Stay active this winter at the IVYMCA Aquatic Center

Cold, dark winter days can make exercise feel like a chore, but there is a simple way to stay motivated and get moving in the New Year.

The Illinois Valley YMCA in Peru offers open lap swim and a therapy pool at the Adele and Delwin Link Memorial Aquatic Center.

Adele and Delwin were born in LaSalle-Peru in 1911 and 1907 respectively, attended local grade schools and graduated from LaSalle Peru Township High School. Adele wanted to honor her husband, who passed away in 1986, by leaving her assets to build an aquatic center at the Illinois Valley YMCA. Adele passed away in 2003, designating her executor and a committee of local businessmen to carry out her wishes for the Illinois Valley YMCA.

The therapy pool is a warm water pool kept at 92 degrees and features under water therapeutic massage jet chairs, warm water, underwater treadmills and bicycles and is also handicap accessible.

The 25-yard lap pool featured eight lanes for general recreational swimming.

Water exercise classes are available too! Fun Fit H2O takes place Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Silver Splash on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. Water walking days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11 a.m.

Water Walking is a great workout without the stress on your knees and back with regular walking.

The Link Aquatic Center will be returning to the Tier 2 schedule. For a complete pool schedule, including the lap pool and therapy pool times, please visit www.ivymca.com, or visit us on Facebook. The new Link Aquatic schedule will be in effect beginning Jan. 18.

Private swim lessons are also available in either the lap pool or therapy pool. More information on private lessons can be found at ivymca.com/swim.

Illinois Valley YMCA: 300 Walnut Dr., Peru, IL 61354, 815-223-7904, www.ivymca.com