Lakeshore Foundation offers a wide variety of fitness and recreation opportunities for all ages, but its aquatics program is perhaps its most popular.
At the Aquatics Center, adults can choose independent exercise and lap swimming or group classes ranging from beginner low-impact exercise to advanced cardiovascular exercise. Private lessons are also available.
There are classes and programs for children ages six months to 18 years with a wide range of ability levels. Lakeshore also sponsors youth and adult swim teams.
“Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, “ says Aquatics Director Emily Mallard. “It includes all major muscle groups in a low-impact way. Our participants include children as young as 6 months and adults up to 100, and aquatics can be adapted to all abilities.”
The facilities are top-notch, including two large pools with varying temperatures, the therapy pool and lap pool.
“We offer several entry and exit options – a zero entry, pool lift, stairs, ladder and poolside entry for individuals using wheelchairs,” Mallard says. “These allow participants to participate in aquatics while being as independent as possible.
“There are no other facilities I know of that offer this kind of overall experience,” she says. “The value a member gets is unmatched.”
In addition, people really enjoy the program. “Not all our participants are swimmers, but they all love the water,” Mallard says. “There’s something special about those first few seconds in the pool – pain reduces, muscles relax, moods improve.”
When you join the aquatics program, you receive a one-on-one orientation with one of the well-trained staff members, all of whom hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in kinesiology or related fields.
“We go over their health history and goals and develop a program for them,” Mallard says.
Mallard has worked at Lakeshore for 16 years, has a degree in exercise science from Samford University and holds several certifications, including pediatric aquatic fitness and inclusive fitness training. She’s also Lakeshore’s head swim coach and a coach for the U.S. Paralympics swimming team.
The aquatics program also offers therapeutic benefits.
“Many participants have experienced injuries or surgery, and we help them get back to their desired ability and independence,” Mallard says. “We often continue what they’re doing in physical therapy and give them additional activities.”
The classes provide a valuable social outlet.
“Many of our members live alone, and taking a class allows them to be a part of a group and fellow members who encourage and hold them accountable,” Mallard says.
For details, go to lakeshore.org/activity/aquatics.
