New pool for rehab

Pictured enjoying an Aqua-Rehab session in Levin Aquatic Centre's hydrotherapy pool are (L-R) Gaylene Landall, Kaye Latham, Margaret Downer, Frances Sims and Jan Rodgers.

The healing power of water is being enjoyed by members of Aqua Rehab sessions held in Levin Aquatic Centre's new hydrotherapy pool.

Classes involve low-impact exercises to increase mobility, strength and flexibility, and are specifically designed for those who suffer from arthritis, joint and circulation problems or have limited mobility.

The hydrotherapy pool was built as part of the centre's redevelopment over winter last year and has proven popular with pool users.

Resident Anne Collings, who has been a regular visitor to the pools for two decades, said she had used Aqua Rehab to recover from a hip operation that left her feeling physically unable to attend her regular aquacise sessions.

Mrs Collings said her sessions, led by Aquatics programmes and events supervisor Greg Jackson, were excellent.

"After the hip operation I was dying to get back into the pool and Aqua Rehab allowed me to do that. It was really beneficial," she said.

"At 82 years of age, I feel I should try to keep mobile, and keeping fit helps with day-to-day life. Also, I love the buoyancy that water gives, as well as the social aspect of aquacise - doing the session and then enjoying a cup of tea with everyone afterwards. The Levin Aquatic Centre is a great asset for the town and people should take advantage of it."

Aquatics manager James Richmond said hearing positive feedback from customers such as Mrs Collings, and knowing the centre can play a part in improving the quality of life for someone is personally satisfying for staff.

"Being able to provide such health and social wellbeing benefits cannot be measured in dollars," he said.

To help encourage physical health and mental wellbeing for older people, Aquatics Horowhenua has this week been running an Ageing Well Wellness Week, with a variety of morning and afternoon aqua exercise sessions, as well as out-of-water seminars and workshops on topics such as nutrition, bone health, muscle retention, heart health and yoga.

The initiative has been running at both Levin Aquatic Centre and Foxton Pools.