Why Lakeshore

1. Everyone - regardless of physical disability - is equal here. From ages 6 months to 100 years, Lakeshore serves a wide range of individuals with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions (see list of qualifying conditions). Individuals age 60 and over are also eligible to join.

2. No cookie cutter classes. Interested in an aquatic exercise class? Choose from 13 different options. How about fitness? With eight classes ranging from adaptive yoga to our SilverSneakers Cardio Circuit class, you'll stay fit and never get bored. All of our classes can be adapted to your level of ability.

3. Innovative programs. Ever heard of Watsu (water relaxation) or Jahara (aquatic pain intervention)? You'll find them both at Lakeshore. We seek out the newest (and sometimes most ancient) options to help our members. In addition, our on-site research and education department assists in developing new programs and analyzing their effectiveness.

4. Because one pool is not enough, we have two - a therapy pool maintained at 94 degrees for pain management and range of motion, and an 88-degree lap pool for cardiac workouts and for those with multiple sclerosis. And don't forget the fieldhouse with three hardwood courts and a 200-meter track, the ten-lane marksmanship range, our 6,000 sq. ft. fitness center complete with spacious locker rooms and assisted dressing areas . . . and, oh yes, the climbing wall.

5. A staff of overachievers. Our program staff members are specially trained in their fields of expertise, plus many have advanced degrees and additional certifications. With more than 80 full and part-time employees including four nationally-certified personal trainers, you won't have to fight to find someone - at busy times, there is still someone available to help.

6. When it comes to accessibility and accommodation, we think outside the box. A great deal of fitness equipment is not easily accessible for those in wheelchairs or adapted for those with amputations. Our staff's creativity and ingenuity in devising ways to accommodate these needs is truly awe-inspiring. Our pool is accessible to those who are oxygen-dependent or in wheelchairs plus we now offer recreational opportunities for the visually impaired . . . the list goes on and on.

7. Our injured military initiative. More than 30,000 U.S. military personnel have been severely injured in the global war on terror. Lakeshore's Lima Foxtrot programs are designed to return our nation's heroes to living healthy, active, independent lives..

8. When it comes to family, the more the merrier. Because we value health and fitness for the entire family and realize the importance of families participating in activities together, we welcome able-bodied family members of eligible individuals.

9. Lots of bang for your buck. Because it costs a lot to do what we do, every membership is significantly subsidized by Lakeshore Foundation. Our fees are kept reasonable while our services exceed what you could get anywhere else.

10. What's your pleasure - scuba diving, hunting, fishing, paddling, sled hockey, shooting sports, hand-cycling or water skiing? We've got them all. Or maybe you're interested in competitive sports? Opportunities for youth and adults include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, swimming, marksmanship, wheelchair tennis and track & field.