This post represents a collaborative writing effort by two members of the GCC Employee Wellness Team, Louise So and Lori Walk. Louise is a member of the Fitness and Wellness faculty, and Lori teaches English and reading courses. Both share a passion for empowering others to be their healthiest selves. They support campus initiatives like Exercise is Medicine and the new aqua fitness opportunity at the GCC pool. Each of their posts will share personal experience and research in support of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.

If you read the recent Wellness Wednesday email, you may be familiar with the concept of Third Space. It’s quite simple and refreshing! Third Spaces are places people spend outside of their home (first space) and their work (second space). “Third places often catch us at our best – we are there to engage in our hobbies, relax, spend time outdoors, or even practice self-care – we’re not overwhelmed by urgent tasks at work or the never-ending to-do list at home. Third places aren’t just for extroverts either. If you’re more introverted, these locations can offer safe spaces to be by ourselves to read or write, while still having someone remember our coffee order or compliment our haircut.”

One of our third spaces is the GCC Swimming Pool.

Louise shares “I have been swimming since I was 4 years old. I instantly loved being in water. It was the place where I could move freely, be with friends, play, and develop a natural skill. When I discovered I could swim fast, I embraced the competitive nature of swimming, building self confidence and independence that has helped me in all aspects of my life. Now that I am in my 50’s, I swim to wash away the cobwebs of a busy day. I crave the sunlight, blue skies and glistening ripples that can only be experienced in an outdoor pool.”

Lori adds “as a lifelong swimmer, I’ve always felt safe and strong in the water, whether in a pool, a lake, or the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Through foot and knee and breast cancer surgeries, I’ve found the water to be a terrific place to resume my exercise program. It doesn’t matter if I have time to swim laps, do aqua fitness for a half hour, or water walk for ten minutes with a friend, I come out of the water feeling relaxed and refreshed. I have water buddies of all ages who inspire me to keep getting in the pool.”

Did you know . . .

• GCC’s outdoor heated pool is one of only two Olympic-sized pools in the west valley.
• It boasts a beautiful mural on the west end, depicting a bold sunset, swimmers, scuba divers and a variety of sports. The mural was designed and painted by the GCC Art Department students and faculty in 2021.
• It also has a dedication to Biology Faculty, Dr. Robert Reavis, who taught SCUBA diving and led the Green Efforts committee on campus.
• You can swim or do aqua fitness on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12- 3 p.m. Just stop by the pool with your swim suit, goggles and towel. Your first swim is free!
• You can also sign up for PED101/103 SM Swimming or AQ Aquatic Fitness in the Spring and Fall Semesters. We have new sections starting right after Spring Break!
• More information is available HERE

Contributors: Louise So and Lori Walk, members of the GCC Employee Wellness Committee