4

"Let's make exercise fun!" This is a common refrain for Ellen Morton, who has been a member of the Health and Wellness Committee at Patriots Colony for two years. "It's good to see people moving and exercising and enjoying
the activity.
People are more
inclined to
exercise if it's
convenient,"
said Ellen.

With a 45' x 20'
foot heated swimming pool inside Cannon Community Center, fun is not far from any resident's door. Some people use the pool early in the morning, and others, like Suzanne and Charles Hill,

prefer to swim in the afternoon. Regular swimmers began to educate one another about the lengths needed to complete one mile of swimming. "Thirty-two lengths is a quarter mile," said Ellen. In September of 1999, Ellen decided

when several strokes are incorporated into the routine.

"I swim 3/4 mile, four times per week," said Ellen, who includes freestyle, backstroke, and breast strokes in her laps.

"With some swimmers, the challenge acted as a stimulus. Frank Sperberg not only gained strength, but momentum in his routine, because as time went on he was able to swim longer." Frank was recently awarded an exclusive dolphin pin by Ellen, for completing 75 miles.

Charles Hill keeps the charts for swimmers on a form he designed on his computer. He is noted under the 50 mile mark, and his wife, Suzanne, just joined him in the ranks of 50+ miles completed. "One of our participants had a serious illness," remarked Ellen. "To return after that and complete the 50 miles was a real accomplishment." In recognition of swimmers' endurance and dedication, Ellen recently installed a plaque near the entrance to the pool identifying people who have logged 25, 50, and 75 miles of swimming.

Ellen plans to purchase another plaque to recognize people who participate in the Fit Fins aerobic exercise class. "This is an intense work out, and people will receive

credit for each 1/2 hour session."

The swim challenge appeals to people who keep a busy schedule, and want to make their own hours to exercise.