Did you know that warm water exercise classes are ideal for people with arthritis and related conditions?
We offer a number of warm water exercises classes throughout NSW, giving you the opportunity to exercise with guidance from a trained instructor, in a friendly and social environment. Participants also receive weekly Education Bites via email, designed to complement and reinforce the warm water exercises.
Why should you get involved in warm water exercise?
- to keep you moving
- to improve your coordination and endurance
- to ease stiff joints and relax sore muscles
- to help you feel better.
Benefits of warm water exercise
Exercising in warm water is one of the most comfortable and effective ways that a person with arthritis can exercise. The buoyancy of the water supports the body, taking the weight off inflamed and painful joints. The warmth of the water helps tight joints to loosen up and relax, easing soreness and soothing any pain.
The role of the water in your exercise class is two-fold: not only does it soothe and support your body, it also offers resistance to your movements, acting somewhat like a weight to help strengthen your muscles while you exercise.
Download printer friendly information sheet about the benefits of Water Exercise
Our warm water exercise classes
We currently offer our warm water exercise classes at locations across metropolitan Sydney and in Wollongong, with plans to expand the program throughout NSW. In term 2, 2021 we will be opening a class at Tumbi Umbi on the Central Coast.
Unlike standard water-aerobic exercise classes, our program has been developed specifically for people affected by arthritis. All classes are lead by trained health professionals, with the minimum qualification being a Fitness Certificate IV covering hydrotherapy. A number of classes are run by physiotherapists and are eligible for health fund claim receipts.
Classes are held during the NSW Department of Education school term, each program typically running for 9 or 10 weeks. Each class is 45 minutes long.
Our exercise classes are designed for small groups. Everyone in the class follows the same routine, but your leader will show you how to adjust the exercise to fit your personal needs, such as varying the pressure you exert on the water.
Download a printable PDF document about our classes here: Warm Water Exercise Class Information
Class prices
For ANSW Members, the price is $15 per class, and for non-members, the price is $20 per class. Payment is on a per-term basis, and varies depending on the number of classes to be held in any particular term. An annual administration fee of $15 will be applied to the participant’s first term of fees.
Locations and times
Please note, some classes have been suspended (as noted below) until further notice due to the COVID-19 virus. We will advise when classes are due to resume.
Current classes
Castle Hill – Anglicare
Monday 1:30pm – full
Wednesday 10:30am – full / 1:30pm – full / 3:00pm – full
Thursday 3:00pm – full
Epping – Karonga School
Saturday 8am – full
Lane Cove – Lane Cove Physiotherapy
Tuesday 11.00am – full / 1:30pm – full
Wednesday 12:30pm – full
Thursday 5pm – full
Merrylands – Holroyd School
Tuesday 4.00pm – 4 vacancies
North Turramurra – Lady Davidson Private Hospital
Tuesday 12.00pm – 5 vacancies
Thursday 9.30am – 2 vacancies
Shellharbour – Shellharbour Private Hospital
Wednesday 12:00pm – 10 vacancies
Potts Point – St Luke’s Hospital
Wednesday 12:30pm – full
Saturday 9:00am – full
Saturday 10:00am – full
Tumbi Umbi (Central Coast) – Mingara One Fitness
Friday 12.30pm – 9 vacancies
Wollongong – Wollongong Physical Therapy
Tuesday 9.30am – 2 vacancies
Classes suspended
Canterbury – Canterbury Hospital – CLASSES SUSPENDED
Monday 12pm
Wednesday 1:30pm
Waverley War Memorial Hospital – CLASSES SUSPENDED
Monday 4pm
Wednesday 4pm
Saturday 9am / 10am
No class in your area? If you would like us to start a class in your area, source a pool that is heated to a minimum of 32 degrees and give us a call on 02 9857 3300. We look forward to hearing from you!
As at 16.06.21
To express your interest
Please find the class you are interested in joining and complete the online form. You will receive an email confirmation that will include the forms that you are required to complete for enrolment. Please note, if the class shows as full or if the venue is closed due to COVID-19, you will be placed on a waiting list.
Alternatively, you can register your interest by calling us on 02 9857 3300 or email gentleexercise@arthritisnsw.org.au