Senior citizens looking for a low impact way to stay in shape can participate in water exercising.

Juanita Gex teaches two classes, one of which is taught at the Cornerstone in Picayune, the other is taught at the Swim Hutch.

For a small monthly fee participants can attend two classes per week on Mondays and Wednesdays, said Cornerstone Senior Activities Coordinator Linda Martin.

Gex said exercising in a pool helps reduce the stress most exercises on land cause to the joints and muscles. 

“It’s just easier for you to do this kind of exercise,” Gex said.

Water exercise classes are not only available to the senior citizen population of Pearl River County, a separate class called Splash and Jazz is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10a.m. and taught by Carol Fitzwilliam, Martin said. As the name implies, Jazz and Splash incorporates music into the exercise session and is available to all ages.

No matter the clientele, Martin said the participants seem to enjoy the sessions. She said she hears a lot of socializing as they participate.

“They have good times in the pool,” Martin said. “There’s a lot of laughing and plenty of exercise.”

The Cornerstone also offers a community service program that allows senior citizens to use the facilities by paying a small monthly fee. Martin said that fee provides them with access to the cycling machines, senior aerobics class and other fitness avenues. She said one participant is a 90-year-old man who said he enrolls in the program for one reason.

“He says so he can take care of his wife,” Martin said. “And I thought that was real sweet.”

Martin said the success of the swimming classes is due in part to the work of “Bull” Dixon, who is a man about to turn 80 and helps keep the pool area orderly.