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By Kristan Roetker
Staff Writer Auburn U niversity has provided a fun alternative to boring workout routines Ð water aerobics at the James E. Martin Aquatic Center. Water aerobics has been used for many years as therapy for arthritis patients, instructor Patty Dolan, 04MN, said. Dolan te aches a rigorous cardio-vascular-type workout on Monday and Wednesday nights including running and jumping exercises. Ashley Esham, 04HES, teaches body toning classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. "In the water, you get resistance for your fu ll range of motion. You get a weight workout without ever picking up a weight. It is great for those people who don't want to go to the gym," she said. Kim Bruner, 04PG, who attends regularly, said, "It is easy to stay motivated to go because the i nstructors make it fun by using music and varying the workouts."
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One of the benefits of a water aerobics class is the decreased risk of serious injuries. Both instructors stressed that water workouts pose a lesser threat to the knees and other joints
because there is no constant pounding on hard surfaces, as with conventional aerobics or running. Diane Cerwinski, 04IB, a participant, said, "Water aerobics offers a great alternative to the usual workout." Esham said the water aerobics class can be u sed two to three times a week as a supplement to cardio-vascular workouts. Dolan said there are no initial physical requirements for participation. "Anyone can come and join." Both instructors are lifeguards at the aquatics center. The free classes a re Monday through Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the instructional pool.
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