By Janet Cruz

For those looking for water fitness or perhaps swimming lessons, the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center may be just the ticket with its new water fitness class line up this year.

“We have something for our winter visitors, locals and all the way down to swim classes for our kiddos,” said Swan Cooke, Parks and Recreation Aquatic Center Supervisor.

Paddle boarding and kayaking classes are new courses added to this year’s water fitness schedule. According to Cooke, those classes filled up quickly once registration opened up.

An evening water Aqua Aerobics class is also new. It gives those who can’t make classes during the day, an evening option. For those who need a gentle exercise soft on the joints, there is an arthritis exercise class which allows those who suffer from chronic pain or joint issues to enjoy a workout while keeping their joints warm in a heated pool.

Looking for a class not involving the pool? Tai Chi and Yoga are also other class options.  Looking for a pickle ball court? The center has four courts that are available at a small fee per player and session.

“Tai Chi is also very popular among our seniors at our center,” Cooke said. We also are glad to offer swim lessons for children since it is very important for them to learn especially in the summertime.”

For a complete description of classes offered, see below courtesy of the Lake Havasu Aquatic Center website.

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Ai-Chi (Beginner) – A water motion and relaxation class that combines the movements of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Shiatsu standing in shoulder-depth water. It is a total body workout that increases range of motion, balance, and mobility, and teaches breathing techniques to lower stress and foster body awareness.

Aqua Aerobics (All levels) – A shallow and deep water fitness class that provides a full body workout. The shallow water portion allows for increased heart rate to improve aerobic fitness, and the deep water portion helps to tone muscle—the combination creating greater endurance, strength, and cardiac health. Water weights and other peripherals are used to create a challenging workout using water resistance.

Aqua Challenge (Intermediate) – A class that combines the most challenging combinations from Aqua Aerobics, Aqua Motion, and Water Wellness to create a thorough full body workout in shallow and deep water. To add even more challenge (and fun!), waves are used for a portion of the class. Aqua jog belts, water weights, and other peripherals increase the intensity of this workout for maximum impact.

Aqua Motion (Intermediate to Advanced) – A deep water class where participants use aqua jogging belts and water weights to achieve a full body workout. While the body is immersed to shoulder level, the water resistance creates an environment for muscle toning and a low-impact aerobic effect. Aqua jog belts, water weights, and other peripherals increase the intensity of this workout for maximum impact.

Arthritis Exercise (Beginner) – A comprehensive full body workout for those that experience arthritis, chronic pain, or other types of orthopedic conditions. It assists in range of motion, muscle strength, and general endurance, while keeping the joints warm in the soaker pool. Class size is limited to 12 participants.

Cardio Challenge (Beginner) – This shallow water fitness class marries water aerobics and high intensity interval training (HIIT) to create a challenging workout for any fitness level. Movements are adaptable for all bodies (including orthopedic limitations) and the high intensity intervals are gauged by perceived exertion, so it’s a perfect workout to start where you are at and continue to challenge and grow your fitness levels to new heights.

Tai Chi (Beginner) – A form of Chinese martial arts with many health benefits such as improved brain function and sleep quality. This class builds balance and strength, and employs breathing techniques to lower stress levels.

Warm Water Yoga (Beginner) – A class to develop body awareness and flexibility through breathwork and stretching in shallow warm water, making it a fun and soothing workout for all fitness levels. Class is for those that experience chronic pain or anyone wanting a slower paced water workout. Class is held in the soaker pool and is limited to 12 participants.

Motion & Mobility (All Levels) – Motion and Mobility is a hybrid class merging the best features of Warm Water Yoga and the Arthritis Class to provide a great warm water workout for those wanting to improve balance and stability, reduce chronic pain, increase flexibility, and increase general endurance. This class is appropriate for all fitness levels and abilities, with adaptations available to make movement accessible for all. Class size is limited to 10 participants.

Water Wellness (Beginner) – A less intense alternative to our Aqua Motion class, while still focusing on increasing range of motion, flexibility, strength and mild cardiovascular training.

Yoga (Beginner) – A series of full body stretching movements, standing and down on the mat, to enhance flexibility, balance, stability, and strength. Props are used to provide accessible movement for different levels of fitness and greater comfort in some positions, and are available for participant use.

The Lake Havasu Aquatic Center also offers swim lessons for children ages  6 months old and up.

For a complete  class schedule and times, visit  https://www.lhcaz.gov/parks-recreation/open-swim-schedule or call 928-453-8686 . Drop in rates and monthly pool passes are available.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene