Top 4 Reasons to try Aqua Fitness

  

1. You don’t need to know how to swim!

Despite what you may think, you do not need to know how to swim in order to participate in aqua fitness classes.  Our pool is 4 feet deep, making it perfect to exercise in while standing.  Swimming has many health benefits since it is a full body exercise, but if you have never learned it can be intimidating.  However, exercising, dancing, or walking in the pool are things that anyone can do, it does not take any practice or skills to begin!  Of course, if you do want to learn how to swim, we offer that too! ; )

2. It is low impact!

Exercising in the pool is great for your joints because it is a low impact work out!  If you are overweight, suffering from arthritis, or recovering from an injury your doctor has probably recommended that you begin a low impact exercise routine.  The pool is the best option because the water provides a unique environment.  The buoyancy of the water reduces stress on your joints; while the water resistance helps build muscle…see number 3.

3. Water resistance helps build muscle!

On land, we use weights to increase muscle mass, but did you know the resistance of the water can help you do that simply with every move you make.  Working out in water adds 12-14% more resistance than on land.  We also have water weights which we use in our aqua fitness classes.  These foam weights don’t feel like much, but used in the right way, give you an excellent strength training work out.   As you age, you tend to lose muscle mass.  Don’t let that be the case by keeping up with regular exercise in aqua fitness classes.

4. Working out reduces depression and stress!

When you exercise, your body produces endorphins.  Endorphins trigger a reaction of feeling positive and happy.  Along with the endorphins you will be releasing, you will also feel accomplished for trying something new and by coming to classes you will meet new people.  Exercise is proven to reduce stress, boost self esteem, and improve sleep.  Why not come try an Aquacise or Aqua Zumba class at Five Star Aquatics?

5 Dangerous Myths about Swimming

According to cdc.gov drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old.  So many parents are misinformed about what is safe when it comes to swimming.  Read on to learn about some myths that many parents need to know the truth about!

 

1.       MYTH: Doggie paddling is effective swimming.

FACT: Doggie paddling is NOT effective swimming!  That is why, even from the youngest age groups here at Five Star Aquatics, we teach students to do big scooping arm.  If you have a child that does the doggie paddle, they are not safe to swim alone or unsupervised because this type of swimming takes a lot of energy to stay afloat.  In many cases a child who is doggie paddling will become tired and panicked, causing them to submerge in the water and possibly drown.

2.       MYTH: My child can swim wearing floaties or using a tube.

FACT: A child who relies on a flotation device does NOT know how to swim and should NOT be left unattended.   Again, even our youngest age groups at Five Star Aquatics are taught without flotation devices.  We believe that flotation devices during swim lessons prevent students from learning the correct way to swim.  The child who relies on their floaties may either become extremely dependent on them or have a false sense of security in the water, thus causing them to be very unsafe swimmers.  Tubes are considered toys and not  lifesaving devices.  These and other toys such as rafts or noodles should be used only under the supervision of adults.

3.       MYTH: It’s better to wait until a child is older to enroll in swim lessons.

FACT: The best time to start a child in swim lessons is when they are a baby.  The earlier children get acclimated to the water, the easier it will be for them to learn how to swim.  We begin lessons at only 6 months old at Five Star Aquatics.  The longer you wait to introduce your child to the pool, the more the fear takes over and children can build a phobia about swimming.  Some parents believe that babies don’t learn much during their swim lessons, but there are many skills that begin at this young age.  In our Parent & Child and Sea Horse classes, babies learn basic arm movements, kicking, floating, blowing bubbles, and jumping into the water.  

4.       MYTH: Summer is the best time to learn to swim.

FACT:  If you waited until summer to enroll in swim lessons, you waited too long.  Summer is the most common time that swimming takes place at the beach, lake, water park or pool.  You should prepare your child before this time of year comes to ensure their safety.  The most effective swimmers take lessons throughout the fall, winter, and spring to stay on top of their skills.  At Five Star Aquatics we offer swim lessons all year round in a warm, 90 degree, salt water swimming pool.

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5.       MYTH: My child doesn’t need to learn how to swim because we don’t have a pool.

FACT: Swimming is an important life skill that everyone should learn, whether you have a pool at home or not.   No matter how much you try to avoid it, there will always be a situation that may arise when swimming would be necessary.  After all, the Earth is 71% covered by water.  If you think you or your child can play it safe by staying in the shallow end of the pool or only putting your feet in, think again.  The American Red Cross states that drowning can and has occurred in less than one inch of water.  Bathtubs, toilets, puddles, and buckets even pose a threat to small children. 

Are you, or someone you know, guilty of believing any of these myths?  Send this to a friend to remind them about water safety.  Teach your children how to swim properly and always supervise them while around water.

What other parents are saying about Five Star Aquatics...

We know that parents take the trusted advice of friends and family members when it comes to the important things in life.  Quality swim instruction is one of those things that you want to hear other people's opinion about.  Don't just take it from us, read some real customer testimonials written by parents of current students in our Edison location!

"I'm very happy with their facilities and the classes.  My daughter is very happy with the instructors and looks forward for her class every week.  Place is very clean and well maintained.  Ratio of the kids and instructors is excellent without any overcrowding."                    -Neetha S., Edison, NJ   "This place is excellent. The instructors are very patient with kids. They give clear instructions and are very encouraging. I can see the kids learning at a much faster pace. They are very diligent and accommodative about make-up classes too. I would definitely recommend this place any day." - Sudha V., Edison, NJ "The staff here are really friendly, courteous, and accommodative.  The coach is really awesome.  My daughter really loves the class and she is telling her little brother to join because she likes her coach.  She wants to do her birthday here as she loves the place.  The bottom line is Five Star Aquatics is awesome and rocks." -Ramya G., Edison, NJ "We were very pleased with everything.  The staff members were so good with making sure everybody participated in the pool. The kids loved to swim and had a blast with the party. The birthday girl was so happy and we just wanted to say thanks to Five Star Aquatics & Fitness for doing such a wonderful job with everything." - Sandra, F., Edison, NJ "Dear Five Star Aquatics: I wanted to tell you how much we are enjoying the swim lessons at your Edison location.  It’s a class that my daughter enjoys every single week!  The teacher/student ratio gives the feel of having a private lesson.  The professionalism of the teachers and staff is something you don’t find in other schools.  And what a workout… because the teacher/student ratio is so good, there is no time wasted and the students are constantly in the water swimming and practicing their skills." - Paula F., Edison, NJ
Just a reminder: every time you refer a friend that signs up for swim lessons with us, we credit your account with a FREE swim lesson!  We know plenty of kids that would love that extra pool time!

8 Things Parents want to know about Parent & Child Swim Class

At Five Star Aquatics, we have two groups for children to swim with a parent.  "Parent & Child" is a class for infants 6 months old to 18 months old.  "Sea Horse" is for children 18 months old up to approximately 2.5 years old.  Although both classes are very much the same, by dividing the age groups in two we can focus more on the needs of each age group.  Parent & Child focuses more on getting baby acclimated to the water and developmental skills for the under 18 months age group.  Sea Horse focuses more on preparing the child to be independent in the water as they will soon be ready to begin lessons without a parent.  Read on for 8 common questions parents may have before beginning swim lessons.

 

1.  At what age should I enroll my child in swim lessons?

We begin lessons at 6 months old in accordance with the American Red Cross.  The earlier children are introduced to water, the easier it will be for them to learn how to swim as they grow.
 

2. Is the temperature of the water safe for babies?

The ideal temperature for infant swimming is between 85-92 degrees.  We keep our pool at 90 degrees to ensure comfortable water for babies and parents.

3. Do I have to go in the pool with my child?

Yes, a parent or other responsible adult will be in the water for all Parent & Child and Sea Horse classes.  In addition to being an introduction to the water, this class is designed to be a bonding experience.  Please note that no more than one adult may go in the water per child.  If both parents, or other family members, would like to participate we recommend alternating who will attend the class with the child each week.  Other adults are permitted to watch the class from the pool deck.
 

4. Should I feed my child before the lesson?

Please do not feed your child less than 1 hour before swimming to allow time to digest.  Children will likely be hungry after their lesson; it is smart to be prepared with a snack and drink.  Please no food on the pool deck.
 

5. What is your swim diaper policy?

All children who are not potty trained must wear a reusable swim diaper.  In addition, the child should wear a bathing suit over the swim diaper.  No disposable diapers allowed in the pool.

6. What if my child cries?

Every child is different, some will cry when they enter the pool and some will not.  If your child cries, it is important to stay calm, acknowledge their fear, and reassure your child that they are safe.  Usually after the first few lessons the child will become comfortable in the environment and begin to enjoy swim lessons.  It is advised to continue bringing your child to swim lessons, even if they cry.  Delaying or discontinuing the lessons will reinforce the child’s fear, making it harder to overcome as the child grows up.

7. Where can I change my child after class?

We have fully equipped lockers rooms with changing stations in both the men’s and women’s.  We also have a private changing room.  There shall be no changing of clothes or diapers on the pool deck out of courtesy for all patrons as well as mandated by the Board of Health.
 

8. What will my child learn?

The focus of both Parent & Child and Sea Horse is getting your baby acclimated to the water.  Children will learn floating, light submersion, basic arm and leg movements, and sitting jumps with the help of their parent and instructor.  Fun songs are incorporated into the lessons.  These classes also encourage parental bonding and social interactions.  

Still have questions about our Parent & Child and Sea Horse Classes?  Feel free to email us at edison@fivestaraquatics.com or call us at 732-902-2267.

Thank you for the donations!

Back in December we asked our Swim School Community to donate to a special student of ours, Olivia.  In September Olivia and her brother Gabriel joined at Five Star Aquatics Edison along with their cousin, Luke (who had been a student since the summer).  They all were having a great time as Guppy 1 students in our Saturday morning class.  A little more than a month later, Olivia was diagnosed with Leukemia.  We were deeply saddened to hear that this sweet little girl was forced to deal with such pain.  We followed her mom's blog www.oliviathefighter.blogspot.com and read all about her ups and downs. 
Come Christmas time, it seemed only right to collect donations for the family to help make her holidays extra special.  Above is the photo from the Saturday before Christmas when Gabriel and Luke took the donated toys home for Olivia.  We want to thank everyone who donated and sent special thoughts to this nice family.