Rivercise Classes at the JCC Indianapolis
FREE FOR MEMBERS
Rivercise is offered outdoors at the JCC Indianapolis in the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day in the 300-foot-long Biccard Lazy River at the Eskenazi Water Park. Participants walk and perform aquatics exercises with and against the current ̶ walking forward, backward, sideways, on your toes, and on your heels.
Appeals to Many
- Runners and other athletes looking to build strength from the resistance provided by the strong current.
- Men and women ages 55 or older looking to build strength and balance.
- Women ages 35 or older.
- Youth (participants just need to be tall enough to run in the three-and-a-half-feet deep water).
Rivercise is for everyone. Those who attend most often include:
Benefits of Rivercise Classes
- Strength Building. Water is dense and provides 12 times more resistance than air to help build, strengthen, and tone muscles. The current in the Biccard Lazy River is about 2 mph which greatly increases the resistance for an enhanced workout.
- Flexibility and Range of Motion. Rivercise exercise reduces stress on joints by being suspended in water versus the impact of exercise on hard surfaces.
- Weight Management. Rivercise workout provides aerobic activity and resistance training while burning calories and fat to help maintain weight or aid in weight loss.
- Boosts Cardio Fitness. Rivercise exercise is a fantastic way to maintain or boost heart health without risking injury to your muscles and joints.
What to Expect
No equipment is needed for Rivercise classes. You just need to arrive with your towel and wearing a swimsuit or designated swimwear. We recommend applying sunscreen before class. Water shoes, sunglasses, and a hat are also recommended.
The JCC offers Rivercise classes several times a week during the summer season. Each class is an hour long. Check our Schedules page for group exercise dates and times, or download our mobile app for iOS or Android devices.
Rivercise classes are free for JCC members as a benefit of membership. Summer memberships (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are available beginning May 1.
Aquatics Are Central at the JCC
Learning to swim and aquatics are deeply rooted in Jewish values and culture. The J serves Jewish and non-Jewish audiences alike, as learning to swim is a universal value. Our aquatics program is integral to our community center, and we have built and maintained indoor, outdoor, competition-sized, and therapeutic pools. Our love of aquatics starts early with parent/child classes, continues with lessons for adults, and we offer arthritis and therapy classes for those well into their 90s.