H2Oh, Yeah!
Get in shape for the new year and make a splash at your local indoor pool.
After nearly 50 years as a Metairie hairdresser, Lori DeMonsabert relies on the pool as her only way to stay physically active. For the past 10 years, DeMonsabert has attended water classes at the East Jefferson Wellness Center to maintain her physical fitness.
"I was diagnosed with arthritis and had always struggled with my weight," DeMonsabert, who at one point weighed 326 pounds, said. "I also have stretched-out tendons in my feet from years on the job, so the pool is really the best option for me." Following gastric sleeve surgery in 2005, DeMonsabert turned to the pool to maintain her mobility, as advised by her chiropractor. "I am positive that the only reason why I am still working is because of working out in the water," she said.
These days, DeMonsabert maintains a steady 191 pounds and never misses her water classes at the Wellness Center. "It's great to be part of a group," she said. "In class, someone is always pushing you. You wouldn't think you could break a sweat in cold water."
In fact, the water's natural resistance makes your muscles work harder, explained Jessica Hotard, director of the East Jefferson Wellness Center and a certified water aerobics instructor for over 19 years. She emphasized that water workouts also boost heart health, flexibility, balance, and weight management, according to the Arthritis Foundation. "Working out in the water is just fun," Hotard said. "You'll leave the pool feeling accomplished and relaxed."
As the new year begins, many look to get in shape, finding water a refreshing and effective alternative. Here's a guide to local indoor pools available year round where you can dive into fitness anytime.
East Jefferson Wellness Center
3726 Houma Blvd., Metairie
According to Hotard, the Wellness Center has three indoor pools: a 25-meter lap pool, a 94°F therapy pool for low-impact classes, and a 104°F hot tub that seats eight to 10 people. "Our lap pool is designed for lap swimming with four lanes," Hotard said. "This pool is also shared with a few of the facility's water classes."
With 20+ water classes each week ranging from high-energy cardio to low-impact workouts, the Wellness Center makes it easy to get fit in the pool. "Membership is not required," Hotard said. "Our guest fees are $10/day or $25/week."
The Jewish Community Center
Uptown: 5342 St. Charles Ave. & Metairie: 3747 W. Esplanade Ave.
Like the Wellness Center, the New Orleans Jewish Community Center offers a variety of aquatic programs and has lifeguards on duty whenever the pool is open. Although the JCC's indoor pool measures just 13 yards in length one way, Aquatics Director Kathleen Kehoe Kennair noted that the Uptown facility is perfectly suited for lap swimming. "The pool is most active in the mornings from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.," she said. "Midday tends to be our calmest time for swimmers."
Kennair pointed out that their aquatic fitness programs included aqua aerobics, aqua yoga, and swim lessons for all ages and skill levels. "Our pool is available to JCC members only; however, non-members are able to sign up for our swim lesson programs at a non-member rate," she said.
University of New Orleans Rec Center
2000 Lakeshore Dr.
Another year-round, publicly accessible pool offering swim lessons and aqua classes can be found at the University of New Orleans' Recreation and Fitness Center. "Non-members may purchase a day pass for $10," Assistant Director Edgar Avila Jr. stated. "Our pool is 25 yards in length and is designed for lap swimming with four lanes available."
He mentioned that the pool is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering water aerobics classes on weekdays. Avila said, "We also provide swim lesson packages from ages 9 months old and up including Mommy & Me classes."
Ochsner Fitness Centers
Harahan: 1200 S. Clearview Pkwy. & Heritage Plaza: 111 Veterans Blvd., Metairie
Of its three locations in the New Orleans area, two Ochsner Fitness Center sites offer a wide range of water fitness activities for the whole family. At the Harahan facility, Aquatics Supervisor Grace Donovan highlighted the center's two indoor pools—one recreational and one for lap swimming. "Our indoor lap pool has six lanes," Donovan said. "We keep a wider lane open that can be used for swimming, walking, or other aquatic exercises." Donovan recommended non-members buy a guest pass for the water classes including Water Balance/Flex, Power Hour, Fit Circuit, and Water Aerobics. Swim lessons are also available without membership.
At the Heritage Plaza location, Dylin Hartzheim, general manager of the satellite Ochsner Fitness Centers, said that the recently renovated pool now has two lap lanes and offers water aerobics Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. Non-members may use the pool for a $25 drop-in fee when accompanied by a member.
New Orleans Athletic Club
222 N. Rampart St.
The indoor pool at NOAC, described by General Manager Stacy Falcone as a "water sanctuary," features five lap lanes and offers aqua aerobics classes for all levels. Non-members can access the facility with a $30 day pass.
The Dryades YMCA
2230 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
The Wellness Center at the Dryades YMCA features a six-lane indoor pool for lap swimming and offers year-round water aerobics classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. Guests can access the facility with a $15 day pass.
