Give Thanks by Giving Back

We hope you will all join us as we give thanks by giving back.  We are collecting donations to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Please bring in new or gently used books and clothing.  Donation bins are located in the office.  These items will be donated to local charities.

Aqua Fitness: 5 Tips for Beginners

Have you been itching to try an aqua fitness class, but are not sure how or where to get started?  Aqua fitness is a highly doctor recommended exercise practice because of the low impact aspect of working out in the pool.  It may seem intimidating to get into, especially for people who don’t know how to swim.  Five Star Swim School in Edison offers aqua fitness four times per week in their heated, indoor swimming pool.  The pool is only 4 feet deep, so adults are able to stand throughout and do not need to know how to swim.  Exercising in the water is a fun and unique way to stay in shape all year long.  No need to worry that the weather is cooling down; the pool is always heated so it is warm and inviting throughout the colder months.  Sounds good, but what tips do you need to know to get started?  Read on to learn the top 5 tips for beginners.

1. Take it at your own pace.

There is no need to do each movement perfectly during the classes or try something that you are not comfortable with.  Each participant should take it at their own pace and do the movements to the best of their ability.  If you are not able to do a certain exercise, don’t panic.  Everyone was a beginner at one time or another.  Keep coming to classes and trying your best, and before you know it, you will see improvements! 

2. Enjoy the therapeutic nature of the water.

The first time you ease into the warm, salt water your body will thank you.  Since water makes your body buoyant, your muscles and joints will feel relaxed and comforted.  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 for any of these cases and more.  Any person, regardless of age, can appreciate the stress relief of a warm soak.

3. What you will need.

Of course you will need a bathing suit; any type will do just fine.  You will also need a towel for when you get out of the water.  Other things that some people like to use, but are not required, are water shoes (for better traction) and a swim cap (to keep hair dry and out of your face).  You may also like to bring flip flops to wear in the shower after the pool.  Daily lockers are provided, but you will have to bring your own lock or purchase one in the office.

4. Be open to meeting new people.

Five Star Swim School is a friendly and welcoming environment.  Step into the doors and feel greeted by the staff.  The instructors are happy to have a new face in class and will make you feel comfortable.  The clientele are quick to make friendly conversation with new comers and even form a bond where they socialize when they are not in class.  It is a great community to get involved in.

5.  Keep hydrated.

Make sure you get your recommended 8 glasses of water each day.  When you work out you should bring along a water bottle and stay hydrated. 

For more information and to obtain a current class schedule, call Five Star Swim School at 732-902-2267 or visit our website at www.fivestarswimschool.com.

Five Star Swim School Pumpkin Plunge!

This is the first event in our new series of FREE events we will be hosting for students who are currently enrolled in our swim lessons! 

Event Details:  Join us on Friday, October 30th for the Pumpkin Plunge at Five Star Swim School in Edison!!!  Event begins at 6pm.  Students will be divided into age groups based on our swim lesson groups.  You must register in the office to attend. 
Students will have a fun half hour open swim with pool lights and glow sticks!  At the end each child can pick a pumpkin.  We will have supplies on hand to decorate the pumpkins!  There will be snacks and drinks provided.  See your favorite swim instructors in their costumes!  Students may change into their costume after swimming, but is not required.  There will also be music and dancing in our lobby area.  We hope to see you there!

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?