Water aerobics buoys the spirit, comforts the body for women in Canfield

By Linda m. Linonis

CANFIELD — Exercising in water buoys the spirit and boosts flexibility. Just ask the women who participate in the water aerobics sessions in the Ursuline Center pool.

A recent visit to the classes found 14 women in what’s called “the morning stretch session” at 8:30 a.m. followed by about 20 women in water aerobics. Kristin Miller, instructor, led the women through exercise routines in the shallow end.

The pool room, where the water and air temperatures are a balmy 88 degrees, has been a stark contrast to the snow-covered grounds at the center and the frigid conditions the Mahoning Valley has endured. Though weather conditions have been a deterrent at times, the women are mostly faithful in attendance as they turn out for the morning sessions.

Why? The consensus is that the sessions are invigorating and a wonderful start to the day.

“Many of the women have arthritis,” Miller said. “The water offers more resistance but it isn’t as hard on the joints as exercise on land.”

She also noted some participants have had knee and hip replacements and the exercise in water is beneficial to them.

“It energizes me,” said Vera Gabrick of Youngstown, who has participated nearly five years and has a hip replacement.