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 exercise without putting excess strain on the joints and muscles. The AFAP gives the opportunity to do gentle activities in warm water, with guidance from a trained instructor.
It is a nonclinical program so will not replace a prescribed regimen of therapeutic exercise.
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.