One of the great things about the YMCA of Darke County is the Olympic sized, heated pool. This feature of the Y is enjoyed almost daily by members and guests of all ages. The YMCA of Darke County has a vibrant Aquatics Program with classes for all ages. Pat Best has been the Program Coordinator for Aquatics at the Y for nearly 4 years. Pat has extensive experience as she has been teaching aquatics classes for more than 35 years, including offering instruction in West Milton, Trotwood and the Piqua Y.
The Y offers swim lessons for children as young as 6 months old, up through advanced instruction, as well as private lessons. The Y is also home to the Greenville High School Swim Team as well as the DCY Sharks Swim Team. We also offer aquatic fitness classes such as Aqua Motion, Aqua Power, Aqua Aerobics, and Aqua Bootcamp. The pool is also popular for parties and can be rented as part of our birthday party room rental.
Water fitness classes are for all ages. “Aqua exercise is so beneficial,” says Best. “It is easier on the joints but the resistance makes it a real calorie burner. It can be as hard or easy as you want it to be,” she continues, “you get out of it what you put into it.” Pool float belts and foam barbells are available to provide variety to the workouts.
Aquatic therapy, or pool therapy, is especially useful for patients with arthritis, back pain, healing fractures, or who are overweight. It uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient healing and exercise performance.
The buoyancy of the water assists in supporting the weight of the participant, and decreases the amount of joint stress, making it easier and less painful to perform exercises.
The resistance provided by the water promotes muscle strengthening, as well, and the warmth of the water is helpful in relaxing muscles and promoting circulation. This can be very helpful for those with muscle spasms or strains.
People who have serious joint strains or ligament damage can benefit from pool therapy in other ways, as well. The water pressure can help decrease swelling in the injured area while promoting circulation and movement in the water can provide feedback on joint position awareness, (proprioception) which can decrease with an injury.
Pool therapy is not for everyone. Some cardiac patients should not participate in aquatic therapy, and those with incontinence, fevers or infections are also not good candidates for aquatic therapy, so check with your doctor first.
For more information about membership or programs, visit us online at www.ymcadarkecounty.org or call the Y at 548-3777.