The Polk County Recreation Department has announced the addition of Sarah Utz Harriman to the Gibson Park Pool staff this summer. Sarah will teach water fitness classes beginning the week of June 4.
Harriman’s passion for fitness started at a young age and continued into college. As a Polk County High School student, she swam and ran cross-country, which she continued at Wingate University. She graduated with a bachelor of science in biology and earned a master’s of science in exercise physiology from UNC-Greensboro.
Her graduate work included several community outreach programs, which she said supports her philosophy that daily activity can help improve every life. While safety is her primary concern, she said she tries to create a fun environment and encourages participants to challenge and surprise themselves while getting and staying fit.
Harriman said water fitness is an ideal mode of exercise for all ages and abilities. Older adults, athletes, mind-body enthusiasts, people undergoing prehab or rehab and those just desiring a different type of workout program will enjoy the freedom and fun in the water, she said. The water acts as a support for the body to allow a workout without added stress on the joints.
The class will focus on strengthening, cardiovascular and flexibility exercises, all of which can be modified for the beginner or advanced participant.
To register, stop by Stearns Gym, visit www.polknc.org or come to the pool open house on June 2 from 4-6 p.m.
– article submitted by Patty Aldred