32 | SUNRAYS MAY 2014
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
FITNESS
William “Bill” McNinch sometimes defines his life in two parts: young and
not-so-young. “Younger, to me, means any time before my amputation,” says
the 74-year-old retired banker from Houston, whose right leg was amputated
above the knee in 2010 due to complications from a prior surgery. He now
walks with a prosthesis and a cane for balance. “I’ve exercised off-and-on all
my life, sometimes more seriously than other times,” he adds. “I completed two
marathons in my 40s. Many years ago, I played tennis. I took up golf when I
was 64, and I’ve had to relearn that since my amputation. I used to swim a
good bit, but after my amputation I sank like a rock.”
The situation presented a unique challenge even for seasoned aquatic personal
trainer Julie O’Connor, who began working weekly with Bill at the Sun City
Texas Fitness Center pool in November 2013, with the goal of helping him
relearn the mechanics of swimming. “Some of our earlier training sessions
focused on finding his center of buoyancy, balance exercises, and streamlin-
ing in preparation for swimming,” says Julie. After conquering pool entry and
exit, she adds, sessions included the use of an aqua-balance board in a vertical,
seated position to address core strength, and an aqua-jogger belt to coax Bill
into a streamlined position.
“Vertical exercises emphasized maximum extension of Bill’s amputated leg
to achieve range of motion in both hips,” says Julie, remembering that the
tedious but necessary exercises could at times be frustrating for Bill, whom
she describes as a quiet, humble man who greatly values his independence.
Once core strength and balance improved, training sessions began to focus
on body rotation in a horizontal position. The last piece of the puzzle, and
the key to Bill finally swimming laps independently, was the addition of a fin
for extra leverage with his left leg. “Bill is now enjoying lap swimming,” says
Julie, happily noting that Bill is also able to enter and exit the pool without
assistance. These days, along with his frequent pool workouts, he walks at the
Cowan Creek Fitness Center’s indoor track, lifts weights, and enjoys playing
nine holes of golf with neighborhood friends.
“Julie taught me to swim again,” says Bill, who considers swimming a great
overall exercise for bothmuscle and cardiovascular strength. “She gaveme the
confidence and the tools to accomplish my goal.”
Athlete of the Month
By Lynda Dufour
Bill McNinch
Aquatic Personal Trainer: Julie O’Connor
Meet Julie O’Connor
Aquatic Personal Trainer
Aquatic Exercise
Assoc. Certified
Julie has been lead-
ing group aquatic
exercise classes,
swimming instruc-
tion and 1:1 adapted aquatic programs
since 1982. She has a passion for wa-
ter and helping others—seeing anyone
enjoy water and succeed in reaching
their fitness and swim goals at any
age or ability level gives her great joy!
For an appointment with Julie, call
512-630-6203.
Group Fitness Tutorial
Monday, May 12, 10 a.m.,
Cowan Creek
In theGroupFitness
Tutorial, Whitney
Alexander, SunCity
TexasGroupFitness
Coordinator, will answer your ques-
tions about Group Fitness classes. If
youwantmore information about the
classes offered, which class is right
for you and how to get started, please
join us.
Children’s Swim Time
For Kids Ages 4-15 years
MAY - September
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Daily
Outdoor Pool
Children’s Age Restrictions
Children ages 4-15 may use
the pool during designated
swim times.
Children under the age of 4,
per the CA Rules/Regs., are
not allowed at the pools or in
the Fitness Centers.
