by Julie V. Watson

Today I let go of the wall. I'm sure you're wondering about the significance of such a mundane occurrence so let me paint the picture.

Here I am, a sixty-something who fears deep water, in a pool that is six feet deep.  I'm feeling comfortable enough to let go of the edge of the pool and set off to glide through the water using a version of cross-country skiing that makes me feel graceful and energized.  It is a memorable moment. Freeing. I feel flippin' wonderful.

In fact, this sore and aching body of mine suddenly longs to move, to exercise.  As a person who hurts from arthritis, needs a double knee replacement, and has never liked anything even remotely athletic because I always felt like an uncoordinated klutz, it feels like a bit of a miracle.

So what brought me to this memorable time and why am I telling you about it?  First, what got me there.  I had voiced a desire to try aquafit classes for  years, but in my usual procrastinating way never acted on it.  It took my friend Debbie to get me out of my office and off to the Cari Centre at the University of Prince Edward Island.  I'm telling you about it because I hope my experience will encourage more of you to take the plunge.

Several times each week individuals ranging from fragile seniors, to overweight folks, to those with limited mobility (even those in wheelchairs) and a few svelte young things who just want to exercise, do themselves a favour by heading to the pool for some exercise and socializing.  Aquafit, offered daily, actually encompasses several programs: Aqua Arthritis (easy enough for anyone), Cardio Craze (more high energy) and Aqua Jogging.  Ask about those in your town.

We aquafiters are divided.  Some, who don't like deep water spend the 45-minute class in the leisure pool which has barrier free access to warm water that is about waist deep.  Participants don't float, but the water does its job by making for a low-impact workout. 

The majority of aquafitters can be found bobbing in the competition pool.  Most wear one of the provided belts to help them float in an upright (standing) position to benefit from the exercise routine.  Since intrepid Debbie headed straight into the competition pool I followed along behind.....until I read the depth of the pool.  Six feet! All five feet of me screeched to a halt.  No way. I need to touch bottom - or at least know I can. The whole head must be above water!

When staff placed portable stairs into the pool,  provided all sizes of floatation belts to keep one's head above water and no one pressured me to 'go for the deep side' I decided to try it. I felt secure in the belt, so cross-handed along the edge to the pool wall and followed the instructor as best I could.  Albeit with a death grip hold and never venturing more than a few feet from the stairs.

One huge factor for me was the knowledge that no one can see what you are doing.  Being naturally uncoordinated and clumsy had always embarrassed me.  Not here.  The only thing anyone can see is my head bobbing up and down in the water.  Cool.

Second class I let go of the wall, and just a few weeks later I can't wait for aquafit. I happily move away to give newcomers the security of the wall to hold onto. We attend classes based on our own schedules - there are several offered at different times each day at very reasonable prices.

Instructor Marlene leads us through 45 minutes of movement that matters.  The aquafitness instructor, an arthritis trainer who specializes in water fitness knows her stuff, and takes time to talk to people with questions.

As Marlene tells us, there are rules. As she struts between the two pools demonstrating what she wants us to do in the water, she imparts an enthusiasm for moving and respect for those who do what they can. "Listen to your body," she stresses.

My own advice. "Go on out and try it. Go to the pool where you feel comfortable. Once you are in the water, keep moving.  The important thing is to do what you can, as you can, and enjoy. Each day it will be a little more and soon you too will let go of the wall."

Because I travel a fair bit, and that is hard on the body, I purchased my own flotation belt and always take it and a bathing suit.  I can usually find a pool, or some kind of water to practice the magic of weight-free exercise.  I urge you to check out aquafit in your community.  Call the Arthritis Society, ask your doctor, call all local pools.  Ask for it and if it isn't happening ask your community to make it so.