Pennswood Village Pools: Water workouts for wellness

At Pennswood Village, a Bucks County Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), you’ll find residents swimming and playing in our two indoor pools, located in the Passmore Fitness Center. The 60-foot lap pool and the warm water exercise pool make the fitness center a popular campus destination. The lap pool is kept at 82-84 degrees and the warm water pool a pleasant 90-92 degrees.

“It’s a very beautiful building,” says Kay Silberfeld, Pennswood resident. “You can look out the windows to the trees, and it’s quite beautiful, regardless of the weather outside.”

Captivating Aquatic Classes

Aquatic classes are held every morning, except Sundays in the 9 a.m. hour and the 10 a.m. hour. The 9 a.m. class is called Aqua Blend, a combination of cardio and vigorous movements. It starts with exercises in the lap pool, and then moves into the warm water pool for a well-rounded workout.

In the 10 a.m. hour, there are a variety of engaging classes throughout the week, including PiYoChi (a mixture of Pilates, yoga and tai chi) and Strong Core, Healthy Back, a class that focuses on balance and strength.

“My favorite class is Ai Chi,” says Dot Grammel, a Pennswood resident who can frequently be found at the pools. “It’s just like tai chi, but in the water. It’s a wonderful way to start the day.”

Every class is led by one of the Passmore Center’s certified instructors. “Each instructor brings their own flavor to the class, and makes each class a little bit different,” says Becky Popik, a Fitness Manager at the center.

“Not only is there support from the teacher, but from the other people in the class as well,” says Kay. “It’s a wonderful feeling because I’m in the pool with other people, and we’re all doing the same thing for the same reason.”

For residents who want to get competitive, volleyball is held twice weekly in the lap pool. “It’s guys versus girls. It’s competitive, and we always have a great time, yelling and having fun,” says Becky.

Swimming lanes are also available to residents at most times, which can be secured with a sign-up sheet. The only time the pools aren’t open and available to all residents is when classes are in session. Family members of residents can use the pool as well, and friends are encouraged to come along with residents.

The Benefits of Aquatic Exercises

There are countless benefits to taking your workout to the water, including increased strength, balance, flexibility and mobility. Because it’s a low impact exercise, it can be easier on joints than a regular land workout, and build overall endurance.

“Swimming has definitely improved my health. It’s energizing. I go four times a week and the days I go, my brain functions better. And, I even sleep better,” says Dot.

Water exercise has many similar benefits to exercising on land, but the buoyancy of the water reduces pressure on joints, supports muscles and enhances flexibility. Water also supports a wider range of motion and better balance. The resistance and drag builds muscle, and increases the workout through the whole body.

“Being in the water improves overall muscle tone and balance. The cardio system is worked more from the resistance of the hydrostatic pressure of the water, which can reduce pain and edema, and helps circulation,” adds Becky. “The water is a great, supportive environment and a great place to work on balance if you’re concerned about falling.”

Kay has been attending the class called Strong Core, Healthy Back for about four years, and is a testament to the benefits. “I can see that I’m walking much steadier and that if I trip, I can right myself before I fall,” says Kay. “When I come out of the class, I feel just wonderful.”

For more information about the fitness classes at Pennswood Village, please give us a call at 866-740-4977, or visit our online contact form here.