The Student Recreation and Wellness Center will offer SwimFIT classes to students on Feb. 25 and 27 and on March 4 and 6.
The swim classes will have a lesson at the beginning of class followed by a workout related to that lesson.
Wilson said she chose four specific topics for each class: workout basics, a stroke workshop – where participants will do drills to challenge their technique and endurance, streamlining which focuses on breathing and body position and stroke refinement which focuses on correcting a stroke.
Lorraine Wilson, instructor of the SwimFIT class, said offering four hour-long classes is the best option to accommodate attendees’ schedules.
“We want them to meet at least four different times, so we can address at least four different topics to meet their needs,” Wilson said. “If the students bring an individual question or need, we certainly address it.”
The four specific topics chosen for each class include: workout basics, a stroke workshop – where participants will do drills to challenge their technique and endurance, streamlining which focuses on breathing and body position and stroke refinement which focuses on correcting a stroke.
“Swimming exercises the whole body,” Wilson said. “It’s fantastic for cardio, breathing, upper body strength and legs. It’s great for total body strength and flexibility. And breathing is one of the first things we work on because some people think you hold your breath when you’re swimming – you’re not supposed to.”
Wilson said she hopes students leave the SwimFIT class knowing how to improve and create their own swim workouts.
“My job is to give them swim advice and help them with their strokes,” Wilson said. “I also help them understand the components of a workout if they are not familiar. I write workouts with them and help them write their own workouts so they don’t need me when we’re finished.”
Wilson said a unique lesson is prepared for each individual who signs up for the SwimFIT class.
“The whole idea of swimming for fitness is letting it be a mixture of cardio and strength for people who like the pool,” Wilson said. “Believe it or not, I’ve actually had some beginner swimmers, who did not previously know how to swim at all.”
Kyle Pinson, director of facility operations at the SRWC, said there are many opportunities for students to join other swim classes aside from SwimFIT.
“We are expecting this to be a successful class,” Pinson said. “Generally, we have about 10 or 12 people sign up; six of those are consistent, but we’d like to see more.”
Students, faculty and staff interested in signing up for the SwimFIT classes can register at srwc.acu.edu for $25.
