What do you do that contributes most significantly to your overall wellness? 

My participation in aquacise contributes significantly to my overall wellness. I was in so much pain from severe arthritis in my knees that it affected all aspects of my life. I was riding an exercise bike to get exercise, but it was boring and I didn't feel I was benefitting enough.

I had heard about aquacise, so in December 2018, I decided to try it for one month. I tried shallow water for the month and I really enjoyed it. The staff and other participants were so kind and friendly and accepting. I have had a yearly pass since then.

But I noticed that my knees were sore after doing any bouncing on the bottom, so I decided to try deep water exercise. I am not able to swim, even after taking "Scared Stiff" lessons, but I knew that I would be wearing a flotation device, so I decided to try it.

My friend helped me put on a flotation device and I was so scared that I just clung to the edge of the pool. One lady told me later that when she saw me that day, she said to herself, "that lady won't be back."

But two other participants gradually coaxed me to try different things and I became more relaxed in the water. Carlos suggested that I wear two flotation devices instead of one flotation device and a noodle. About one month later, Jason said "You don't need two devices anymore; you'll have better control with just one. A few days later, I switched to one flotation device. Carlos and I later joked that the edge of the pool still has the indentations from my fingers holding on so hard.

One day, I came to an afternoon class and I was the only person to attend, so Victoria gave me a lesson on basic movement in the water. That really gave me new confidence.

How has MacEwan helped you along the way?

MacEwan University Sport and Wellness helped me along the way because of the kindness and genuine interest and caring attitude of the staff and other participants. If it weren't for the staff, I probably would not have persisted through my fear. The instructors have such a superb way of demonstrating the exercises; I think that they work harder than we do.

What’s been your greatest challenge with it along the way?

My greatest challenge was my fear of the water. The instructors were wonderful about being matter-of-fact about my progress and giving a nod to my efforts.

If it weren't for the staff and other participants, I would never have progressed so far.

What‘s your favourite memory of this journey?

My favourite memory of this journey was the day that I forgot to put on my flotation device and went down the steps and pushed away from them only to realize that something was different. I FORGOT TO DON MY FLOTATION DEVICE! Down I went. As I came up, I saw that I was too far from the edge to grab on. So down I went again. I guess I instinctively moved my feet as Victoria had taught me and this time, when I came up, I was close enough to the edge to grab on.

I climbed out of the pool and those around me could see what had happened. I walked over to the flotation device stand, adorned my device, and went into the water as the class started. I had forgotten my device several times before, but someone or I noticed and caught myself in time. I had imagined how terrifying the experience would be and I was afraid, but not terrified and I managed to save myself. I am now mindful of donning my device before going into the pool, but this experience gave me confidence.

My second is when the nurse in the doctor's office asked, "Do you work out?" I said, "Why do you ask?" She said, "Because your arms are so toned."

I told her, "Yes, I do aquacise five days a week." She said, "Well, it really shows."

My significant gains are better flexion and extension in my knees, less pain—I can dance again—and a greater sense of well-being.

What wisdom would you like to share with someone thinking about doing it?

I would encourage someone to just try it! There are so many benefits—physical, social and mental. And you will probably love it.

If I can work up the nerve to put my head underwater, I just might take swimming lessons at nearly 82.