Morning dawns; the music plays.
In the heated pool, seniors are splashing, following prompts from their instructor.
Kendra Sherk and Laurie Regnier take turns leading a group of eager exercisers through the watery workouts, designed to engage the body’s core.
From Mondays through Thursdays, that morning hour spent in the pool provides a challenging but gentler form of exercise, according to City of Thorold lifeguard and pool manager Julia Pentesco.
“We get a lot of people who have had knee surgery,” she told Thorold News, “because it’s not pounding” in the water. “It’s a great workout, but it’s easier on your joints.”
Known as Aquafit, the 8 to 9 a.m. classes are geared to people aged 60 years and older, she added, “but anyone is welcome, as long as they’re willing to do it.”
Whether doing crunches or leg lifts in the water, or using long foam noodles as an aid, “The pool is heated to about 84 degrees,” so it’s not a cold or abrupt way to start the day, said Pentesco.
She sees “the regulars” come faithfully, rain or shine.
“The only time we close is for thunder, or if we can’t see the deep end.”
Supported by the Thorold Age Friendly committee, Aquafit costs $5 per class or $120 for a season pass—with the season extending until Sept. 2.
Additional programming at the pool for older adults includes a senior swim hour from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at a cost of $2.50 per adult per session, and a Grand & Tot swim on Fridays only, at a cost of $1.25 per child (each grandparent or--in the absence of a grandparent, parent accompanying a child--is admitted free).
Adults of all ages are welcome to take part in a lane swim session, offered daily Monday through Sunday from 8 to 9 p.m. for $2.50 per session.
Public swims are available from 12:30 to 4:45 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and seven evenings a week from 6 to 8 p.m.; both at a cost of $1.25 per child, $2.50 per adult.
The Thorold Community Pool is located at 111 Richmond St., behind the TCAG at 131 Richmond St.
