Southfield

HAP offers free water aerobics classes

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

SOUTHFIELD — Not much in life is free, but residents have discovered a hidden gem in the water aerobics classes provided by Health Alliance Plan at the Southfield Sports Arena Pool.

“It is completely free, and you don’t even have to be a HAP member,” said Tiffany Baker of HAP, which provides two four-week sessions each summer with two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays — one from 10-11 a.m. and another from 11-noon.

“We are really committed to a healthy community,” Baker said of the program that has been operating for four years. “We saw an opportunity to provide a fitness program and fill a need in the community and provide a safe and convenient and no-cost way for people to stay active.”

While the program targets senior citizens and moms with young children, men and women of all different ages take part.

“Anyone can attend,” Baker said. “It doesn’t cost anything, it’s at a convenient location, a safe place to exercise, and they’re surrounded by people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and age groups, some who work and some who don’t. It’s a nice mix of people in the class.”

Every participant has a different motivation.

“Some people have terrible arthritis and find it difficult to exercise on land, but they find they can really move in the water,” Baker said.

“Some people are just looking for something different. It’s a great way to cool down in the summer.”

While water aerobics is considered a low-impact workout, it doesn’t mean you’re not burning calories.

“It’s great for people with joint problems and chronic conditions, because the water is a really good environment to work out in,” Baker said. “The buoyancy of the water takes away from stress on joints and bones and muscles. It’s a really therapeutic environment.”

Southfield resident Gwendolyn Coman, 70, has participated in the water aerobics classes since they started. While she doesn’t have any health condition that prohibits her from exercising on land, she prefers the ease of the water, and she has fun to boot.

“I just go for the enjoyment of it,” Coman explained. “It’s fun, but it’s healthy fun. And you don’t get sore. When you get out of the water, you feel invigorated. It’s great for socializing, and it’s nice to be outside, but you don’t break a sweat because you’re in the water.”

The classes are led by Cathie Winton of West Bloomfield, a water aerobics instructor and a member of the Aquatics Educational Association.

“It’s been successful from the start,” Winton said.

Winton, 59, has been doing water aerobics for 20 years, and has been teaching classes herself for the last 12.

“Quite frankly, it’s my physical therapy for life,” she said. “I have extreme back problems and a rare disease that attacks your muscles, and the water keeps me flexible. My condition can only get worse and my only way to maintain is in the water. I know a lot of people who have had knee surgeries, hip surgeries, back surgeries, and you can do it, you can feel the improvement, you are able to move in the water, even in extreme pain, and leave the class feeling so much better.”

Such is the case for a lot of Winton’s water aerobics students.

“A lot of people (participate) for medical reasons, mostly they just want to stay fit, build endurance, gain flexibility, and they like it,” Winton. “What you will notice is they have smiles on their faces, they like what they’re doing. You don’t see that smile like you do in the water. It’s good for them physically, socially, and I really think they truly enjoy it. They’ve found a sport that works for them.”

Winton has a motivating spirit, according to Coman.

“Cathie does a good job,” she said. “She is a people-person, (everyone) enjoys her, and that helps a lot when you have an instructor who is outgoing like she is.”

“The secret to life is love what you do and do what you love, and I think it shows,” Winton said.

While 50 people register for each session, and the classes fill up quickly, Winton said she never turns anyone away. There’s plenty of room for everyone, she said.

“The Southfield pool is immense,” Winton said. “It really is beautiful; it’s a great facility, and well-staffed. They have a lot of lifeguards.”

Winton pointed out that one does not need to know how to swim to participate in water aerobics.

“Three-quarters of my class does not swim,” she said. “Some ladies have come in and had a real fear of the water, and they leave not afraid anymore. But their feet are always on the ground. The more you’re body is submerged, the harder the workout.”

Baker said the success of the classes have exceeded all expectations.

“We’ve seen a need out there, and we’re really thrilled that we can provide that service,” Baker said.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jennie Miller at jmiller@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1108.