by Janet McGregor

The Georgia Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will be offering the Arthritis Foundation's Aquatic Program in conjunction with Gold's Gym Fayette County starting June 1st. The Aquatic Program is a recreational series of gentle activities designed to help relieve the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia and related conditions. The sessions will be held in Gold's Gym's indoor heated pool. In addition to the therapeutic value, the program is meant to be fun and a social opportunity for participants.

According to the Arthritis Foundation there are many benefits of warm-water exercise. While the pain may make a person want to hold their joints still, not using them can cause joint, ligaments and muscles to lose their range of motion. The muscles may shorten and tighten resulting in further pain.

Warm water exercises gently exercise joints and muscles. And per the Arthritis Foundation, "The buoyancy of the water supports your body, reduces stress on the joints, and encourages freer movement. Water may also act as resistance to help build muscle strength. The heat of a warm-water pool can relax muscles, decrease pain and stiffness, and ease daily activities."

It is not necessary to know how to swim to participate in the sessions. The Program is open to the public, however registration is required and enrollment is limited. There is a nominal cost for the sessions. For further information, call 770-487-4273 and ask for an information regarding the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.

For more information regarding the Aquatic Program, www.arthritis.org on the Internet.

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