Erin Parry
Nose clips? Check. Waterproof makeup? Check. For her senior research project, applied health science major Erin Parry ’19 researched the benefits of group exercise.
Through the Falcon Fitness Center Instagram account, she recruited students for a six-week synchronized swimming class.
“There were a couple who didn’t have much experience in swimming,” said Parry, “much less synchronized swimming.”
A competitive synchronized swimmer for six years, she dove into experiential learning as it related to exercise science. Before designing her class, she spent time talking to experienced fitness instructors. She then created a progressive class that included elements of strength and cardiovascular exercise. Stretching her leadership skills, she taught her class these essentials:
- “Achieve your land skills before translating them to the water.”
The class worked on building core strength through Pilates workouts before hitting the pool. - “Get really comfy in the water.”
Synchronized swimmers must not touch the bottom of the pool during any part of the 3- to 4-minute routine, so core strength is essential. - “When you’re putting together a routine, the social component is huge.”
Parry says when the group had positive interactions, they performed the routine more smoothly.
Mindy Smith, senior lecturer of applied health science and director of student wellness at Messiah, mentored Parry through this on-campus internship.
“Erin merged her background as a synchronized swimmer and her desire to promote enjoyable physical activity for other students in the design of her fitness class,” said Smith. “Throughout her internship, Erin was involved in valuable applied learning, while also supporting other students in their commitments to physical activity.”