www.We l l nes sCenterMagaz i ne. com | 13 which is open to members, students and nonmembers – who pay a daily drop-in rate. She offers swimming lessons to everyone from novices to elite swimmers. “I get the whole gamut, which I really enjoy,” she said. Wilson typically arranges a one-time assessment lesson – $30 for 40 minutes – to determine a person’s needs. That could include a number of things, from a first swim lesson to stroke refinement to competing for a triathlon or training for an open-water swim. If clients wish, the next step entails moving on to a package of lessons, each one specifically designed to help them accomplish their goals. Nicki Carter can attest to the value of this method of learning: “I had never taken formal swim lessons, so entering swimming lessons at 40 years old was initially intimidating for me; however, after just five minutes in the pool with Kathleen, I was already at ease, and, after only four half-hour sessions, I had a completely new stroke and level of comfort in the pool than ever. Kathleen was encouraging, inspiring, motivating and empowering.” Water training provides numerous benefits, according to Wilson: It takes pressure off joints; its two components of buoyancy and resistance make it perfect for strength training; and it can help people recover from injuries. She added that perhaps the biggest benefit is “in water, you can’t fall and get hurt.” Swimming is also fantastic for cross training. People often work their lower body through activities such as running, cycling and Pilates, said Wilson, while swimming provides a great way to strengthen and exercise your upper body, in addition to improving your cardiovascular fitness and conditioning. The Wellness Center also features the Student Swim Club, designed specifically for students who have competed at some point, whether on a recreation team, in high school or in college. The idea is to “swim and have fun in an organized fashion,” remarked Wilson. There is no competition, just a workout that “gets the heart rate up.” Wilson relishes the opportunity to engage with a cohort who understands stroke terminology. “We speak the same language,” she noted. “We speak swimmer.” SWIMMING AS A PART OF OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS The water has remained a powerful draw for Wilson, who still begins every weekday swimming for a couple of hours, beginning at 5:45 a.m. Her impressive routine includes several days a week in the weight room and a focus on shoulder therapy exercises and recovery throughout the week. The Wellness Center pool is not geared solely toward competitive swimming and training for events; it’s about overall health and wellness. “The pool is there – it’s open. We’d love to have members take advantage of all it offers,” Wilson emphasized. Wilson will continue conveying her expertise and enthusiasm to whomever comes in seeking swimming instruction, regardless of skill level. “It’s a tremendous love of the water, and I try to share it with as many people as I possibly can,” stated Wilson. “The value of teaching a person to swim, a life skill, cannot be quantified in dollars and cents.” ◆ Wellness Center Pool: 25-Meters, 7 Lanes Locker Rooms, Sauna, Steam. Swim Assessment: $30 for 40 Minutes Email Kathleen Wilson at [email protected] to schedule your assessment.
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