Connecting Over Aquatics
YWCA Health + Fitness Centre is a place for connection. Boasting the best pool in downtown Vancouver, the aquatic area is a beautiful environment with natural light and sparkling water from the UV purification. But what makes it extra special is the people you’ll find there—the people who love the water.
The “Aquafit Gang” and the “YWCA Masters Crew” are two communities that have formed over time among pool users. They celebrate birthdays and accomplishments, they compete together, share training plans and recipes, they have found long lasting friendships. They are inclusive and welcoming to new members too.
“When people miss a class, we notice,” and “We check in with each other and hold each other accountable,” are common sentiments of these members.
Aquafit classes have been offered in the pool for decades. Our water fitness instructors Nicole, Dale, Cathy and Jean have volunteered their time motivating groups here at the YWCA for so many years. Aqua classes are a wonderful way to enjoy the water, to socialize and get the many benefits of exercising in water. It’s an inclusive activity that all can participate in.
YWCA swim programs are specialized and designed for different levels of swimmers. Some programs start at the very beginning, for those who have no experience and want to learn basic strokes. Other programs are for experienced swimmers looking for a challenging and competitive environment.
For those not attending a class, individual lane swimming or visits to the steam room and hot tub provide excellent health benefits as well.
While enjoying the facility, swimmers are kept safe by our incredibly talented lifeguard team. Last month, two of our lifeguards competed in the Lifesaving World Championships in Australia and their team won a silver medal for Simulated Emergency Rescue Competition. And, this past summer, our lifeguard Jessi swam across Lake Ontario in 22 hours, seven minutes to raise awareness and funds for swimming programs for children. Learning to swim is an essential life skill.
To join the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre for classes or to work out in the gym, contact memberservices@ywcavan.org or call 604 895 5777.
