Adaptive Gym and Swim

Summer is my favorite time of year!  Why?  Because that means it’s time to hit the pool.  As a child growing up, one of my favorite things to do in the summer was swim.  Even now as an adult, I still enjoy my time in the pool.

I was lucky enough to have a pool in the back yard so I could swim whenever I wanted.  Before the pool was installed though, there was one requirement…swim lessons.  For those swim lessons, I attended my local YMCA.  I don’t remember much about the YMCA as a child, other than they offered swim lessons and had a gym.  When it came time for my kids to learn to swim, I turned to the Y as well.  Upon researching swim lessons, I learned the Y had so much more to offer.  Not only does the YMCA offer swim lessons and gym access, they also offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, summer camp, different exercise classes, tumbling, and a whole lot more. 

Recently I learned about the Adult and Youth Adaptive Gym and Swim Programs my local YMCA offers.  The adult program is a 6-week program that can accommodate any adult with special needs.  The youth program is an 8-week program for children ages 4 to 14 years old with special needs.  The swim half of the class consists of participants working on swimming skills in the pool.  The gym half of the class focuses on different developmental games and activities.  All motor skills will be tailored to the specific needs and abilities of the individual person.

The adult program information is as follows:

Tuesday Mornings:  9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday Nights:  7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Fees (for Tuesdays & Wednesdays): 
  • Member – $11.25; Gym or Swim Only – $7.25
  • Non-Member – $26.25; Gym or Swim Only – $11.25

Friday Mornings (GYM ONLY):  10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

• Fees (for Fridays):
  • Member – $7.50
  • Non-Member – $11.25

For additional information about the adult program or to inquire about the dates, times, and fees regarding the youth program, you can visit the Richard G. Snyder YMCA Campus website at http://rgsymca.org/.

To see if these programs are offered near you, visit your local Y’s website.  You can find your local Y on the national YMCA’s website, “Find Your Y” page at https://www.ymca.net/find-your-y/.  Swimming is a great exercise for everyone including people with disabilities.  To find out more, visit  http://blog.ncpad.org/2015/08/03/benefits-of-swimming-for-people-with-disabilities/.  Let’s give those we support an opportunity to learn valuable skills while having fun!