Originally published August 15 2005
Water aerobics aids the elderly
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Water aerobics has been shown to aid in the health and fitness of the elderly.
Three times each week a group of women living in Heritage Highlands work out for an hour - aerobics, weight training and calisthenics - without breaking a sweat.
Seems impossible, especially this time of year, but the AquaNuts have a secret weapon for beating the heat: exercise classes in a swimming pool.
Mary Wolgemuth teaches water aerobics classes for residents of Heritage Highlands, a Marana active adult community.
Before retiring to Heritage Highlands eight years ago, Wolgemuth was a professional water aerobics instructor in Illinois for a decade.
Since she was doing pool exercises herself after moving to Marana, Wolgemuth decided to volunteer her expertise and teach classes for other residents.
All are welcome to Wolgemuth's classes, whatever their fitness level or swimming ability.
"Mary encourages us to go as far as your body says you are comfortable to do," Teager said.
"I'm not a swimmer, but there's no level or requirement for ability, and you just participate to the level of your comfort."
Classes are typically divided into four parts: aerobics, weight training with Styrofoam dumbbells, resistance exercises using the density of the water to tone muscles, and stretching.
Linda Hoff joined the AquaNuts after moving to Heritage Highlands four years ago, and she's seen health benefits.
"Before I came to Arizona my bone (density) scan showed some decreased levels.
With the water you're getting a good workout with your legs - just as good if not better than walking."
After taking the classes, Wolgemuth said, "a lot of people have said they have a lot more energy.
They have so much fun doing it -it's not like work.
Usually the class attracts 30 to 40 students in summer and 20 to 25 in winter, Wolgemuth said.
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