Aquatic Mobility Program – Class Activity
Every Aquatic Mobility Program Instructor brings their own teaching style and adapts activities to fit the needs of the people in each class. Each Class is 1- hour long. Classes usually have 8 to 12 participants with different abilities and health conditions.
Sessions take place weekly in Scarborough, Ontario, and each Session lasts 8 to 10 weeks. The program offers several sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and it runs five times a year.
The pool is three feet deep and kept at about 92 degrees. Each class in the warm-water pool follows a basic structure.
Warm-up Exercises
Classes start with simple exercises to warm up the muscles and joints and help everyone get used to the water. We begin by walking across the pool with good posture, moving forward, backwards, sideways, and diagonally.
We also stand, squat, use pool noodles for support, and stretch. While squatting, we stretch our arms, upper back, and neck muscles, and roll our ankles, wrists, and shoulders to improve flexibility.
Water-based exercise is suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers. We adjust or extend exercises to suit each participant’s needs. If someone is not comfortable lifting their feet off the pool floor, we suggest a flotation device or foam pool noodle for extra balance and support. Lifting one foot helps them join in and benefit from the exercise without feeling stressed.
Cardiovascular or Aerobic Exercises
Each class includes time for slow, sustained movement to help build endurance and strengthen the heart by raising the heart rate. Everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace and to slow down or rest if they feel tired. We move together in a large circle and also go back and forth across the pool.
Muscle Conditioning
Every Aquatic Arts Instructor has a way of working with the body’s major muscle groups. Some begin with the upper body, focusing on the head, neck, arms, shoulders, back, and sides. Others start with the lower body, working on the legs, glutes, quadriceps, and abs. Instructors repeat important exercises to strengthen these muscles throughout the class.
Muscle Stretches
Each class includes plenty of time for stretching. Stretching tight muscles, especially around the neck, shoulders, backs of the legs, and hands, is especially helpful for people with arthritis. Doing these stretches and moving joints in warm water can help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
A Warm-Water Cool Down
Most exercise classes end with a cool-down, but in our warm-water arthritis relief program, we aim to keep muscles warm, stretched, and relaxed. We call this part the Warm Down. During this time, we do breathing exercises, repeat gentle stretches, and enjoy some fun activities.
The Aquatic Mobility Program uses various types of floating pool equipment, such as air-filled balls, water paddles, foam disks, buoyant wands, and water weights, to help everyone move and get the most out of each class.
To contact the Program with an inquiry, use the Contact Us Form. Use the Join Our Mailing List button to be informed of future Sessions and Program News