Water aerobics class is a splash

by Amy Gassen assistant sports editor

Crystal clear waters wanned to an-average temperature of 84 degrees greet the bare feet of swimmers who creep into the pool located in the Dixon Center.

Allowing room for six lap lanes, the pool is frequently left open for swimmers to participate in activities other than the common crawl stroke. Bringing fresh ideas for swimmers to stray from the repetitive back and forth direction of lap swimming, Colleen Poole, aquatics director and Miriam Hansen, assistant aquatics director teach water aerobics.

"I enjoy doing everything," Natalie Bradley, a com,munity member, said. "It really makes you feel good."

Poole teaches high impact water aerobics classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Hansen teaches a low impact aerobics class entitled Arthritis Foundation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Poole's classes are broken up into four parts. Her class starts out warming up for 10 minutes followed by 20 minutes of aerobics in the shallow end. The class is then moved to the deep end for 20 minutes of intense aerobics. The final 10 minutes are dedicated to strength training and stretches.

"They do a deep water intense class to build up your muscles," Kat Pirrone, student lifeguard explained.

"Ages run from 18-70," Hansen said. The classes are open to all students and Dixon Center members. A guest fee for the classes is $4.