Patriots Colony residents improve their wellness at a twice weekly water aerobics class with JoAnn Daus, a Certified Elite Instructor of the U.S. Water Fitness Association. Nearly a year ago, JoAnn began teaching a popular class on campus called Fit Fins.

A tennis player and coach most of her life, JoAnn sustained some injuries from the sport. It was her devotion to water aerobics that stimulated her recovery. "I would not be where I am today, if I had not gone into the water," she said. Now JoAnn passes her enthusiasm for her new sport along to residents of Patriots Colony.

On Tuesday and Thursday

mornings, participants engage in stretching, water walking, aerobics, and deep water exercises to stay in shape. Calories burned in the water are higher than land exercise, mainly because of the 12% resistance in water. "You don't even realize you work harder," said JoAnn, "because water has such buoyancy," she added.

For those who may be wary of using the full size indoor heated swimming pool because they do not know how to swim, JoAnn has some good news. "No swimming ability is required for this class," she commented. "Water aerobic exercise is much different than swimming. This is far more of a cardiovascular

workout," observed JoAnn. In addition to improving physical fitness and general flexibility, research indicates this type of exercise stimulates blood vessels in the brain, which heightens cognitive ability.

JoAnn takes note of progress in participants as their commitment to the class and their own wellness remains consistent. "When they first begin, they can't do as much," said JoAnn, "but as they continue it's amazing how much more they can do."

JoAnn tailors her Fit Fins class to help strengthen different muscles of the body. "You have to get into the water to discover the wonder of this type of fitness," said JoAnn enthusiastically.