Water aerobics class exceeds expectations

Over a month ago, Red Bay Hospital’s Wellcare Center started its water aerobics class for the summer, and the success of the class has well exceeded the expectations of the staff.

According to instructor Chris Austin, the center expected about eight to 10 participants per class – but instead they are averaging about 20 per class.

“It has outgrown what we planned. We’re looking into having it four days a week next year,” Austin said.

The class is held every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Red Bay Fun Park pool. The last day of the class this year will be Aug. 29.

“Once September hits, the water just gets too cold,” Austin said. “If we had an indoor pool, we could probably host it year-round.”

The class is open to all ages, but Austin said most of the participants are senior adults, with some younger attendees who are working on rehabilitating from injuries. In the class, participants work on balance, stability and core work.

“Our goal is to keep everyone moving for an hour,” Austin said.

Austin said the feedback he has received has been positive, especially from the individuals who suffer from joint pain because it takes the pressure off.

“Someone told us that they had suffered from knee pain for years, and this was some of the most improvement they had seen,” Austin said.

This is Austin’s first time leading a water aerobics class, but he said he is enjoying it, especially when he learns that someone’s life has been positively impacted by the experience.

Members of the Wellcare Center can take the class free of charge. Non-members pay $5 per class.