Press Release Archive (click here to go back)

005: July 2005

Aqua Ch'i® Tones The Mind, Supports The Body, Refreshes The Spirit

July 9 marks the first Aqua Ch'i® class at Berkeley Warm Pool. As aquatic exercise and mind-body programs such as yoga, tai chi and chi gung are booming trends, this summer the Berkeley Warm Pool is riding the wave of water fitness. Aqua Ch'i® is a fluid mix of movements created by Bett Martinez, M.Ed., done to original upbeat yet soothing music; it benefits participants by increasing mobility and aiding in pain relief.

Even those who are rehabbing will be aided in adapting the movements of Aqua Ch'i® for their comfort. Because water provides multidirectional resistance, it is tailor-made for gentle stretching movements. Moreover, water spares much of the stress that land workouts exert on the back, hips, knees, ankles and feet.

At the Downtown Berkeley YMCA class, where Aqua Ch'i® originated, members mindfully walk a water labyrinth, as featured in the East Bay Monthly (April 2005, pp.17-18).

“I have always loved moving in water, so the minute I heard Bett talking about her exercise program SpiritWalking: AquaChi™ at our Lymphedema Support Group I knew it was for me,” says Lovey (who prefers to use just her first name).

And after the first time they spoke on the phone, the very next day, Bett Martinez, longtime Bay Area mind-body educator, felt the same way about Lovey. “She was so upbeat as she related to me many of the challenges she’d dealt with in her life,” marvels Martinez. “I just knew that she’d make a great teacher and role model!”

Martinez was so convinced that she postponed the June 2004 Teacher Training Program at the Berkeley YMCA for a month, so Lovey could complete her chemotherapy for leukemia. Now, almost a year later, Lovey is Martinez’s “right arm”. She assisted with the recent Teacher Training in Pleasant Hill and is looking forward to leading classes at the Berkeley Warm Pool.

“The best part is that this is the first physical activity I’ve been able to share with my granddaughter Malea, who is eight (pictured). Malea is a dancer and gymnast, so it’s really been fun to move in the water with her,” Lovey glows.

“At first I couldn’t do much physical movement,” Lovey explains, “I just sat on the pool steps, did the breathing and whatever hand movements I could along with the music. Still, at the end of every class I felt energized and uplifted. Little by little, I began walking and moving more.

“I love myself more, and I’m eating much healthier too. So with all the things I am doing for myself I’ve gone from 325 to 270 lbs.”

Classes begin Saturday, July 9, 10-11 a.m. Cost $5.50 or $3.50 per class for seniors and disabled. Berkeley High School Warm Pool. 2246 Milvia. Free parking in rear.