In January 2025, Kathryn Fishman-Weaver (“Coach Kat”) started Wilson’s first swim-based group fitness class. The class, which she calls Recess Relays, aims to support adults as they build endurance, swim skills, strength, and water confidence.
Coach Kat, who sometimes refers to the class as a pool field day for adults, says that she reminds all the swimmers she coaches “that we are for fitness, fun, and each other.” She adds that “Once you become an adult, you rarely get to go play at the pool, and that’s a shame. Sports and play go together and swimming is no exception.”
Each Monday, the swimmers who attend her class look forward to seeing what she has planned for them. On April 21st she surprised the group by hosting Wilson’s first Spring Swim Fling.
The event included 9 challenges focused on fitness, fun, and swim skills. Each challenge was followed by a leveled swim. Swimmers could choose to complete 9 x 200s, 9 x 100s, or 9 x 50s. “As an educator, I write differentiation into all my planning.” says Coach Kat. “It’s important to me that everyone who comes to class experiences success.”
Swimmers took advantage of the three leveled options, with Mary Bean completing the top distance and logging well over 2,000 yards at the event.
The nine challenges included play-based events such as a beach ball partner swim, handstand contests, and dolphin dives for colored gems that Coach Kat had hidden around the pool; swim drills such as corkscrew (where a swimmer turns from backstroke to freestyle) and social kicks (kickboard drills with a friend); as well as more competitive events that the class had worked on in previous weeks including butterfly and backstroke sprints and the 100 yard Individual Medley.
“Recess Relays is my go-to spot for fun and fitness.” says Spring Fling Finisher, Mickie Abiyou. “It’s like a never-ending playground for grown-ups! Each time, I’ve burnt over 1,000 calories while having the time of my life! I’ve walked away from class time and time again thinking, ‘That was an absolute blast!”
All Spring Swim Fling finishers received a flower lei and certificate marking their achievement. Ellie Trick, a Recess Relays regular says, “I have enjoyed learning the basics swim strokes and new skills. This class has made me more confident in the water, and our Coach also makes everything fun, like our Spring Fling Event last week!”
Wilsons members can join Coach Kat each Monday at 5:30pm for Recess Relays, which is included with their gym membership. Non-members can pay a $17 drop-in rate per class. While no formal swim experience is required, swimmers should be able to confidently swim the length of the pool before joining the class. Not quite there yet? That’s okay! Reach out to Wilson’s for information about Coach Kat’s private and tag team adult-learn-to-swim coaching packages.