[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – As the weather heats up, many people find it difficult to motivate themselves to work out. The humidity and sunshine make exercise outdoors a sweaty affair, and it’s just too hot in that stuffy gym. This summer, Charleston County Parks offers a great alternative to make fitness more fun – working out in the cool water, on James Island and in Mount Pleasant!
Fitness programs introduced last year at select waterparks are returning for summer 2015. All classes take place after waterpark hours, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., after regular daytime guests have left for the day. Programs are held directly in the parks’ leisure pools, and offer a low-impact, low-sweat option for summertime workouts.
From June 1 – Aug. 12, H2O Moves is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at Splash Zone Waterpark. This total body aerobics class will focus on form, flexibility, strength and balance. It is recommended for beginners to intermediate fitness levels, and is also a nice fit for people managing pain or weight-related conditions. Splash Zone Waterpark is located within James Island County Park.
From June 2 – Aug. 13, Splash Island Waterpark will host HIIT the Water. HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training, so this program is recommended for intermediate fitness levels and above. An ideal cross training option, participants will perform a variety of high-intensity movements in the water like running, jumping jacks, and lunges. Splash Island Waterpark is located within Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant.
Participants can register for several program sessions that run from four to seven week-long sessions. Program fees vary, but average about $6-$8 per class. Program fees will cover all regular park admission prices. All H2O Moves and HIIT the Water programs are open to ages 16 and up.
In addition to being a great alternative for summer workouts, exercising in the water is also a fantastic, low-impact way to get fit using different muscle groups than those generally used.
“Open space and landscapes throughout our park system present unlimited options for physical activity and exercise. The waterparks are no exception – the perfect venue for water aerobics,” said CCPRC’s Fitness and Wellness Program Manager Allison Foster. “Whether you choose the more traditional H20 Moves or the more intense HIIT the Water classes, they both offer a cool alternative for burning calories and building strength, flexibility and balance without the pounding and stress of land-based classes.”
To sign up or for more information, visit the link below, call 843-795-4386, or download CCPRC’s mobile app.
