COOL EXERCISE

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

 

For a good way to beat the heat and get in shape, Copperas Cove’s South Park offers water aerobics and Aqua Zumba classes throughout the week.

 

Aqua Zumba is known as the Zumba “pool party”. This was true at Wednesday’s class where participants splashed and stretched, twisted and jumped, to the beat of various upbeat songs. Many participants laughed and joked throughout the workout—some even sang along with the music.

 

“It’s a lot of fun. You release so much stress. You, at least for that one hour, forget about your worries,” said Jeannette Valentine, one of the Aqua Zumba instructors. “If you’re depressed, it really lifts your spirits. You leave happy, and feeling like you got a great workout.”

 

Classes are offered Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Water aerobics classes begin at 9 a.m. and Aqua Zumba classes begin at 10 a.m. They also offer nighttime classes at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. They plan on adding a 9 a.m. water aerobics class on Saturdays in the near future.

 

Both classes offer a low-impact, high energy, aquatic exercise routine. The classes take place in water that is only approximately armpit high. The water exercises improve endurance, core strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning. It is a non-weight bearing form of exercise which puts less strain on joints. The water also increases resistance which makes things more challenging and can help tone your muscles.

 

“Even if you’re a non-swimmer, we have something for you,” said Valentine. “There’s always modifications for those who need it.”

 

The South Park Pool classes are taught by three licensed Zumba instructors, Jeannette Valentine, Sherry Haslach, and Christine Wells. They hold the classes each summer.

 

Valentine has taught the water exercise classes for six years in the Copperas Cove area. She said that a lot of people really love the classes. She said that she started out as a student and fell in love with it from the very first class. For her, Aqua Zumba is exhilarating and a ton of fun. Valentine said that the Aqua Zumba classes integrate the Zumba formula and philosophy with aqua fitness and blends it into a safe, challenging, waterbased workout that includes cardio-conditioning and body toning along with a good time.

 

The exercises are low stress and low impact. Jeannette Valentine said that several of the ladies who take the class have told her that it’s helped with their arthritis.

 

“It’s easier in there,” said John Valentine who participated in the water aerobics class. John Valentine is a retired army veteran and has had knee replacements and a stent. “In there it’s good. Out here, nah.”

 

Those interested in attending the classes can purchase a 10 class punch card at the Parks & Recreation center for $27.