Should I Sign my child up for Fall Swim Lessons?

 

Summer is coming to a close and the kids are going back to school.  With this busy time of year, some families decide they are not going to continue in swim lesson for the Fall Session.  Here at Five Star Aquatics we believe you can have results or excuses, not both.  Read on to learn why these common excuses for not swimming in the Fall are not going to benefit your child.

1.       My child wants to enroll in Fall sports. 

We think it is great when children have interest in a variety of sports.  Team sports have many benefits for children because of the social aspects.  Also, according to the CDC, all children need to have an hour or more of physical activity every day.  But, just because your child is on a team sport, does not mean they don’t have time for swimming.  We offer many different class times, including evenings and weekends.

Taking a break from swimming may cause your child to forget what they have been learning up until this point.  When you decide to re-enroll you may find your child has to re-learn many of the skills. Think of it this way, is soccer going to save your child’s life?  Swimming is not just a sport, it is a life saving skill that every person needs to know.

2.       My child needs to focus on academics.

Yes, we believe that academics are very important and we understand that as children get older the amount of school work and assignments can be daunting.  At the same time, all students can make time for a study break.  Taking a break from the books for a swim lesson will actually help the student in their academics.  Studies have shown that physical activity improves student’s test scores and academic performance.   (Read more about the study here: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/physical-activity-linked-academic-performance/story?id=15273908)

3.       The weather is getting colder.

Even though the temperatures outside are starting to cool down, that is no reason to stop swimming.  Here at Five Star Aquatics the water is kept at a comfortable 90 degrees year round.   There is actually no difference in swimming during the summer or fall/winter. You just have to make sure to change your child into dry clothes before going home.  We also offer hair dryers in the locker rooms if you want to dry your child’s hair before going outside.  Studies have found that there is absolutely no correlation between being wet and getting sick.  Swimming is actually good for the immune system and will help your child fight off colds during the fall and winter.

So, now we ask....why haven't you signed up for Fall Swim Lesson yet?  Call Five Star Swim School to enroll your child today!

6 Reasons to become a member at Five Star Aquatics

1.       Improve your swimming at Open Swim

Members enjoy unlimited access to open swim!  Whether you are learning to swim or you are an experienced lap swimmer, open swim is a great time to practice your swimming technique.  We offer open swim Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1-2pm and 8-9pm.  If you join the membership you would be able to use the pool any and all of these times.

2.       Flexible Membership Options

We currently offer 4 different membership options to give members a choice.   Do you have commitment issues?  Select a commitment as little as ONE month!  Planning to stay with us for awhile? Pay up front for one year to lock in the lowest rate of only $25 per month.

3.       Get fit in our Aqua Classes

Members gain access to all Aquacise and Aqua Zumba classes.  Aquacise is a low impact work out that can suit any fitness level.  You will learn how to use the water resistance to build strength and overall muscle tone.  Aqua Zumba is a party in the pool!  Dance your way to fitness with upbeat music and movements designed to be done in the water.

4.       Bring a friend free on Saturday and Sunday

The weekends are family time here at Five Star Aquatics!  We have Family Swim on both Saturday and Sunday.  During this time members are allowed to bring one person to swim for free.   Swimming is a great way to bond with family and friends.

5.       No hidden fees

Our membership is unique in the fact that there are no hidden fees at all!  Unlike other facilities, we do not have joining fees, cancellation fees, or equipment charges.  Here at Five Star, the monthly charge is all you pay. 

6.       Easy Auto Renewal

Upon joining, you will put a credit or debit card on file.  There is no need to renew your membership.  After the base commitment you initially sign up for, your membership will continue on from month to month.  If you need to cancel, simply fill out a cancellation form in the office and auto payments will stop in 30 days.

We are happy to answer any other questions you may have about our membership.  Still not sure if you should join?  Use the coupon below to sign up and get one month free!

Swimming builds CONFIDENT kids!

Swimming has so many health benefits for children, including increased body awareness, coordination, and muscle tone.   Did you know that swimming also increases a child’s confidence?  Confidence is something that every parent wants for their child.  By learning how to swim, children gain a confidence that is carried over into every other aspect of their life.

Enrolling your child in swim lessons from a young age will make them more likely to feel comfortable in water and less likely to grow up with a water phobia or fear.  (More tips about overcoming fear later)  When a child has a healthy comfort level in the pool, he or she will be able to pick up swimming skills with ease.  Being able to put the face in the water is one of the big first steps for little ones.  Little by little, the child will build upon this basic skill until he or she is able to swim independently across the pool.  

At Five Star Swim School, we begin parent and child swim lessons at 6 months old.  It is important for your child’s first experience in the pool to be accompanied by a trusted adult.  This helps the child feel safe and calm. Many children cry their first time in the pool. Being with a loving, supportive adult will help them to adjust to the new environment.  Once your child reaches the age of 2.5 years old, you can enroll them in a class without a parent.  In the group classes, your child will learn skills alongside other children of similar age and level. (We always have a 3:1 ratio)  The small group environment is ideal because the instructor can provide individualized attention while the child is also learning from peers.  

Dealing with a fearful child can be frustrating for parents.  Learn how to deal with their fear in a positive way.  Help your child ease into the new environment at their own pace.  Bringing the child to Open Swim is a great way to introduce them to the pool before starting swim lessons.  Open swim is when the pool is open to the general public at the cost of $5 per person.  Avoiding the pool will reinforce the fear in your child and will send them the message that it is too scary to swim.   

Remember that a water phobia is learned, no one is born with the fear of water.  By starting young and learning the safety skills, your child will never have to experience the negative feelings of water fear.  There are many adults who do not know how to swim and end up passing down their fear of water to their children.   Here at Five Star Aquatics, we have adult swim lessons also!  We have worked with many adults who are learning the very basics of swimming and we can help you overcome the phobia that you may have.  That being said, swimming not only build confident children..it can also help adults achieve confidence in themselves.  After all, wouldn't you feel accomplished if you learned something new and overcame your fear?

Welcome Back Swimmers!

Welcome back after one week of our pool being closed.  We are excited to start our Spring Session with all of you.  The pool has a nice new coat of paint and you may notice it is darker.  Don't worry, everything else is the same!  The depth is the same, the water is still warm, and most importantly we are still a salt water pool!  Remember to sign up for Spring lessons if you haven't done so already or join us for Open Swim!

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?