For those who are still looking to get in shape for the summer, but may not be able to do the harder workouts, theres water aerobics.

It is offered in two places in town, one is at the YMCA on the Eagle Way and the other is in Baptist Health Occupational Medicine on Clinic Drive.

For Baptist Health, they offer classes at noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday all year round. Its in a heated pool, which is at around 90 degrees. Britteny Richardson, exercise physiologist and instructor of the class, said anyone can join at any time.

She added they are looking for another instructor so they can add evening classes to the schedule.

To join, they can either get a class pass, which is like a punch card that allows up to 12 classes. Anyone interested can also because a member, which costs $20 a month after a $50 entry fee. That gives the user full access to the pool when its open along with any classes in the pool and the walking track. Or someone can pay $8 a class.

The sessions last about 45 minutes long, she explained, and they try to target all of the muscle groups.

We dont do a whole lot of cardio, because its so hot, she explained.

She uses dumbbells for the core muscles and have Silversneaker Splash class on Fridays, which is when they use a kick board. That will work a lot on the arms and legs.

Most of the class will be held in the water thats only three to five feet deep. There will also be some work at the end of the session in the deeper water, which goes to 8 feet, but those who cant swim can either skip on that part or use floatation devices. She added many of her students cant swim.

Richardson recommended this kind of exercise for those who have arthritis, joint problems or recently was released from treatment.

She explained this kind of workout gives this who cant work out on land an opportunity to still do it just in the water.

This also helps with balance, because Richardson does do some exercises to help with that. The heated water also helps relax the muscles as they work. It will still be a hard workout because Richardson likes to challenge her students. She said the sore muscles may not be felt during the class, but the students will feel it afterward or the next day.

She would stay up on the side of the pool and out of the water while instructing. That is so she can monitor her students easily in case they are doing something wrong.

For more information, call the center at 270 707-3390.

As for the YMCA, classes began Tuesday. Water aerobics instructor Carolyn Altman explained her morning classes use resistance, dumbbells and noodles. Her class also has no music playing, which is helpful for those who dont like music playing while they workout.

Classes are 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. t 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Jenny Rush is the afternoon instructor, who will play music.

Altman said everyone would benefit from water aerobics and is available for all ages.

The classes are held in the outside pool and will be canceled for bad weather, such as thunder and lightening.

To join, a YMCA membership is needed. Pricing can be viewed on the YMCAs website.

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YMCA and Baptist Health offers water aerobics classes - Hopkinsville Kentucky New Era