Arthritis and other illnesses that affect seniors can limit one’s range of motion significantly. However, from the luxury of a pool, Dr. Caryn Martin of The Enrichment Academy is teaching seniors smart and entertaining exercises to help relieve joint pain.
Martin is a certified yoga instructor with a passion for the practice. She has a Ph.D. in education and a master’s degree in dance-movement therapy, as well as four decades of expertise as a massage therapist. She also teaches health and wellness programs at Polk State College.
She is trained in both the Vinyasa and Iyengar yoga styles and is constantly expanding her knowledge.
Martin also claims that anyone can participate in her classes.
“Aqua yoga is for everyone,” Martin said. “No prior skill or previous experience is necessary. I try and expose students to different techniques so that they can practice outside of class. They will learn how to warm-up, thoughtful joint warm-ups, poses to strengthen and increase flexibility and range of motion.”
Martin stated that she loves teaching because of the students.
“The main reason I teach aqua yoga is to make yoga accessible to everyone despite physical limitations,” Martin said. “The properties of the aquatic environment allow someone to move freely and without pain.”
Martin went on to explain the exact dynamics that make water such a unique and successful yoga environment.
“When you are in the water up to your chest, you off-load about 70% of your weight,” Martin said. “Buoyancy allows joints to open gently and safely, and anyone with arthritis or other chronic pain conditions can benefit from exercising in the water. The hydrostatic, or water pressure, helps to turn down your pain responses. The water creates a safe environment to challenge your balance, build strength and body awareness.”
Martin’s experience and prowess as an instructor was praised by Melanie Sarakinis, recreation manager for The Enrichment Academy.
“Dr. Martin is one of many valued instructors on our team with a true passion for teaching and helping others,” Melanie said.
For the past two years, Martin has taught classes at The Enrichment Academy, including aqua yoga and aqua for arthritis.
“She continues to reinvent and offer new courses each semester, in and out of the water,” Sarakinis said. “Fall/winter courses will feature a variety of one-day classes focused on movement and alignment, in addition to other aquatic and indoor exercise courses.”
Martin also teaches a variety of stretching classes, including one that will begin in this fall/winter term.
The Enrichment Academy will release a new catalog on Sept. 15 and hold an Instructor Expo at Lake Miona Recreation Complex on Sept. 18. Villagers may meet professors and learn more about the newest fall/winter semester classes at Lake Miona Recreation Complex.
At theenrichmentacademy.org, you may discover more about the Enrichment Academy, including how to sign up for sessions.
Martin’s next aqua yoga classes begin on Sept. 12 and 15, respectively, at Everglades Recreation Complex and SeaBreeze Recreation Complex.