Ladies in Climax and surrounding communities are benefiting from a community pool exercise program begun by Climax resident and former third grade teacher Ann Ariail.

The program, which combines exercise with spiritual teaching and friendly visiting, has helped many feel better during the past nine years. It takes place in Ariail’s pool behind her home in Climax. The ladies work out three days a week for one hour.

Former Climax postmaster Linda Harris says the program has helped her tremendously.  “It loosens up my muscles and just generally makes me feel better,” Harris said. “We always pray before each work out. The overall fitness program is just great. It makes us all feel much better.”

Sandra Thomas, who is retired from the Decatur County School System and has been in the program since it began in 2005, said several of the participants also get exercise by walking around Climax during the winter months.

“We all just enjoy being with each other and keeping ourselves in good health,” Pennington said. “Our leader Dixie Hutto really puts us through a healthy workout that makes us feel better and more relaxed.”

June Mosely agrees and further points out that the program has helped her following her radiation treatments.

Joyce Moore, who is from Calvary and the youngest program participant at 26, said the health benefits it brings are tremendous.

Dixie Hutto, the program leader, and Sandra Thomas, the assistant leader, point that there are always lots of laughter and good fellowship during the program workouts.

Hutto’s young grandson, Cole Moore, is the only male allowed in the program.

Ariail urges other with pools to start similar health programs for their friends and neighbors.

“Water therapy can be a health benefit for so many,” she said. “I want to thank Robert Langston for helping my pool to look godd.”