I aqua jog. Or at least I did, until the earthquake destroyed QE11. Imagine then, my joy at discovering that The Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre has opened right across the road from Papanui Library. (Graham Condon was a Christchurch City councillor and paralympian who was tragically killed in 2007)
Aqua jogging is alive and well at the Condon Centre and it is not only for the more mature. I have seen pregnant ladies subside into the water with little Mona Lisa smiles of relief on their faces and the scarily fit, with bodies beautiful, aqua jog with weights attached to wrists and ankles. But I prefer the dignified style of an elderly Japanese man who, head held high, did his laps with an i-pod strapped carefully to the top of his head.
Of course there is so much more than aqua exercise available at this marvellous new leisure centre: like lane swimming, a spa pool, kiddies paddling pools and gyms. Have a peek at some photos – it’s a gem of a facility and where else in Christchurch can you get a mall, a library and a recreation centre all in one block of land?
But the really big question is: will Papanui Library become known as The Swimming Pool Library? Or will the Condon Centre be The Library Swimming Pool? Give us a visit and you can decide.
*I’m never one to let a literary reference go by – The swimming pool library is the title of a novel by well known British writer Alan Hollinghurst.
Christchurch City Libraries Blog 
Hi Roberta! Yes its a mighty fine Council Facility! Ive started doing the Thursday night AquaZumba class. As well as AquaFit classes. Theres nothing nicer after a day onboard Mobile Library than to get into the pool and shake this booty!! As a matter of fact its a nice way to start the day as well. And the spa pool……Ooooo…!!!
AquaZumba sounds scarily energetic. What’s happened to just paddling around quietly with head held erect?
Please you two, tell me, you don’t read and Aquasize!
I haven’t actually DONE anything at the Condon Centre yet but no I won’t be reading and jogging, I like to dawdle up and down the lane, quite peacefully really. But Janna is a terrific multi-tasker, so I can’t speak for her!
Now here’s an idea that’s taken off in Paris: aqua-cycling! And, yes, I have been tempted to drag my ancient exercise bike out of the attic and toss it into the pool at home to give it a whirl. The only question is, which will grind to a halt sooner: my knees or the rusty bike?!
What do they wear while they are doing it, knee guards way off to one side, as it were!?