Elderly persons who have made the new year resolution to get healthier and more active this year can do so by signing up to get their bodies moving during the fun and interactive water aerobics classes presented by a Strand resident.
Janet Bennell has been offering water movement classes to elderly persons and those on the road to recovery after surgery in the Helderberg since 2000. The Aquilla water aerobics classes are hosted at various water body venues across the basin on weekdays.
The once beauty salon owner has always had an interest in healthcare and took over the classes from a friend who relocated to Hermanus about 22 years ago (“Extolling the healing properties of water”, Helderberg Gazette, 6 November 2018). Since then the number of active members have grown considerably thanks to referrals by local orthopaedic surgeons, while it also offers participants an opportunity to socialise in and out of the pool.
Like so many other operations countrywide, the Aquilla classes were however dealt a blow by the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns.
“The Covid lockdown stopped classes for the first four months of the pandemic, even though I had essential service certification, we weren’t allowed to use the pools,” Bennell related. “This was devastating to people who had just had knee and back surgery, as the exercise was vital to their recovery. It was also very tough for those living alone. However, I phoned clients weekly, in many cases giving them some exercises they could do at home and we did the best we could.”
The classes restarted in August 2020 and are now being hosted at a number of swimming pools in the Helderberg, including the two main venues – a warm water pool in Somerset West, which members fondly refer to as “Hotpot”, and the wonderful outdoor oasis at Krystal Beach Hotel in Harbour Island, fondly known as “The Cruise”. Bennell also presents the classes at Bridgewater Manor and other retirement facilities in the Helderberg.
The added facilities cater to a range of needs for participants, the instructor explained. “The deeper water is great for taller clients and those with back problems, while the shallower water is ideal for those who can’t swim or are recovering from, for example, a knee replacement surgery, where they can stand until their confidence grows,” said Bennell.
“Water temperature also aids various aspects; the warm pool allows clients to continue exercise year-round, which is vital and helps those in pain due to arthritis, while the cooler water is invigorating and stimulates circulation. Clients can swop between venues as their needs change.”
Bennell believes steady exercise is necessary for people as they age, as it helps to maintain range of movement and quality of life, boosts the immune system, fights depression and reduces the rate of degenerative diseases.
“I think once people turn 40 doctors should urge them to take up water aerobics,” she suggested. “It’s an easy way to keep exercising, stay in shape and manage health challenges that come with aging. These benefits apply to water tenfold, because we don’t realise that as we get older, our ‘parts’ don’t work as well as it did before – the joints deteriorate, disease moves in and our lives are less active
“In the water, is the only time some of my clients are pain-free and able to move to the degree they do when jogging or cycling in the pool – they would never be able to do this on land. This because they are weightless, there’s less impact on injured or weak areas, there’s no risk of falling, all the muscles work as they maintain their mobility and quality of life.”
Classes, which are offered to persons aged 40 to 85 in a group environment, comprise a variety of in-water exercises such as stretching, focus on various body parts, weight-bearing, jogging, cycling and breathing. It is tailored to each participant’s needs, with pregnant women also signing up sometimes.
Bennell guarantees that the chlorine environment doesn’t allow for the growth or spread of the coronavirus, while strict safety protocols are adhered to throughout. What’s more, participants do not have to be able to swim or be fit, while those with certain concerns or preferences with regard to clothing worn are accommodated too.
“The only requirement is that clients need to be able to get in and out of the pool, and dress themselves,” added Bennell, who is also a qualified paramedic.
“The Aquilla classes are just a fun way for people to become and stay active, get mobile and socialise, with the added perk of monthly group lunches as allowed.”
. A class costs R65 and no equipment is needed. To sign up or for more information, contact Bennell on 074 194 4160.
