Swimming and hydrotherapy can help almost anyone live a better life. Whether you have a disability, are recovering from an injury, need to lose weight, or are suffering from arthritis or other age-related ailments, the pool at Thorbeckes FitLife Center is a fountain of youth for the Lewis County community.
Since the pool opened, it has helped hundreds of people each year from all walks of life achieve their physical fitness goals. Heather Bonagofski, Aquatic Center Manager, says it’s incredible to see the changes in people from week to week. For instance one member, a gentleman named Terry, has been coming to the pool for three years. “I stopped him and asked him about his progress because it was obvious he had lost weight,” she added.
She found out that Terry’s health had been declining and so his doctor told him he needed to walk, which was something he hated. However, he loved swimming. So instead of walking, he does water aerobics and swims laps. Not only has he lost weight, but Terry says he is more flexible and life is just easier for him now that he is getting regular exercise.
Thorbeckes offers many programs, two of which are focused on those looking to lose weight or have better mobility: Water Exercise and HydroWorks. All the HydroWorks instructors are certified in CPR and have certifications in hydrotherapy as well.
Another member, a senior citizen who wished to remain anonymous, was in a car accident 11 years ago that resulted in her being bed ridden for two years. The doctors told her she would never walk again. Since then, she has been in a wheelchair. Last year, she was at the end of her rope with depression so she went to her doctor, who suggested water aerobics.
“A year ago she started her journey and her goal was five steps a day and to do water aerobics,” Heather says. “She has lost 91 pounds by eating right and swimming. And is walking. No walker, no cane, nothing. I love her story. She says it’s not just physical, but also mental – she no longer struggles with depression.”
Ginger and Vic have been coming since August 2016 after someone suggested they also try hydrotherapy. After a terrible illness, Ginger was left in a wheelchair, unable to walk. Her husband would take her for walks around the park at Thorbeckes. Ginger was soon using a walker and then a cane. But after starting her water therapy, Ginger’s progress leapt forward.
“You should see them,” Heather says. “They are like little teenagers – full of energy. She is walking great and comes twice a day. They both have lost weight and their kids say they can’t keep up with them anymore. Their spirits are up as well. It’s just amazing to see that.”
These are just a few people who have found ways to heal at the pool. And as the one lady said, it’s not just physical, but it affects the whole spirit. “The combination of physical and mental change creates a snowball effect for a better life,” Heather adds.
Staying Motivated
Sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated, especially if you are doing this alone. Thorbeckes has many classes – like those mentioned above – as well as teams that Heather says become like family to those involved. One such group is the Poseidon Aquatic Club, a year-round competitive swim team for all ages and skill levels.
“Being a part of Poseidon is like having an extended family,” says Audra, Poseidon Swim Team Swim Coach. “It’s a place where they can feel a part of something bigger than themselves, where they receive encouragement through success or failure; they develop relationships that last a lifetime.”
The team focuses on teaching life skills that can be used in and out of the water, including being part of a team, how to work hard without seeing instant results (patience), and how to fail and still feel good about your progress. Audra says every swimmer is a success story and each story is as individual as the person whose story it is.
Another team that calls Thorbeckes home is JAWS (Just Absolutely Wonderful Swimmers). JAWS works with special needs kids and has a Special Olympics swim coach.
“A lot of these kids can’t run or do other physical sports, but in the water they are weightless,” explains Katie Rohrscheib, Special Olympics swim coach for JAWS. Katie began volunteering with JAWS because of her sister who has disabilities.
She says the lifeguards and staff at Thorbeckes have been wonderful with her kids, very accepting and accommodating since they have to close the whole pool for their practice.
And again, it’s more than just physical for these kids, it’s emotional healing as well. “When they get in the water, especially the autistic kids, they just get in this little bubble. The rest of the world doesn’t bother them and they just succeed,” Katie explains.
She says that even those who have never really been in the water, soon get over their fears and can’t wait to get in the pool. She had one student who was completely non-verbal and was scared of the water at first. But he just blossomed once he got into the water and even offered her steady eye contact.
Being able do to something physical shows them they have skills they never thought were possible. The ability to compete and maybe even win at something gives them a feeling of accomplishment they sometimes don’t get on land.
Last year, the team received 11 medals at regionals and four of the seven members of the team went to state. Katie hopes their team will continue to grow. “Many people don’t realize that their kids need to only be eight years old to compete in the Special Olympics. We hope more of them will come out with their kids to participate in this empowering sport.”
JAWS is also always looking for volunteers. You can contact them through Thorbeckes. For information on any of their programs, visit the Thorbeckes FitLife Center’s website or call 360-736-1683.
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