a wr. Binns aa: RECCENTRE GRIFFIN Swimming Offers a large variety of fitness PEOPLE OF all ages looking for a healthy pastime might consider the variety of ayuatic options offered at recCentre Griffin. ; While many people are aware of the fitness benefits of swimming — even at a leisurely pace, you can burn off an average of 500 calories per hour — they may feel held back by what they see as a lack of ability. At recCentre Griffin, however, you don’t necessarily have to be able to swim to take advantage of the fitness opportunities offered at 2 pool. Aquacize classes are aerobic fitness classes in which exercises are done to music at the shallow end of the pool. These classes are available on various days in the morning, afternoon and evening. Aquacize classes for seniors are also offered. If you want to swim lengths to increase your cardiovascular en- durance, burn calories and enhance your flexibility, Lut it’s been awhile since you've done any . distance swimming, consider tak- ing swimming lessons or a stroke improvement course. If you’re not sure what level to sign up for, Michael Laser, pro- gramming coordinator at the rec centre, says instructors will — free of charge — assess your swimming skills and suggest the most ap- propriate class. Instructors are almost always available for this service, but Laser suggests phoning ahead to make an appointment. Lessons ‘at all levels are offered for both adult. and young partici- pants. Those confident of the basic skills: can jump right into the length-swimming workouts Swim For It — offered Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. — or Swim Fit, which runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the same time. While Swim Fit is designed for more advanced adult swimmers, Swim For it offers stroke correc- -tion and a workout for swimmers at various levels of ability. Laser notes that while some adults want to learn to swim for fitness, many people — especiaily those from Prairie provinces, he says — have never had the oppor- tunity to learn at all and just want to obtain the basic skills to become water-safe. Whether people come to the pool for fitness or fur, Laser says many are attracted by the whirlpool and sauna: ‘They like the diversity.’’ The whirlpool, added to the fa- cility six years ago, seats up to 18 people and is maintained at an ap- proximate temperature of 104 degrees Farenheit. For safety reasons, Laser advis- ed people to sit in the whirlpool for no longer than 10 minutes, and says it shouldn’t be used at all by pregnant women or people with heart conditions. Swimmers who want to swim lengths but don’t want to be tied down to a class or public swim scheduie may wish to become members of the North Vancouver recreation facility’s Health Ciub. Membership in the Health Club — $73.50 per quarter for adults — Parents bring your kids ... Kids bring your parents ... CANYON HEIGHTS CHAPEL 4840 Capilano. Road, N.V. 985-7131 options allows people all-day access tc swimming lanes at recCentres Griffin, Lonsdale and Andrews. Lanes are open most days between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Health Club members also have the use of fully-equipped weight rooms in each of the three facili- ties. For more information on setting up your own fitness program, be it aquatic or land-based, call recCen- tre Griffin at 986-2255, 13 -— Wednesday, April 5, 1989 - Capilano Chronicle Photos Neil Lucente THE AQUATIC facitities at recCentre Griffin are adaptable for both fun and fitness, as demonstrated by aquatic supervisor Dean Milner (above). Above left, a swimmer takes advantage of the calorie-burning benefits of lap swimming. RECREATION CALENDAR PAGE 14 RAY PROC OFFICE: 984-9711 HOME: 985-5562 Considering selling? Choese your area specialist. I have lived and sold homes in this area for the past 10 years. Call your Neighbourhood Realtor. 8 Bela ahaa Oe 1170 BRACKNEL Great 4 bdrm. + fam. frn. home. Walk- ing distance to Cleveland Elem. Full developed bsmt. 610 CROYDON PL. Act fast on this beautiful 4 bdrm. home with city view. Totally updated on both floors. L CRES. 2751 COLWOOD Beautiful 5 bdrm. full bsmt. home with lots of updates. Private parklike 70x115' lot. Great family home. 3540 MAHON AVE. Bring your chequebook. This one’s hot. 3 bdrms., 2 full bathrooms, fully finish- ed up & down. Large kitchen with covered patio. Move-in condition.