WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports Fit Club: water aerobics cools the joints

No matter what age you are, it's important to stay active.

In this week's Fit Club, WTOC visits the St. Joseph's/Candler Wellness Center pool, where seniors are turning to aqua aerobics to stay in shape despite any health problems they may have.

Out of the water, the participants have a hard time getting around at times, but those challenges are left poolside once they head into the warm water.

"Oh, it's great," said Chapple. "I mean it makes you feel better, it helps you work out your joints and everything - and having all this comraderie in the pool."

Three times a week, they head to pool for their aqua aerobics class under the instruction of Exercise Specialist Jaime Stubbs.

"A lot of people all of a sudden get comfortable because they can move and exercise," said Stubbs. "I have seen their arthritis get better, shoulder injuries, full range of motion come back, so it's pretty amazing."

What is most inspiring is each one of these seniors has a personal reason to keep their bodies in motion.

"Oh, it's wonderful. It's helped me recover from everything," said Chapple. "I also had breast cancer. It helped - the arm stretches and everything, you know, were just a tremendous help. They get you back in shape."

"I was diagnosed with throat cancer and a few other medical problems and I find this is helping build up my endurance, get a little more flexibility and a little more strength," said Joe Bandy.

The warmth, buoyancy and the resistance of the water allows them to exercise without the challenges of strain and pain.

"I have osteoporosis so the water aerobics is very good with the weights - weight lifting - and its also, you know, not hard on the joints," said Cheryl Oglesby.

That is what motivates them to keep coming back each week.

"She's great," said Oglesby. "It's a full workout - you know, for 45 minutes it keeps you going from one thing to another - so yeah, it's a good workout."

For information on the St. Joseph's/ Candler Wellness Center visit http://www.sjchs.org/.

Copyright 2010 WTOC. All rights reserved.