Many people who read about our aquatics classes think they are just that: classes in the water. However, there are two classes we offer that also have a whole lot of fun thrown into the mix also.

Deb Schwarting, a long-time aquatics instructor, teaches the morning classes of deep water fitness. These run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 8 a.m. or 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. There is also an evening class taught by another instructor.

There are quite a few regulars in this class, such as Fran Lasagna, Gino and Maxine Alberici, Jean Flanigan, Alex Ewanechko, Edna Brokaw, Ed Porter, Ellen Orchard-Long, Joan Hawkins, Alice Guilfoos, Katherine Whitehorn and Joan Juli.

Participants wear buoyancy belts and go into the deep water where they combine stretching and toning exercises plus aerobic activities. Classes consist of water running and walking as well as push ups and pulls up on the side of the pool. Abdominals and obliques are exercised using buoyancy barbells between the feet and lifting them up to the surface of the water. This creates greater resistance for the targeted area by using the water. The buoyancy barbells are also used for arm exercises and some leg exercises. There is always a lifeguard on deck observing everyone, and Deb is a certified lifeguard also.

But it's more than exercise. There is lots of chatting and camaraderie as all the people in the class exchange family news, information on mutual acquaintances as well as solving the problems of the world. These participants also get together after class for breakfast sometimes, there is lots of recipe-sharing and gardening tips and the occasional food exchange. They have also planned trips to different areas to see shows and other cultural events. This is more than just a class but also an entire social experience.

Also offered is the Rusty Hinges class on Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. These classes emphasize exercises that increase the range of motion. It is required to have a doctor's referral to take this class.

Shari Saben-Woolford was just a long-time teacher of this class and had many fans as she led the class in song and exercise. She has recently taken a leave of absence to start her coffee business and will be sorely missed. Judy Runkle has taken over many of her hours, as well as Jan Kowatch and Barb Kalicki. Though there have been lots of teachers, it seems the participants are often the same and have remained steady throughout the years. Many of those who do deep water fitness also do Rusty Hinges.

Rusty Hinges remains only in the shallow end of the pool, which is no deeper than 3.5 feet. There is also a lifeguard on deck. There is a lot of walking in the shallow end but some of the walking may seem more like lunges. It is always fun to see members walking backwards. This is where the singing often occurs as instructors try to keep participants motivated. There are low-impact exercises using water for the resistance and lots of range-of-motion exercises. A warm up and cool down phase begins and ends each class.

Both classes are free to members and $60 for the general public.

Hansinger is the assistant fitness director at the Auburn YMCA