Unique class provides alternative summer exercise

Photo By Cpl. Justin Wheeler | Demarius E. Henderson uses water weights, which amplify the natural resistance of the water to strengthen specific muscles during the Water Warrior class at the Camp Foster 25-meter pool July 6. The class, hosted by Marine Corps Community Services, is a combination of water fitness and standard body exercises, ranging from cross-training workouts to swimming laps in the pool.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.15.2011

Story by Cpl. Justin Wheeler 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - For centuries, Marines have stormed beaches around the globe, demonstrating prowess on land and sea. Marine Corps Community Services on Okinawa reflects the Corps’ history and uses the pool to physically train amphibious warriors.

The Water Warrior class is a combination of water fitness and standard exercises ranging from cross-training workouts to swimming laps in the pool. The class allows participants to train despite the heat of the summer in Okinawa, said Scott J. Banks, a water warrior instructor with Marine Corps Community Services.

“[The goal is] to combine water fitness with the warrior training we do at MCCS,” said Banks. “We wanted to make it as [demanding] as possible.”

Working out in the water is easy on the joints, especially for people who have strains or injuries.

“Anyone can participate in water fitness classes,” said Kimberly J. Beard, the health promotion program manager at MCCS Okinawa. “Fitness experts highly recommend aquatics for all populations. The water provides an ideal training medium for healthy fitness enthusiasts, competitive athletes, older adults, sedentary individuals and prenatal women.”

Additionally, specific positioning in the water makes buoyancy create more of an impact during strength building.

“Working out in the water is a little less intense because you do not have the hard impact like when running,” said Banks.

During the class, students use different instruments like water weights that amplify the natural resistance of the water and flotation devices used to strengthen balance and specific muscles.

“I like the class because it mixes different exercises and uses a lot of muscle confusion so you don’t get into the same routine over and over each day,” said Victoria R. Ortiz, a participant.

Ortiz enjoys the variety of physical training offered in the class because it is challanging and it exploits weak points in people’s ability.

“It really plays different people’s strengths and weaknesses. They may be a strong swimmer but can’t do TRX [suspension training],” said Ortiz.

Beginners are recommended to participate three times a week, while those who use the pool as their primary means of physical training should do water warrior at least five times a week.

All the students leave the class satisfied and some consistently participate weekly, said Banks.

“Everyone who has come to this class says they love it,” said Banks.

For more information about the Water Warrior classes contact MCCS Okinawa’s aquatic center at 645-3180.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2011
• Date Posted: 07.14.2011 22:44
• Story ID: 73761
• Location: OKINAWA, JP