim.
For specific class times and days, call the pool at (620) 382-2384 or (620) 381-1093.