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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-04-30, Page 9THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30,1997 PAGE 9. Matching pool design to lifestyle key By Janice Becker Citizen staff Whether the design is Olympic-style, kidney-shaped or long and narrow, fitting a pool to one's lifestyle is a key factor in making it useful, enjoyable and not a lot of work. "I have wanted a pool ever since I was little," says Elaine Scrimgeour of Blyth. Finally, four years ago, her dream came true. For a woman with her family grown, the design of the pool was geared to Scrimgeour's regular routine of swimming laps. Instead of having the common rectangular pool installed, a^ap pool, 50 feet by 10 feet was the solution. Another consideration was the fact that she often swam alone. "I want the pool to be safe for me." The depth is a consistent five feet along its length with a smaller area, where the steps lead into the water, at only three feet. "That is the grandchildren's area," she says. With the shallower depth, Scrimgeour also says she has no need for a heating system. "With the solar blanket and less water it heats up quickly. I don't like swimming in 80 degree pools either." Aside from her general enjoyment of a pool, Scrimgeour says it is great having one in the backyard. "I often get up early and go for a walk. It is nice to be able to come home and jump into the pool. It is easier than having to pack up all your clothes and drive to a (community) pool." Because of the convenience, Scrimgeour says she uses her pool pretty much every day during the swimming season from May 24 through September, depending on the weather. It is also a good place to do exercises, she says, particularly for those who have arthritis or joint injuries. For her, the job of keeping the chemicals balanced and the water clean is not a lot of work. "It only takes a few seconds each day to check the level of chemicals." Three to four times during the season, she takes a sample to a pool supply company for a more accurate test. Because of the shallow depth, Scrimgeour says she can vacuum the pool herself, though she does have her pool company open and close it for the season. Before buying a pool, Scrimgeour says it is important to consider family needs, location in the yard and, of course, municipal bylaws regarding fencing. "Many people fence the entire backyard, but I preferred just the pool. This stopped the worry if grandchildren slipped out the backdoor when visiting." For families with young children or teenagers, the safety of the pool area is of utmost importance. Scrimgeour suggests looking in magazines for ideas before deciding on a pool and consider the landscaping that may be needed around the finished project to enhance the both the yard and the new addition. In summing up pool ownership, Scrimgeour says, "It should fit your lifestyle."Awaiting summer Water exercises lower stress Though not yet open for the season, Elaine Scrimgeour knows it will be only a month before she can once again enjoy the pleasures of a backyard pool. Each of the exercises in the hydro-aerobics programs is designed to promote both flexibility and muscle tone. To concentrate on building more strength, use special "floaties" to increase the water resistance. Legs, Hips, Thighs and Buttocks Each of the exercises in this series will tone, stretch, and strengthen muscles in the lower and upper legs and, in some cases, the buttocks. Leg Crossover Benefit: Firms your inner and outer thigh muscles and trims your hips. 1. Position yourself with your back against the pool wall and your hands extended to the sides, grasping the edge. 2. Extend your legs straight out in front and then swing them apart. (Use your stomach muscles to supply the thrust of this movement.) 3. Cross your left leg over right leg and then swing it back. 4. Repeat the same movement, this time crossing your right leg over your left leg. The first time you try this exercise you may run into a couple of difficulties. If you have a lean build, for instance, you could have trouble keeping your legs from sinking. Should this happen, try arching your back and lilting your neck back a little. You might also find it a little difficult, if you've never worked on your arm muscles, to hold on to the wall. With a little practice, you should be able to do this exercise easily. You might also find the ladder helpful, enabling you to gain a better grip. • Front and Back Leg Raise Benefit: Tones and strengthens the muscles in the lower portion of the thigh and the lower back. 1. Stand in water waist to chest high, with your side to the pool wall. With your left hand holding the wall for support, raise your right leg and extend it in front of you. Keep your foot pointed. 2. Swing the leg down and back until you've taken it as far back as you can in an arabesque position. Repeat with the other leg. The slower and more controlled you are throughout this exercise, the better, particularly when you're pulling your leg back through the water. The Side Leg Raise Benefit: Tones and strengthens the inner thighs. 1. Stand an arm's distance away from the wall and take hold of the edge with both hands. 2. Lift leg out to the side, keeping your knee straight. 3. Press the leg down through the water, feeling the tension in your inner thighs. Repeat with the other leg. Thigh Pull Benefit: Stretches and tones the quadriceps (the large muscles in the front of the thigh). 1. Stand in water about waist deep ( you can hold on to the side of the pool if you like). 2. Lift your left leg behind you, grasp it around the ankles with your left arm. 3. Maintaining an erect position, pull your leg inward so that your knee is pointing to the bottom the pool. Repeat with other leg. The Side Knee Bend Benefit: Strengthens and tones the entire leg. 1. Stand in a "lunge" position, with one leg bent and the other extended straight to the side. Your weight should be on the bent leg. 2. Keeping your body straight, shift your weight to the opposite leg, bending that leg and straightening the other. 3. Return to starting position and repeat. (This exercise is the Hydro­ Aerobics version of the familiar knee bend, and what's interesting about it is that people who wouldn't be able to do regular knee bends because of problem knees can usually do the Hydro-Aerobics version very safely.) Th? Walking Toy Touch Benefit: Strengthens and firms the calves and the thighs, with very little risk of strain. 1. Stand in water about waist level, with your arms straight in front of you. 2. Step forward with your right leg, raising it at least waist high with your knee straight. As you walk, reach out to touch the out­ stretched foot with the same hand. 3. Repeat the movement with the other leg. (Do this exercise rapidly but try to keep your movements as smooth as oossible.) The Cool-Down The purpose of these two cool­ down exercises is to loosen whatever tightness has been built up through the course of the routine. They are stretches that you can do either in or out of the water, and they can go a long way to reduce the feeling of stiffness you sometimes have after a vigorous workout. The Total Body Stretch 1. Crouch in water about chest deep and raise your arms. 2. Keeping your feet firmly on the ground, straighten your knees, lift your arms straight up in the air, and arch your back very slowly. The Push-Off 1. Holding on to the gutter with both hands, tuck your knees up underneath and place your feet against the side of the wall, just beneath the water level. 2. Holding firmly to the gutter, try to straighten your legs as much as possible. When you reach the end of the stretch, hold for at least twenty seconds. - Donna DeVarona's Hydro-Aerobics Help protect the environment Reduce, reuse and recycle j Cottage projects for the family! Docks & Projects A Cottage Life Book. $24.95 DOCKS & PROIECU GM AT THINGS FOA THE WHOLE FAMILY TO MAKE A DO Imagine......Yours Quality Inground and Aboveground Pools Middegaal Pools & Sports Sales & Service Your Authorized 234 Main St. North Seaforth Dealer 519-527-0104 (NC)—Plan now for those fast­ approaching dog days of summer at the cottage, when the kids suddenly wail: “We have nothing to do!". Docks & Projects is a collection of popular projects from the pages of the award­ winning magazine Cottage Life. 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