AquaStretch & Therapy (the gentle way to fitness)

Our Aquastretch classes offer water therapy to anybody who is living with or recuperating from serious illness. Sometimes people get referred to us by their G.P. or by their local hospital, but this is not a requirement for the class. It is particularly suitable for cardiac recovery, stroke recovery, hip/knee replacement, most kinds of arthritis, most tendon, muscle or ligament injuries and high blood pressure, among many other benefits!

There are several reasons why water therapy can be so helpful;

• The water in the pool is warm (at least 30˚ C) and chlorine-free. You do not need to be able to swim (we can teach you if you would like to learn).

  1. The water provides multi-directional resistance which allows all your muscles to work in harmony, improving the condition and function of your whole body, not just 1 or 2 muscle groups.

  2. The supporting effect of the water helps your veins return blood to your heart, (just like support stockings) which improves your circulation.

  3. Water creates a shock-absorbing, cross-training environment that helps prevent strains and injuries, especially in problem areas like the back or knees.

  4. The soothing qualities of water help to rehabilitate injuries, give you a feeling of well-being and relief from stress and anxiety.

Cost

The cost of these classes is €11 per session, or €65 for a book of 7 tokens which can be used to pay for any Aquastretch or Aquafit session

Time; Wednesdays and Fridays at 2:30pm. We are generally closed for Aquastretch during school holiday periods, so please check in advance.

Please ring us in advance (086 8109071) or email us (info@thewaterschool.ie) to book a place in Aquafit or Aquastretch.

Wednesdays and Fridays; 2:30pm- 3:15pm. Sessions MUST be pre-booked because of the limited number of people allowed in the pool at any one time.
Please contact Jackie or Clive on 086 8109071 or email info@thewaterschool.ie to book a session or for more details about water therapy sessions at The Water School.

What happens to the human body when immersed in water?

*Cardiac volume increases up to 30%.

*Heart rate slows, blood pressure, circulation, and ventricular function improve.

*Hydrostatic pressure on the chest wall exercises the lungs more.

*The faster you try to move through the water the more resistance you will experience, so YOU can easily control how hard you work.

*Water is very efficient at transferring heat, so cold water will you chill you very fast, but 30°C will keep you comfortable and stop you overheating.

*Immersion up to the base of the ribs takes about 60% of the load off your joints making movement easier.

*Balance and coordination are improved making water exercise very safe.

Water level and heart rate

Many cardiac patients struggle with blood pressure and heart rate issues. The deeper you stand in the water, the more your heart rate decreases. Also the water pressure is helping the blood move back to your heart through the venous system (like support stockings). This applies even when you are completely stationary. Being submerged to your chest in water will lower your heart rate by about 14 beats per minute, allowing you to exercise a bit harder without getting your heart rate up to dangerous levels.