7/5/07
Water arthritis classes help people with therapy and fitness
By Konstantin Vengerowsky

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY/Manning Times

Water walking is a major component of the arthritis water therapy classes at The Zone. Certified instructor Sharon Mock helps participants stretch their muscles, loosen their joints and regain mobility on dry land.

Water arthritis therapy is more than just a class, it is an experience that helps participants become active, recover from past injuries and just socialize with other members from different backgrounds.

“Our main purpose is to help people become more flexible in the pool, so that they would be able to perform these functions when they’re on land and be able to live a normal life,” stated Sharon Mock, a certified water arthritis therapy trainer.

The class, which has been conducted at the Zone for nearly four years, serves to assist people with physical problems, that are recovering from surgery, or just want to stay healthy and achieve their goals.

“I’ve had knee replacement surgery and this class really helped me to become more flexible in that area,” said Cecilia Ramos, who has been attending the class for the past two years.

The course offers exercises, which help participants to be more comfortable with their muscles when performing basic everyday activities.

“We do a series of different exercises which focus on the knees, shoulders, and many other body parts that help people with such basic functions such as driving a car or crossing the street,” stated Mock. “I always feel good when I see them get out of the water, knowing that they are able to move around on land more freely.”

Mock also added that participants do a lot of movements in class that work nearly all joints and muscles in the body.

“We do a lot of walking in the water as well as repetitive exercises which cover different joint areas,” she stated.

There are many examples of people who have benefited from this program. Nell Black is one of them.

“I had been falling a lot and I could not figure out the reason for it,” she stated. “I had numerous medical examinations, and as it turned out I had trouble with my balance. My doctor told me that it would be a lot easier for me to learn balancing in the pool, so that is why I decided to join this class.”

Although she has only been with the class for three weeks, Black said that she already felt tremendous improvement.

“I feel like my balance has improved and my overall fitness level is higher than it was before,” she stated.

Maggie Conyers, who has been attending various water classes five days a week for nearly three-and-a-half years, had many positive things to say about the program and how it has helped her personally.

“I’ve felt many changes since starting the class,” she said. “I move a lot better, my muscles are not as stiff, my weight is staying more balanced, and overall it’s just an enjoyable experience.”

The class is not just about exercise, though, many participants are involved with the social aspect of the course. Once a month members of the class go out to lunch somewhere, as well as have celebrations when holiday time approaches.

“They’ve become a family,” said Mock. “They call each other up when one of them doesn’t show up.”

Participants had nothing but good words to say about the overall experience.

“I’ve met a lot of new people,” said Black. “I am a people person and it has been really great just talking and getting to know some of these folks.”

Water arthritis classes are offered at The Zone three times a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:30, and Monday through Friday at 1:00.

Mock said that people of all physical levels are welcome to join.

“These classes are meant to be fun and relaxing,” she said. “Everyone is on a different level, you don’t have to be a swimmer. These classes are really helpful to people who are looking for therapy or just want to stay fit.”

Mock also added that the arthritis class can be a stepping stone to other water and fitness classes.

“I like to see people mix and match classes and find what works for their fitness level.”