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The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) is a water exercise program designed for people with arthritis and related conditions. Water exercise is especially good for people with arthritis, because it allows you to exercise without putting excess strain on your joints and muscles. The AFAP gives you the opportunity to do gentle activities in warm water, with guidance from a trained instructor. Although it is a nonclinical program (one that will not replace a prescribed regimen of therapeutic exercise), past participants have enjoyed some physical benefits such as decreased pain and stiffness. Co-developed by the Arthritis Foundation and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), the AFAP is offered in pools throughout the United States. When the program is offered in a YMCA pool facility, it is called the Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program or AFYAP . The Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program is a series of gentle recreational exercise classes held in warm water pools. The program is designed to help relieve pain and stiffness caused by arthritis while providing a fun, social opportunity. It is not necessary to know how to swim. Trained personnel conduct the sessions. Program fees and schedules vary and are set by each program site.
