Water aerobics class making a splash

BONNERS FERRY — It can help with joint and muscle aches. It can reduce the risk of chronic disease as well as ease the symptoms. It can improve a person’s state of mind and soothe anxiety.

In older people, it helps maintain bone density. In younger women, it promotes healthier pregnancies. If it sounds like a magic potion, many participants would agree. It is water aerobics class, and it is available right here in town.

Each Tuesday and Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., instructor Nancy (Langley) Meadows welcomes participants to the spotless indoor pool at Kootenai River Inn, 7169 Plaza St,, for a group session of water aerobics.

“It’s a low-impact class but plenty challenging for those who want more of a workout,” said Meadows. “You go at your own pace. There’s no pressure.”

The class begins and ends with 10 minutes of unstructured pool time when people can warm up, warm down, swim laps or soak in the facility’s hot tub. The cost is $7 per session or $45 per month.

The class has been a community mainstay for a decade, explained Meadows.

“Tom Turpin, manager of KRI, and Pam Turpin, spa director, spearheaded the water aerobics program 10 years ago,” she said, and adds that late tribal elder Amy Trice provided the program with inspirational support.

While water aerobics benefits a person’s cardiovascular system and helps maintain good muscle tone, it is also the exercise many physical therapists recommend for recovering patients.

“Some local doctors give their patients water therapy instructions to be used in a pool for recovering from knee and hip replacements,” said Meadows. “Bonners Ferry locals can come here instead of Sandpoint.”

Participants should bring their own noodles. The class meets poolside, with entry through the side doors of the pool area.

Information: 267-5752.