Get Your Exercise On.....In Water!

You don't need to go to a gym or park to get in a quick workout...why not swing by one of our indoor pools for a quick water exercise class! Campus Hills Pool and Edison Johnson Aquatics Center offer a variety of Water Exercise options for participants to feel the burn and break a sweat! Each class offers a total workout while protecting joints from the pounding of a traditional land aerobics class. The program is designed to utilize the natural resistance of water allowing for muscle toning, cardiovascular endurance, and increased flexibility. And the best thing...participants do not need to know how to swim to join in the fun!

Check out our current Water Exercise classes taking place this Fall and next Spring by visiting ActiveNet. Please note, drop-in fees do apply and a multi-visit pass is available for purchase on a Play More Card at a discounted rate per class.

Now let's meet the amazing Water Aerobics Instructors that will be leading you in your next workout in the water...

Name and Title: Ashley Harris, Recreation and Aquatic Supervisor 

Number of Years Instructing: 10 Years

"I have enjoyed substituting for water exercise over the years with Durham Parks and Recreation.  I enjoy facilitating Water Exercise classes with music and a dynamic workout. It's time for the Community to get back to working out in the water. We are excited to bring these fitness opportunities back safety to our community."

Name and Title: Colleen Toomey, Recreation Services Manager, Recreation & Aquatics

Number of Years Instructing: 20+ Years

" I have primarily taught both participants and instructors the 75 approved Arthritis Foundation water exercises over the years.  I love to share the story about a former "Rosie Riveter" WWII. This participant used to come to my class severely bent over and walking with a cane.  By the time the class was over, she was upright, and she just about forgot to grab her cane on the way out because she was feeling so good. 

I greatly enjoy teaching water exercise because the hydrostatic pressure, on the body alone, increases balance and flexibility. People feel better exercising in the water because they are not hot and sweaty like being in a fitness class on land or working out in the gym.  It provides people the opportunity to strengthen and use muscles that would be too difficult, with gravity, on land.  Being able to provide the City of Durham residents and guests the opportunity to exercise, in the water, cannot be duplicated anywhere else.  The City of Durham Parks and Recreation Aquatic Facilities are the only facilities that offer access to everyone without a membership."

Name and Title: Matthew Sprouse – Recreation Coordinator, Edison Johnson Aquatic Center

Number of Years Instructing: 7 Years

"My first job as a teenager was as a Lifeguard at a large pool where water exercise was taught. Watching friends become instructors and getting to participate in their classes is still an enjoyable memory for me. I continued attending classes as a college student, and was trained as a water exercise instructor when I was hired with the City of Durham in 2014. Since then, I have been able to teach classes, as well as continue to participate in classes. Even though I do not have the opportunity to teach consistently, I still enjoy getting to teach when I can. I have enjoyed seeing how the Durham community comes together for water exercise, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of building a diverse, close-knit group of individuals that come together for Durham Parks and Recreation water exercise classes. I’m looking forward to the future when Durham Parks and Recreation can expand water exercise class offerings and continue providing wellness programs to the community."