Canyon Ranch Health Resort In Tucson Opens Aquatic Center

TUCSON, AZ - September 24, 1999 - Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tucson has opened a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center. The 11,000-square-foot, $1.4 million facility houses six pools plus a whirlpool. The Aquatic Center was designed to benefit guests of all fitness levels. Classes and programs range from sports conditioning for competitive athletes to rehabilitation for people with injuries or chronic problems.

According to Canyon Ranch Fitness Director Jane Roberts, "Water fitness classes and aquatic therapy are beneficial for people who want maximum benefits with less chance of injury. Aquatic therapy can increase balance, coordination, stability, muscular strength and flexibility while protecting joints from strain or injury. "

Seniors can minimize the effects of aging and improve land functions such as walking, stair climbing and carrying luggage and groceries with custom designed body conditioning in the safe, enjoyable environment of the water.

Athletes can cross train in the water to improve performance or increase the volume of training without increasing risk of injury. Cardiovascular conditioning, muscular strength, power and endurance can all be improved by aqua techniques such as water walking and running, vertical jump training, tethering, resistance training and deep water work. They can train for a specific sport or increase their general fitness level.

Guests can discover their body's wisdom and healing potential as they learn to release tension and muscular holding patterns so they are able to move with freedom, ease and joy. Specific techniques and exercises are custom designed to increase range of motion, functional ability, movement quality and decrease pain and discomfort. This form of therapy is especially beneficial for people with arthritis, back pain, injuries and orthopedic or post surgical conditions.

Guests can also experience the stress reducing effects of mind body exercises in the water. Integrating the mind, body and breath with Ai Chi (tai chi in the water), aqua yoga, stretching, and meditative practices brings peace, self knowledge and a buoyant sense of ease to the body and psyche.

A highlight of the Aquatic Center is the Watsu Dome. Watsu is an extremely relaxing body treatment in water that combines elements of shiatsu, stretching, dance and yoga. In chest-high 94-degree water, a therapist cradles the guest's body with their head above the water, then moves and massages the guest to the rhythm of gentle music. The Watsu programs include sessions for individuals, couples, workshops and demonstrations. The Center has three Watsu pools. The large pool (30x15 feet, 3½-4½ feet deep) can accommodate two therapists and two guests and is ideal for couples or small workshops. Two smaller (25x15 feet) Watsu pools are available for individual private sessions.

The Fitness Pool (50x20 feet, 3-5 feet deep, 92-93 degrees) is used for lap swimming and Canyon Ranch's popular group aquatic fitness classes including Aqua Shape, Wet Workout, Aqua Yoga and Ai Chi.

The Cross Training & Conditioning Pool (30x24 feet, 4-7 feet deep, 88 degrees) includes an underwater treadmill, bicycle and slider as well as a variable resistance water stream to provide resistance for swimming and strength/endurance conditioning. There is a seven-foot deep water well for aqua jogging, tethering work and deep water exercises. This pool is ideal for active or challenging workouts.

The Therapy Pool (20x13 feet, 3½-4½ feet deep, 92-94 degrees) is a warmer shallow pool that is ideal for guests who have arthritis, injuries and limitations. Located next to the therapy pool is a 7x8 foot whirlpool.

The Aquatic Center's environmentally sound air circulation system insures a comfortable temperature and fresh air for therapists and guests. The water is cleaned and purified by an ozone removal system that has only a trace of chlorine. This water cleaning system eliminates the chlorine smell and skin sensitivity problems some people experience with traditional chlorinated pools.

The Aquatic Center features distinctive hand-painted artwork on the walls and ceilings which was inspired by ancient Native American healing symbols, and the striking landscape of Canyon de Chelley and the Four Corners area of Arizona.

All pools contain lift chair access, emergency call buttons and are compliant with A.D.A. guidelines. The Aquatic Center also includes sound systems for the pool areas, a reception/waiting area, locker rooms, showers, changing rooms and an office area for the staff.

In addition to the Aquatic Center, Canyon Ranch has two outdoor heated pools for laps and fitness classes and one non-heated outdoor pool.