“I never imagined swimming would become such a big part of my life,” says Jenniffer Macharia, “but now, it’s my favorite sport and the best way I know to relax and recharge. There’s something calming about the rhythm of being in the water, and today, every time I swim, I feel stronger and more at peace.”
This month, Jenniffer became our first Wilson’s Fitness graduate of the full adult Learn-to-Swim (ALTS) program.
Like 37% of adults in the United States, prior to the program, Jenniffer hadn’t yet had the opportunity to learn to swim. This changed when she reached out to Kathryn Fishman-Weaver (“Coach Kat”) for lessons. Kathryn is a U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) athlete, coach, and certified ALTS instructor.
Jenniffer and Kathryn both laugh, remembering their first lesson together. On the first day, they worked on walking across the 4-foot pool together. “Even then,” says Jenniffer, Kathryn kept telling her that she could learn to swim. “She’s been my biggest cheerleader,” says Jenniffer, “celebrating every bit of progress I made, no matter how small. Her passion for teaching radiates through every lesson, and her unwavering belief in me gave me the strength to keep going, even when I doubted myself.”
“Small forward steps, or in the ALTS program, small strokes forward make all the difference.” says Kathryn, “Every time we were in the pool, we made progress. Jenniffer is a fast learner and a great athlete.” The two met once to twice a week and worked their way through the ALTS curriculum. “Once Jenniffer mastered swimming 25 yards freestyle continuously and confidently, there was no looking back.” says Kathryn, “After that, she was truly a swimmer.”
Today, Jennifer is a regular at the pool where she practices the four competitive strokes and is working on flip turns. Like all sports, there are many important techniques athletes learn through training. Among the specific skills they worked on, Jenniffer says the program taught her “how to breathe in water, float with confidence, move with grace, and master every stroke.” She adds that “Kathryn didn’t just teach me the techniques; she made me believe I could learn them. She is not only a great swimmer and trainer, but also one of the most patient, encouraging people I’ve ever met.”
Kathryn is flattered by the compliments and quick to add that Jenniffer has also become a role model in the pool. “Several people have come up to us to say that seeing Jenniffer’s progress has inspired them that they can also learn to swim. And they’re right. They can!”
Continuing Swim Education
In addition to the ALTS classes, Jenniffer participates in Coach Kat’s Monday evening mixed-level group swim class, Recess Relays. Kathryn says she runs the class with three key commitments: “We are for fun; we are for challenge; and we are for each other.” The social camaraderie has been instrumental for swim progress.
“Learning alongside others makes the experience feel welcoming and far less intimidating.” says Jenniffer. “It’s in the way we support one another, celebrate small victories, and share countless laughs along the way that makes this journey not only beautiful, but also deeply enjoyable.”
Earlier this month, she met Jenniffer and another Recess Relays swimmer at a neighborhood pool for deep water and diving practice. The deep water access gave Kathryn the opportunity to confirm that Jenniffer had mastered the ALTS skills and recognize her with a surprise certificate from USMS. Both say this special moment is one they’ll remember forever.
“If you’ve ever thought about learning to swim but felt unsure,” says Jenniffer, “I’d say: go for it. In our adult learn-to-swim program, you will feel safe and supported, with a coach who cares about your journey. It’s never too late to learn, and the water might just become your new happy place!”
For more information about the Adult Learn-to-Swim program or the Monday night mixed-level swim class, contact Wilson’s Fitness (573-446-3232) or Coach Kat ([email protected]).