9/27/07
Zone swim team learns benefits of playing in the pool
By Eric Goold
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Assistant Coach Janet Moore, right, leads members of the Zone Storms swim team through some pre-swim warm-ups next to the Zone swimming pool last Thursday night. |
At first, the idea of having a swim team at the Zone didn’t seem like it would work out.
But after children started signing up and learning that swimming is both healthy and fun, the Zone Storms have grown in numbers and enthusiasm.
“There are so many health benefits to swimming,” said Kayla Matthews, who coaches the swim team. “The children are learning that being healthy can be fun, and they’re also learning the important lessons of what it means to be a member of a team.”
The swim team works out on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Zone pool. Fees are $35 for once-a-week and $45 for twice-a-week. Children ages 7 and up are welcome, and swimmers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
“One of our swimmers could barely swim at all when she first started,” said Matthews. “Now she’s one of our best.”
Matthews really wants the children to understand that the health benefits unique to swimming pretty much surpass all other forms of exercise.
“Swimming is great for the lungs,” she said. “If you have asthma problems, swimming can really help open up the lungs. Obesity is pretty much the biggest health problem for children in America today, and swimming is a great way to lose weight.
“Swimming is great for cardio exercise. It really helps your heart,” she added. “Swimming tones your body, it helps shape the muscles in your arms and your legs. It’s great that these children are learning at a young age how beneficial swimming can be.”
Assistant coach Janet Moore helps the children with pre-swim exercises and also helps coach them in the pool.
“I like to see the enthusiasm in these kids grow when they learn about swimming,” said Moore. “It’s encouraging to watch them as they learn the benefits of swimming. It really helps them improve strength and endurance.”
Moore said that about 10 children are members of the Zone Storms, and judging from the many parents and children that lined the deck of the pool last Thursday, the popularity of the program is really growing.
“Being part of the swim team helps the children feel confidence in themselves and in their team,” said Matthews. “They feel what it’s like to root for your teammates and they share each other’s sense of accomplishment when they improve. No matter what skill level they have, they all have the ability to improve.”
Members of the Zone use the pool for a variety of purposes, including cardio workouts, rehabilitation and lap swimming.
The children just like to have fun.
“Our kids are dedicated and are improving. I’m really impressed with them,” said Matthews. “Some of these kids can do things in the pool that I can’t do.”
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