Aquatics
The goal of the MedWest Health & Fitness Center Aquatics Department is to expose our members and clients to the wealth of benefits offered by water activities, within a safe and comfortable setting. Virtually all aspects of Aquatics programming fall into one of two categories of focus: one, water safety, or two, aquatic fitness.
WATER SAFETY SERVICES
It is of utmost importance to us that our customers are able to enjoy swimming both here at our facility, and within other venues, safely and at minimum personal risk. Our instructors of swimming lessons and emergency preparedness training are certified through the American Red Cross. We work closely with local branches of the American Red Cross to ensure our provision of ARC services are the most thorough and professional available based on their venerated expectations.
Overview: Learn-to-Swim Services
Through much experience with teaching in both formats, we’ve found that students of all ages tend to make greater progress, and at a quicker pace through private instruction, as opposed to group swim instruction. Private swim lessons also allow us to better meet your individual scheduling needs, without having to adhere to a weekly class time. Therefore we currently conduct all swim lessons on a private or semi-private basis.
Private Swim Lessons:
Receive the individual treatment you deserve in meeting your swimming needs. Whether our client is a young child entering the water for the first time, or a triathlete simply looking for stroke correction, we can help with any such goals in the water. With the purchase of a private swim lesson package, you will have a certified Red Cross water safety instructor assigned to you as your personal teacher. Private swim lessons are sold in increments of six 30-minute sessions, for $70 to MH&FC members, $85 to non-members. The best way to register for this service is by calling the Aquatics office at (828)452-8056.
Semi-Private Swim Lessons:
With the option of “semi-private” instruction, two clients of very similar ability levels may be paired together to be taught simultaneously with one instructor. Semi-private lessons save on cost of package per participant, but the main precursor to this option is, again, both participants must closely mirror one another in comfort level and experience in the water, and swimming capability. MH&FC Aquatics reserves the right to separate semi-private clients if paired inappropriately. The cost for semi-private swim lessons is six 30-minute lessons for $50 per participant to MH&FC members, $75 per participant to non-members. To register for this service, please call the Aquatics office at (828)452-8056.
Adult Swim Lessons:
For many adults, confidence and comfort-level are the only components missing from being able to swim. MedWest Health & Fitness Center’s Aquatics instructors have a tremendous record of teaching swimming to not only children, but to adults also. All adult swimming lessons are conducted on a private, one-on-one basis (same cost applies). Based upon the objective of the student, instruction can range from braving the water for the first time, to perfecting various stroke techniques.
Stroke Mechanics:
Take the next step toward becoming an efficient swimmer. Expand your knowledge and mastery of multiple strokes, while cultivating them into a more enjoyable pool experience. Ideal for individuals training to compete in triathlons, and/or persons hoping to employ swimming into their routines as a more consistent and effective exercise medium. Call for availablility.
Overview: Emergency Preparedness Training
All EP Training conducted at Medwest Health & Fitness Center is that of the American Red Cross. All courses are conducted by persons on staff whom are certified Red Cross Instructors. Training options include: Lifeguard Certification Training, Basic CPR, and First Aid. Call our Aquatics office at (828)452-8056 for availability of these courses.
Lifeguard Certification Training:
Qualify yourself for a whole new profession! This fun and informative class provides the fundamentals of, and certificate for, the occupation of lifeguarding. ARC Lifeguard certification is valid for three years, and recognized in all 50 states. Course includes the separate certification of “CPR for Lifeguards” training, which must be renewed annually. Participants must be 15 or older. If under 18 years of age, participants must have written consent of parent/legal guardian. PLEASE NOTE: Lifeguard Certification Training is a demanding course, both cognitively and physically! To qualify for entry into Lifeguard Certification Training, you must be in good physical condition, and able to swim proficiently! You will be tested on your abilities in the water prior to beginning training – if you fail to pass these requirements, YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO CONTINUE IN THE COURSE! If you are interested in taking this course, but not sure about your ability to pass the physical and swimming requirements, we encourage you to contact us in advance; our instructors can help you practice ahead of time. The cost of Lifeguard Certification Training is $235 for MH&FC members, $255 for non-members. Registration for LGCT is first-come, first-serve; to ensure a spot in an upcoming course, completed registration form and payment in full must be handed in at front desk of Medwest Health & Fitness Center. A cancellation fee of $25 will be imposed on withdrawals made within 10 days of course start date. LGCT is a 36-hour course, as mandated by ARC. It is typically taught over a six-day schedule. This course is a commitment! You must plan to be present, and be on time for all scheduled days in order to successfully complete the course.
CPR:
Although included as part of the curriculum to participants of Lifeguard Training, CPR is also offered separately to those wanting it only. American Red Cross Basic CPR certification is valid for two years, and is available at $50 to MH&FC members, $65 to non-members.
First Aid:
First Aid Training is typically taught as an extension of CPR course, on the same day. Persons opting to take both courses will pay a combination fee of $70 to MH&FC members, $85 to non-members .
AQUATIC FITNESS
Water-based exercise continually draws more and more attention within the wellness community as the modicum-of-choice for joint-friendly, reduced-impact, yet-still-very-effective workouts. Based upon the activity, the rate at which aerobic water exercising burns calories is very comparable to traditional land-based aerobic exercising. Further, the resistance of the water can be used to promote muscular endurance and anaerobic benefits. While Aquatic fitness takes a multitude of forms, the two general groupings below are the ones most widely used here at Medwest Health & Fitness Center.
Lap Swimming:
Swimming consistently ranks among the top five aerobic activities with regards to calorie burn. It is a staple for exercisers whom have sustained overuse or stress-related injuries from other land-based cardio activities. A minimum of two lanes of space is kept available for lap swimming during all hours of pool operation. We ask that all lap swimmers be prepared to share a lane as needed. If more than two swimmers per lane are present, circle-swimming will be enacted.
Aquatic Group Fitness Classes:
All group fitness classes, including those that are Aquatics-based, are inclusive to MH&FC membership. Classes range in intensity from stretching and arthritis management to high-energy, fast-paced aerobics. For a complete listing of all classes, with descriptions, please see our monthly pool schedule listed on our Calendars page.
RECREATIONAL USE OF POOL
Aside from water safety and fitness, the pool area of MH&FC is also a site for plenty of fun, games, relaxation, and entertainment for people of all ages. The term “recreational use” is given to all main pool functions OUTSIDE the realm of lap swimming, swim lessons, and group fitness classes. Recreational use can include playing, aqua-jogging, conducting individual water fitness routines, and/or simply taking a relaxing dip. The main pool is available for recreational use any time adult group fitness classes are not in session. Recreational use is prohibited however, during the times adult group fitness courses are being held. During other programs such as youth classes, that also appear on the pool’s monthly calendar, space for recreational use IS still available.
THERAPY POOL
The MH&FC therapy pool is the smaller body of water located adjacent to the main pool along the pool deck. While the therapy pool is equipped therapeutic underwater jets, it in fact is a different type of structure altogether from hot tubs, Jacuzzi's, or spas, as it is designed for warm-water physical therapy treatment. It is also equipped with a hydro-lift chair to provide easier access to handicapped individuals. The therapy pool is available for use to fitness center’s members and guests of age-14 or older, whenever it is not in use for physical therapy. For scheduled times of availability please see our therapy pool schedule. (Note: therapy pool schedule is also conveniently included on the back of our monthly pool calendar.)