Highland Springs Aquatics Center Provides Year-Round Fitness Fun

Dallas, Texas—Staying physically, mentally and socially active are foundations to enjoying a robust life.  At Highland Springs, residents enjoy full access to a range of amenities that contribute to this wellbeing.

To that end, the indoor aquatics center is one of the most popular spots on the campus of the Erickson Living retirement community located in North Dallas.

Nicole Eison serves as the Fitness Manager at Highland Springs.  "The all-season pool is a great place to swim laps, take a low-impact water aerobics class or play some water volleyball," she said.

The heated pool ranges from 4 to 4.5 feet in depth.  A chair lift provides convenient access for residents of all abilities, and an adjacent hot tub offers a relaxing area to unwind following a workout.  In 2019, the pool underwent a modernization project that included replacement of the tiles and flooring; new indoor/outdoor patio furniture was also added.

The facility is connected to the Highland Springs fitness center, which is outfitted with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.  Personal trainers are a key part of the integrated health and wellness program, helping residents with their workout routines or enrolling in a class.

On any given day, the pool area is a bustling locale at Highland Springs.  Time is allotted for water walkers in the morning and free swim sessions throughout the day as well as a myriad of classes such as Aqua-Fit and Aqua-Cise taught by outside instructors.

Residents lead programs, too.  A very inclusive water volleyball group plays three times per week, and an arthritis aquatics class is directed by resident Dorothy Gray.

A retired school teacher, Ms. Gray moved to Highland Springs in November 2006 from nearby Richardson.  She brought extensive knowledge on the subject to the community.

"I am a volunteer who, after retirement, became certified as an aquatic arthritis instructor.  At Highland Springs, I started a volunteer arthritis aquatic class for 45 minutes a day, three days a week," described Ms. Gray.  "After the session, many of us make use of the hot tub for ten minutes or so.  We have up to 14 participants at a time, and everyone has really embraced the concepts we teach."

National studies show that water activities are a tremendous form of exercise for older Americans.

"At Highland Springs, we find that the pool provides a safe environment that allows residents to move freely, burn calories, experience an amazing cardio workout and socialize with friends," noted Mrs. Eison.  "Our programming provides something for everyone."

There is also one other advantage to the community's aquatics center.

"The weather in Dallas can range from hot in the summer to chilly in the winter time.  Our indoor pool allows residents to maintain a consistent routine throughout the year without worrying about the weather," said Mrs. Eison.

About Highland Springs: Highland Springs, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 89-acre campus in North Dallas, Texas.  The not-for-profit community of more than 1,100 residents and 520 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of Highland Springs.  Additional information can be found at http://highlandspringscommunity.com.