Worcester JCC’s Aquatics Program Provides Tidal Wave Fitness and Fun

From Worcester JCC: One of the best kept secrets to people who are unfamiliar with the Worcester JCC’scampus at 633 Salisbury Street is the incredible depth of its Aquatics Program. The JCC’s team overseeing aquatics-related activities, including Kelly Sampson and Elaine Drawbridge, have developed one of New England’s most extensive water fitness and fun programs.

“We didn’t develop our water program and facility into one of the very best in Massachusetts just to make a big splash,” said Emily Holdstein, executive director of the JCC. “We built the aquatics program into what it is today because water-related activity, whether for fitness, fun or friendship is extremely popular, and fills a big need in Worcester.”

The JCC aquatics facility includes two pools, indoor and outdoor with a separate wading pool, and a comprehensive schedule of programs and classes. Members and non-members are encouraged to take the plunge into water fitness in the new renovated six-lane, 25 yard indoor pool, the perfect setting for a leisurely swim or an effective workout using water - not body weight - as resistance.

Whether someone is interested in learning to swim (or advancing their skills), recreational swimming, aquatic aerobics classes, or joining the JCC Swim Club, there is a tidal wave of options available designed for people of all ages and levels.

Highlights of the Swimming Program include:

• Wide array of swimming lessons and courses:
  • American Red Cross Lean to Swim Program for preschool through grade 6
  • Parent/Tot swim class for children 6 months - 3 years and their parents/guardians
  • Private and semi-private instruction to help people of any age learn to swim
  • Lifeguard training courses and recertification
  • First aid courses, CPR courses and recertification
• Summer Day Camp Red Cross swim programs

• Summer Swim Weeks to prepare your children for a summer of fun and a lifetime of safety in all aquatic environments
• Sports Specialty Camps swim program

• Open swim times for family fun
• Scheduled lap times for individual fitness and exercise
• For more information on the Swimming Program, contact Kelly Sampson at ksampson@worcesterjcc.org

Highlights of the Aquatics Fitness program include:

• Hydrorider classes – The JCC is one of a very few facilities with the hydrorider (4 of them, actually) – a unique water bike which takes advantage of the benefits of exercising in an aquatic environment. Unlike a traditional spin bike, the aqua bike is designed eliminate soreness or impact to joints, muscles and bones. The hydrorider increases blood flow and circulation and the zero-gravity feeling of water is perfect for people with muscular, joints or weight problems as the water supports your body weight.
• Aquatic Fitness classes, including Aqua Challenge - a 45 minute water class in both deep and shallow water with minimal impact on joints to provide a cardio and strength workout and improve endurance and flexibility; Deep Waterand HIIT the Water are 45 minute classes done while suspended in the deep end of the pool with the use of a flotation belt. This is non-impact exercise that builds core and burns calories and is appropriate for all levels; andWater in Motion - the newest aqua 45 minute shallow water workout choreographed to music that provides a low impact/high energy challenge for all participants, all ages, skills and fitness levels.
• Aquatic Personal Training – The Worcester JCC is unique in having 2 Master Certified Burdenko trainers and two Level 1 Burdenko trainers. Burdenko Training is a system of water and land training based on over 50 years of research. The JCC trainers can provide assessment and training for individuals or can continue your “road to health” after physical therapy sessions have been completed.
• For more information on the Aquatic Fitness program, contact Elaine Drawbridge atedrawbridge@worcesterjcc.org

The JCC Swim Club

• The JCC Swim Club is a great way for kids 6 to 18 years old to make new friends, improve swimming skills, endurance, fitness and build self-confidence. The club offers both recreational and competitive swimmers the opportunity to develop and improve their swimming abilities, and the coaching staff provides top-notch training for all four competitive strokes, including diving and flip turns. The club swims year-round with Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer session options. New swimmers are always welcome, please contact the aquatics department to set up a swim evaluation.

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