Swimming is one of the best workouts out there; it’s a great aerobic exercise with a low impact on joint and muscles. In the city of St. Catharines, Ontario, there are a number of great options to get started with this effective exercise. This week, the Hazelview team has pulled together locations, programs and even apps to help make you a better swimmer.
Kiwanis Aquatic Centre
This is an amazing municipal facility that features two pools: one for leisure and one for training and swimming laps. The centre features a number of fitness and swimming programs available for residents of St. Catharines. There’s also a public library that shares the location. The Kiwanis Aquatic Centre is a three-minute drive from our Hazelview apartments.
For those new to the pool, we suggest the Dipping In Program at the Aquatic Centre. This introductory class strives to make everyone comfortable with the pool and attending fitness and swimming classes. The forty-five minute sessions cover the basic moves and strokes used during in-pool fitness classes. The program is held in the Aquatic Centre’s leisure pool and deckside. Alternatively, there are also private or semi-private swimming lessons available.
There’s also a Masters’ Swimming Program for adults interested in training and participating on a competitive team. A certified coach supervises the Masters’ Swim program and will lead participants through a customized workout each session. Joining a swim team is a great way to build your endurance as well as make new friends and connections within the St. Catharines community. For any of those more competitively inclined, the Masters’ program gives participants an option to register with the provincial Masters’ Swimming Ontario for swim meets.
For more details check out: Spring-Summer Leisure Guide 2013
425 Carlton Street
At the corner of Niagara and Carlton at Lester B. Pearson Park
St. Catharines, ON
L2M 0A9
Take a dive at home
The Hazelview apartment community at Roehampton Place also features an outdoor pool for use in the summer months. Even if you’re not into swimming laps, there are a number of moves you can do for a full-body workout. We love these suggestions from Fit Sugar in the article Easy Pool Workouts for Beginners. Check the article out for some simple and fun ways to exercise in the water. All you need is a pool noodle and a warm afternoon. Of course, the pool can also be used to relax in the water and enjoy your time at home.
Apps and Online Resources
Freestyle Swimming
For $2.99, download an app that will help you to perfect your freestyle stroke. The app features tips, tricks and videos from an Olympic swim coach. This covers both land-based drill examples and in-pool workouts. (Just remember to waterproof your smart phone or tablet before taking it poolside!)
Morning Swim Show
This website features video and podcast content for daily swimming news and inspiring swimmer interviews. There are tons of great workouts and resources for all swimmers from beginners to advanced level.