Splash into fall: Babies, parents enjoy water aerobics too

Published Oct. 21, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Buzanowski
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Pregnant women, parents, babies and toddlers through age 3 have been enjoying aerobics of their own for the last seven years at the base aquatics center.
     Mary Puffet Cook, a registered nurse and new parent program coordinator, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron, works to offer opportunities for Fairchild to grow stronger families. Hundreds of parents and babies have attended this Tuesday class.
     "We usually average ten families per water babies class," said Cook, who sees this class as a great way for people to get out of the house, especially with winter fast approaching.
     First-time participant Rhonda Scott and her son, 4-month-old Henry, enjoyed their first class together Oct. 4. "The class was great. He's never been swimming before and it was fun to introduce him to the pool by playing games and to be with other mothers and their babies."
     The parents, babies and Cook form a circle in the shallow end of the pool and play games, sing songs and work on fine and gross motor skills. New moms and dads learn teaching and bonding skills while forming new relationships with other parents.
     While the water babies class happens in the shallow end, the aquatics center's aerobics instructor, Judy Mayulianos, works with pregnant women in the deep end.
     "The buoyancy of the water really helps women alleviate their back pain," said Mayulianos, who has been teaching water aerobics for the last 10 years. "The range of motion and movements really help prepare women for their deliveries. It makes you feel really good."
     Students work with a flotation noodle as they do arm and leg exercises. They also do exercises and stretching while holding onto the pool's ledge. For those worried about swimming - laps are not part of the routine.
     In addition to the prenatal aerobics class held on Tuesdays, Mayulianos also teaches the other five aerobics classes each week. She said she used to play music during these classes, but one class she lost her voice and had to keep the music off.
     "It was great - the students got to talk amongst each other and got to know each others' pets and kids' names. I never went back to the music after that because it helps the students work at their own pace and stay relaxed."