Newspaper Articles

2005 Newspaper Columns: Monthly Health & Fitness Page for ‘The Free Press’ & ‘The Saucon News’ – Weekly publications serving the Upper Bucks and Southern Leigh Counties in Pennsylvania

“Aquatic Fitness & Health is the Answer” – January 2005

Want to have fun and get fit doing it? Water exercise with Aquatic Fitness & Health in our warm water exercise classes could be the answer for you!

Has your Doctor told you to exercise in the water? Are you tired of pounding your knees & feet into the ground? Are you bored with your current workout routine?

Water is the perfect environment in which to exercise whether post rehab or Elite Athlete.

Exercising in warm water reduces the discomfort associated with Arthritis, Osteoporosis, back problems, hypertension, stress, pregnancy and much more.

In water you can do at least twice the workout in half the time with virtually no impact or joint stress. You won’t feel self-conscious because the water conceals you.

Get stronger, more flexible and improve your balance and coordination faster. Warm Water exercise will improve the quality of your daily life. Aquatic Fitness & Health (AF&H) was created by us (Peg & Linda) as a high-tech wellness alternative to bring professional World Class aquatic fitness programming for all ages and levels of fitness to the community.

We have over 35 years of experience and numerous certifications by Internationally recognized organizations, including Aquatic Exercise Association, Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, Arthritis Foundation, AFFA & Red Cross. We write a column for an International Fitness magazine and “crew” for International Fitness Conventions.

We know what to do and how to do it! For information see our ad.

Shape up, trim down, let your Spirit Soar! Come alive in 05’!

“Understanding the Power of the Liquid Gym’ – February – 2005

The water is a powerful, yet protective exercise environment! It affords the opportunity for high levels of energy expenditure with relatively little strain to the body, because water is approximately 800 times denser than air.

Aquatic exercise is a great “FAT BURNER”! Increased oxygen consumption during aquatic exercise translates into more energy used/more calories burned. The percent of FAT calories utilized in water is 77.2 percent, but only 42.5 percent on land.

Overall calorie expenditure walking in water is about 525 calories per hour, but only 240 on land! Water provides full body resistance in all directions, so you work opposing muscle groups at the same time!

You can do the same workout in half the time or less! And it’s in a ‘cushioned’ environment, so you’re not pounding your joints into the ground or risking a life altering fall or injury!

The buoyancy principle of water results in up to a 90 percent reduction in body weight, making water low to non-weight bearing exercise. However, the water’s resistance fights osteoporosis. The hydrostatic pressure massage facilitates the removal of lactic acid, which helps prevent muscle soreness.

Cardio fitness, strength training, flexibility, balance and coordination can be achieved in a graded, stepwise fashion.

We as certified aquatic professionals have programs and techniques that have and can benefit everyone from the deconditioned individual to the advanced athlete!

We can improve the quality of your life! GET SMART! GET IN THE WATER! With Aquatic Fitness & Health. Call us at 215-536-1906.

“The Truth About Water Exercise” – March 2005

The truth of the matter is that the advantages and benefits of water exercise far outweigh the excuses not to try it.

It’s not for people my age! Aquatic exercise has something to offer and challenge people of ages and levels of fitness.

It’s not a cardiovascular workout! It’s THE BEST cardiovascular workout! The combination of hydrostatic pressure, resistance, and buoyancy will challenge your heart rate like never before.

I don’t want to get wet! You’re going to get wet and shower with any workout.

I don’t want to put a bathing suit on! We know many comfortable alternatives to “traditional” aquatic attire.

It doesn’t build muscle mass & strength! It’s AWESOME for strength training! The correct use of water’s natural properties, specialized equipment and a trained aquatic professional will build muscle mass and strength.

I can’t swim! You do NOT have to be able to swim. Our programs have measures in place to assure you a safe & fun workout.

I don’t have the time! Water exercise workout is twice as efficient as land.

I can do anything on land I can do in water! Give us a call the next time you float on land!!

Water Exercise is Excellent for Weight Loss, Burning Fat, Improving Balance, Coordination, Flexibility, Fighting Osteoporosis, Pain Relief, Stress Busting and Building Core Strength. The ADVANTAGES are endless. We have run out of excuses have you?

Get Smart! Get in the Water! Aquatic Fitness & Health - 215-536-1906

“Hydroriding - Unique Water Exercise Experience” – April 2005

A Hydrorider is a stationary exercise bike designed to be ridden in a pool. Built of marine stainless steel, it allows you to pedal while immersed in water taking full advantage of the water properties of buoyancy, drag, and resistance.

As Certified Hydrorider Specialists, Aquatic Fitness & Health was among the first to introduce these bikes in the United States. We have found hydroriding to be an excellent exercise for people with limitations due to arthritis, fibromyalgia, previous injury, obesity, or those who are deconditioned.

We have created multipurpose techniques to make this state–of–the–art aquatic equipment attractive for many levels of fitness. They are outstanding for weight loss, cross training, the conditioned athlete, post rehab, groups and individuals. Hydroriders can provide a complete cardiovascular workout enhanced with strength, power and resistance. They are also excellent for flexibility, balance and coordination. Aquatic Cycling causes less pressure on joints and lower back and produces great toning results.

So if you’re still wondering: “Why cycle in the water?” Imagine how good the constant water massage feels as it increases circulation and gets your juices flowing.

Enjoy a new proprioceptive experience with your eyes closed while pedaling, not worrying about weather, potholes, or cars. But, IF you should hit a speed bump and fall, all you get is wet!

We can improve the quality of your life!

GET SMART! Get in the WATER! With Aquatic Fitness and Health call Linda at 215-536-1906 or Peg 215-536-2711 or visit our website at www.aquadivas.com.

“’Aqua Mommas’ The Ultimate Pre & Post Partum Exercise” – May 2005

Pregnant? Congratulations!

Has your Doctor told you to exercise? Way to Go Doc! Where do you go? Aquatic Fitness and Health!!

“Aqua Mommas” is a specialized pre and post partum warm water exercise class taught by certified aquatic fitness professionals. Since the benefits of exercise during pregnancy are well documented, what makes exercising in the aquatic environment superior? Warm Water is the ultimate safe, forgiving, protective virtually weightless environment conducive for aerobic exercise and relaxation. The Hydrostatic pressure helps to prevent fluid pooling in the lower extremities and edema. It helps reduces stretch marks by maintaining skin and muscle tone. Buoyancy takes the stress off joints and back and lets the Moms feel lighter and more comfortable. Balance tends to improve. Helps reduce the pre and post partum depression associated with pregnancy. Most of all its lots of Fun, Safe and Feels Great! Our Aqua Mommas work out in shallow and deep water. They work on cardiovascular fitness, balance, strength training, ride Hydrobikes and explore relaxation techniques such as YOQUA and Ai Chi.

Since the IQ’s of babies of moms who have exercised is higher we get early feedback. The babies have reported they have a great time, rock to the music and love the instructors!

Exercising in a safe, nurturing warm water environment is the best gift you can give to yourself and your baby!!

Improve the quality of your pregnancy! GET SMART! Get in the WATER! Aquatic Fitness & Health * Linda 215-536-1906 * Peg 215-536-2711 * www.aquadivas.com.

“Water Girls Gone Wild!” – June 2005

The AquaDivas have returned, more excited than ever, from the annual International Aquatic Fitness Conference in San Diego. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger welcomed us to California with these words, “I share your goal of helping people build happier and healthier lives through fitness. Your efforts encourage and empower others…”

IAFC provides educational and networking opportunities for fitness professionals from around the world.

Unlike Vegas, what happens at IAFC does NOT stay at the Conference and that’s great news for you! AF&H brings back to our area the latest scientific, medical, physiological and fitness concepts & techniques being used throughout the World! Topics such as: Boosting bone density through water exercise; Exercising in the “right” metabolic zone for optimal fat burring; Research on the mind-body connection; Chronic pain relief in Fibromyalgia & Arthritis; and Maximizing caloric burn.

IAFC is a place to meet representatives from companies such as Speedo, use “prototypes” of future equipment, and try new fitness attire. We participate in master classes, panel discussions, workshops, a few special events and awesome parties!

The Aquadivas were part of the “crew” for this amazing fitness event, which afforded them the privilege of being good will ambassadors, to share the truly unique hospitality of Americans with their colleagues from all over the World. Many new friendships were made and many from the past rekindled.

The Aquadivas are being “spotlighted” in the International Aquatic Fitness Magazine as World Class contributors to the Aquatic Field.

So…. What’s An Aquadiva? Well, a picture speaks a thousand words!

What will YOU be doing in the pool this summer? Get Smart, Get In the Water!! www.aquadivas.com, 215-536-1906

"Aquatic Fitness & Health 2 for 1 Summer Special!" - July 2005

Summertime is a time to RELAX, “REGROUP” and HAVE FUN!

Aquatic Fitness & Health has the answer to help you really enjoy the rest of your summer and achieve these goals.

You and a friend can join us for the rest of the Summer Session now in progress with a terrific get-acquainted, “2 for the price of 1” deal!

We have day and evening classes running all summer for basic water exercise, cardio, strength training and deep-water fun. Specialty classes include Aqua-mommas, for pre and post partum exercise, Arthritis and Backhab programs. You can try the hi-tech Hydrobike Spinning Class, which is well suited for all levels of fitness.

For the very adventurous: Summer Boot Camp! We’d love to see you sweat! You can even try semi-private personal training sessions. If you have a group that would like something special the AquaDivas will customize a program for you.

Water is the perfect place to RELAX the mind and body. Starting an exercise program with Aquatic Fitness & Health is an excellent way for you to “REGROUP” and get back on a healthy track.

The AquaDivas are all about having FUN and that is something you will want to experience for yourself. What have YOU got to lose?

Do something good for yourself and a friend.

Get smart! Get Fit! Get in the Water!

“'Fall' in the Water with AF&H" - August 2005

"Fall” in the water with Aquatic Fitness and Health promises to be a very exciting time. Our Fall Aquatic Fitness Schedule will include new classes and locations. Classes will now be held at the new Pennridge High School Pool (opening soon) as well as the Upper Bucks YMCA. Look for the specials!

Aquatic Fitness & Health will offer fun, safe, day and evening general water fitness classes and specialty programs including:

Water exercise is the fastest growing exercise modality today. With 12-20 times the resistance of land, water is the superior natural environment in which to achieve your goals. AF&H are certified water professionals who can help you improve the quality of your life and achieve your goals. Water exercise works wonders for:

Post re-hab patient to conditioned athlete: Water is the place for you!

Are you ready to look and feel better? Ever try water pole dancing? Get Fit! Have Fun! “Fall” into the water with AF&H! Contact AF&H at 215-536-1906 or www.aquadivas.com

"'Fall' In the Water with Aquatic Fitness & Health" - September 2005

Do you want to get the most out of your exercise $$? Do you want to have fun while improving you level of fitness? Do you want to exercise in an environment that promises a knockout workout, yet is gentle to your body? Are you tied of sweating?

If you answered ‘Yes” to any of the above, then you need to “Fall” in the water with AF&H.

For this session you are invited to bring a friend for a half-price class (of equal or lesser value) when you pay for your class.

2005 Fall Classes

Starting? September 6 thru October 28, 2005

Where? Upper Bucks YMCA & Pennridge High School Pools

(Facility membership not required to participate in AF&H Classes)

What? Shallow & Deep Water Exercise Classes including Aquaticise, AquaFit, Arthritis – Deep & Shallow, Circuit/Strength Training, In To Deep, Aqua Mommas, Hydroriders, Step, Boot Camp, 10-20-30-Done!, Personal Training both private and group and “Specially Designed Classes” for private and group

When? Monday thru Friday am & pm and Sunday am – Upper Bucks YMCA

Monday & Wednesday pm - Pennridge School District Pool

Facts: AF&H are certified Aquatic Specialists. We emphasize Safety, Fun and Fitness!

You will have FUN!

You do not have to be a swimmer for most classes!

It will change your life!

Need More Information? Contact AF&H for detailed information and to register! Or check www.AquaDivas.com

Who/ How?

Peg Harr - peggyharr@aol.com -215-536-2711

Linda Scott - lscott255@yahoo.com - 215-536-1906

Get Smart! Get Fit! Get in the Water!

"Fight Osteoporosis with Water Exercise!" - October 2005

Osteoporosis means "porous bones” Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.5 million bone fractures (generally of the hip, spine or wrist) in the US each year. In fact a woman is more likely to get a hip fracture in her lifetime than breast cancer. It affects men, women and even children. It is usually painless and undetected until a bone breaks. Therefore, prevention of bone loss and fractures is the best treatment.

Recent research indicates that Water Exercise should be added to the prevention or treatment list. Water’s resistance can provide adequate bone loading activity. Just as a muscle gets stronger the more you use it, bone becomes stronger and denser when you place demands on it. Vertical water exercise is particularly good for this. Water's natural resistance challenges your muscles and strengthens your bones, while improving balance, without the risk of falling.

Water exercise helps to improve posture, which in turn helps to distribute stress evenly along the spine, and provide all of the benefits of aerobic activity.

The best time to build bone is in your younger years BUT It's never too late to start to fight Osteoporosis

Let AF&H, certified water professionals, help you realize your goal to stay “strong”. Fall classes are now forming at the Upper Bucks YMCA and at the Pennridge School District Pool.

Get Smart! Get Fit! Get in the Water!

Contact AF&H – Linda Scott 215-536-1906 or Peggy Harr 215-536-2711 or check www.AquaDivas.com

"HYDRORIDERS OFFER A COMPLETE FITNESS PACKAGE!!" - November 2005

AF&H HYDRORIDING Program offers the COMPLETE Fitness Package and then some! The definition of physical fitness might vary by individual, but most experts agree that there are five basic components of physical fitness Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Flexibility, and Body Composition which involve your heart, lungs, endurance, strength, agility or flexibility and fat to muscle ratio. These five components have to be included each and every time you exercise. Your fitness regimen must enable you to improve or increase in each of these areas.

So, what is a Hydrorider?

Hydroriders are stationary exercise bikes built of marine stainless steel designed to be ridden while immersed chest deep in water.

Why cycle in the water?

Swimming, walking or running do not address all the components of “Fitness”. AF&H’s HYDRORIDING PROGRAM DOES!

AF&H’s Hydrorider Program is taught by certified Hydrorider professionals who can skillfully teach you how to take advantage of water’s buoyancy, drag, and resistance to improve or increase cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle endurance and strength. AF&H has techniques to improve your, flexibility, balance and coordination. Our Hydroriding Program is excellent for all levels of fitness and body compositions.

BONUS: Less pressure on joints, great toning results, constant water massage, increased circulation, reduced edema, swelling and discomfort. And it’s tons of FUN and FEELS GREAT!

Come try the Hydrorider Complete Fitness Package. Classes at UBYMCA Tuesdays 7:30pm & 8:15pm. Classes added when the Pennridge Pool opens.

GET SMART! Get in the WATER! With Aquatic Fitness & Health call Linda at 215-536-1906 or Peg 215-536-2711 or visit our website at www.Aquadivas.com.

"Get a FITNESS “FIX” in 2006 with Aquatic Fitness & Health" - December 2006

If you didn’t manage to “Come Alive in 05,” get a FITNESS “FIX” in 2006 with Aquatic Fitness & Health!. The AquaDivas have prepared a little quiz to give you some in“cent”ive toward that ’06 fix. Return to AF&H by Dec.30, 2005.

So, wake up the hamster and get to work!

Five Correct answers get you 50% off the cost of a winter session class.

What are the AquaDivas names?
What is their mascot?
What is the AquaDiva’s color?
What are the four words they use all the time?
What are the three major components of “the core”? Hint “BAG”

Correct bonus question and your session is free!

6. What is the name of the AquaDiva’s “pool boy”?

AquaDiva Wishes YOU

Turn on the “switch” to your personal Power
Achieve Balance in an “unstable” environment
Build Strength to handle what life brings you
Learn Coordination and reduce stress
Increase your Flexibility
Remember to have Fun
Let your SPIRIT Soar

Fitness is Coming are You Prepared?

AF&H can help you with your gift giving this year. Give us a jingle. Aquatic Fitness & Health is looking forward to the Fitness “Fix” in 2006! Exercise your hearts, go the extra mile to help someone in need. Remember our Troops! And God Bless the USA!

Get Smart, Get Fit, Get in The Water! Contact AF&H at www.aquadivas.com or 215-536-1906