Aquatic Exercise

Aquatic exercise is not only good to develop flexibility, strength and aerobic conditioning, but an excellent way to restore balance and coordination after injury or illness. Athletes and dancers can do ballet barres, aqua jog, box or do aerobics in an environment where buoyancy and resistance replace the heavy pull and impact of terrestrial gravity. Water is an excellent medium for rehabilitation as well as cross-training. Dr. Keefer teaches Aquatic classes for people with arthritis as well as athletes and dancers recovering from injuries in a warm pool (86 to 89 degrees) that facilitates relaxation and range of motion.

The following is a poem written by student Natalie Raimondi who has participated in Dr. Keefer's aquatics program for people with arthritis for the past four years:

To Julia

I wish I were that little boat.
I'd lie on my back all day and float.
I'd be so dry, with nothing to do,
And all day long I'd think kindly of you.

But here I am with muscles aching,
My easy life all but forsaking.
Don't you know that I am phobic
Of anything that is aerobic?

Tighten your butt! Loosen your face!
Shoulders are up? That's a disgrace!
Make like a swan, stretch your neck!
Pull in your gu! You're no longer a wreck.
Left foot, not right foot! There's no time to switch.
Use it or lose it-- that is the pitch.

And yet, and yet, you mean so well,
You care so much, and I can tell
You see us all as young, not old,
With heads held high and walking bold.

So we'll push that water faster and faster
And be your slaves if you'll be our master.
We know as a mentor you are second to none,
So be our guru. Who cares about fun?

So here's to Julia, who'll never fool'ya
Or ridicule 'ya. A merry Yule-'ya!
To our bright star, the very best,
Have a real holiday and get some rest.
We love 'ya and need 'ya, so with smiles and much cheer
We wish you the greatest and happiest New Year!

--The Backward Jogger (Natalie) and the rest of the gang

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