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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WARM WATER EXERCISE CLASSES OFFER AT LOCAL YMCAS CAN HELP ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS INCREASE FLEXIBILITY, STRENGTHEN MUSCLES AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Chicago, January 17, 2005 - Chilly winter months can be difficult for seniors - especially individuals with arthritis or joint problems. To help ease stiff, achy joints and increase flexibility and muscle strength, national YMCA experts advise older adults to get in the pool and participate in the Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program (AFYAP), a program co-developed by YMCA of the USA and the Arthritis Foundation. These warm water exercise classes are designed to help relieve the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis while providing a fun, social atmosphere.

You weigh one-third less in the water than on land due to the buoyancy factor. This helps support the body and joints, and reduces falls," according to Kay Smiley, specialty consultant for aquatics and scuba, YMCA of the USA. "This buoyancy also allows participants to adjust their level of impact which eases stress on joints and makes movement easier. Participants in warm water exercise classes are able to do things they can't do on land - without any pain. They're often surprised at the muscle strengthening and toning they can accomplish in the pool."

YMCA of the USA launched a collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation in 1983, and currently, 1,035 YMCAs offer gentle exercises in warm water pools which are specially heated. On average temperatures range from 84 to 86 degrees. In addition, many YMCAs have separate warm water pools used strictly for these classes that are approved by the Arthritis Foundation. They are equipped with special accommodations to ensure safe and easy access by all participants, and aquatics instructors for these programs must receive special training.

Instructor training includes current YMCA Lifeguard or YMCA Safety Assistant certification which includes CPR and first-aid; current certification as an AFYAP instructor, and a letter of support from the instructor's local Arthritis Foundation.

For many participants, the social benefits of these classes are as important as the health benefits. After class is over, many seniors spend time talking together and making new friends. This feeling of connectedness is very important to the emotional health of seniors, who often feel isolated and depressed. According to aging experts at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide. Comprising only 13 percent of the U.S. population, individuals age 65 and older accounted for 18 percent of all suicide deaths in 2000.

According to Smiley, "The social aspect of these warm water exercise classes shouldn't be underestimated. Many participants stay after class to play cards together, share photos and even volunteer. YMCA programs are designed to strengthen spirit, mind and body, and seniors demonstrate this mission beautifully."

Although AFYAP classes are pool-based, there isn't any swimming involved. Beginner classes revolve around 68 range-of-motion and muscle-strengthening exercises and an optional endurance segment lasting from 5 to 10 minutes. A typical class runs about 45-60 minutes.

Once many older adults increase mobility, muscle and lung strength through water exercise, they often become interested in trying other land-based exercise, including strength training. This is good news. According to the CDC, by age 65 a person loses 25 percent of his or her peak strength. But experts say that muscle loss happens from not using the muscles enough as you age - not from aging itself.

As a result, seniors can prevent this loss of strength by working with light weights. In addition to aquatic exercise, YMCAs also offer strength training classes designed specifically with seniors' needs in mind. Currently 849 YMCAs offer strength training for older adults.

At the Massilon YMCA in Cleveland, class members like Judy McClain feel this is the best thing they've done for themselves. McClain, who has arthritis, has been attending warm water exercise classes for four years. When she first started, she couldn't lift her arms over her head. "Now I can -- plus a whole lot more," McClain said.

To find the YMCA nearest you, visit www.ymca.net

YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for America's 2,575 YMCAs. Collectively, YMCAs are the nation's largest not-for-profit community service organization and largest provider of child care, serving 19 million people of all faiths, races, ages and incomes, including 9 million children. YMCAs offer a broad range of programs including youth leadership and volunteerism, and financial assistance is available. To learn more visit www.ymca.net.

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