Pine Island Pool offers ample opportunities to stay fit
Experts agree that staying active contributes to a longer, healthier life.
Exercise is also highly recommended, but for some, due to health or physical limitations, this may not always be possible. One of the best forms of exercise, however, is very low impact and can even be refreshing. Exercising in a pool will not only help prevent muscle and joint pain, but can be a cooling experience during the summer months.
The Pine Island Public Pool offers many opportunities for seniors to get their needed exercise nearly every day of the week for far less than a membership to a local gym.
According to Sandy Reynolds, aquatic specialist at the Pine Island Pool, swimming can provide seniors with improved cardiovascular performance, improved flexibility, muscle toning, better posture and increased muscle strength as well as easing muscle tension, improving balance and weight loss.
Among the classes offered at the pool are shallow and deep water aerobics as well as those needing specific exercises to ease the pain of arthritis. Many of those suffering from arthritis find it impossible to exercise as it may cause further joint pain and swelling, however aquatic exercise have very little impact on the joints and actually helps to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with arthritis.
Another benefit of aquatic exercise is weight loss and coupled with a proper diet, this type of exercise has proven beneficial even without the muscle fatigue associated with other activities such as weight training or bicycling. One major bonus of exercising in a pool is that not only do you not sweat while getting a workout, but it can actually be invigorating helping to maintain a higher energy level throughout the rest of the day.
All classes at the Pine Island Public Pool are reasonably priced and instruction is provided by trained professionals.
Open swimming at the pool is available seven days a week. The Pine Island Public Pool is a 25-yard outdoor pool with six lap lanes and a diving area, and for the young at heart, this pool also has two flume water slides. The pool also is handicap accessible as it has a “Swim Lift” for those needing assistance in and out of the pool.
The summer hours at the Pine Island Pool run through Aug. 6, and are Monday, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7:40 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5:45 p.m.
Those using the pool can pay per visit or can purchase monthly or annual passes with special discounts offered to seniors. The general daily admission price to the pool is $2.50 for adults and $2 for seniors. Also offered are Senior Club Passes for those 55 and older. These passes can be purchased by the month for $24 or yearly for $40. Family passes entitle swimming for immediate family members with children under the age of 18. A monthly family pass is $60 or can be purchased annually for $85.
The Pine Island Public Pool is at the Phillips Park sport complex near the island center on Sesame Drive. For additional information about the pool or specific classes, visit leeparks.org or call 283-2220.