In the neighborhood pool, a group of dedicated women has created something special - a place to connect, support one another, and share a lot of laughter. This April, we’re proud to recognize Jan Jones as our Athlete of the Month, celebrating her role in a pool aerobics group that has become as much about friendship as fitness.

Jan has lived in the neighborhood for five years and has been part of the pool aerobics group since its beginning about fifteen months ago. The group formed organically when participants from the Fitness Center’s Aquafit class didn’t want their water workouts to end when cooler weather arrived. What started as a handful of determined women grew through word of mouth, invitations, and the simple joy of moving together in the water.

Their sessions are truly collaborative. Rather than having a single instructor, the group follows a round-robin format where each participant calls out two exercises performed in sets of three. New members are welcomed at their own pace, with no pressure to lead until they feel comfortable. A core group of fourteen women stays connected through a text chain, making it easy to coordinate and encourage one another.

The group meets year-round, adapting to the seasons with impressive dedication. During the pool season, they gather early each morning before recreational swim hours begin. In the off-season, they meet at a consistent afternoon time so others can easily join. Even in the colder months, when water temperatures hover around 56 degrees and the air sits in the 60s, a brave few can still be found in the pool, often wearing wetsuits and sharing plenty of laughs about the challenge.

Cold-weather sessions come with memorable moments. Wetsuits sometimes require teamwork to remove, earning plenty of giggles. The jacuzzi becomes a well-deserved reward after a chilly workout. There’s even been a “sisterhood of the traveling wetsuit,” passed along when visitors or curious newcomers wanted to give winter water exercise a try. And when the weather becomes too extreme, the group finds other ways to stay connected, sometimes trading swims for social gatherings that keep their bond strong.

While fitness is a major benefit, the true impact of the group goes far beyond exercise. Members have supported one another through life’s ups and downs, from home challenges and health concerns to celebrations and milestones. They share advice, recipes, books, plants, and practical help. They’ve formed smaller outings, meals, and adventures together. Many say they’ve built deep friendships with people they might never have met otherwise.

Participants credit the group with improved physical health, weight loss, and greater overall well-being. Just as important are the emotional benefits: a place to vent, receive encouragement, and find support. The pool, many say, has become their happy place - physically and mentally.

The sessions themselves are filled with energy and personality. Laughter often echoes across the complex as members debate the “question of the day,” sparking both humor and meaningful conversation. Visitors of all backgrounds have joined in, from grandchildren to international guests, proving that movement and community truly transcend language and age.

What keeps them coming back, no matter the season, is simple: how good they feel afterward and the friendships they’ve come to rely on. Their message to anyone considering joining is welcoming and sincere: come on in — the water feels great.

The women that make up with this incredible group are not only incredible individually but together, they’ve created more than a workout routine, they’ve built a community that lifts one another up, one splash at a time.

Interested in joining their workout?  Anyone is welcome!  During off-season they normally can be found at the pool most afternoons at 1:30pm and in the Summer in the mornings at 8:30am.  

Shown in Photos:  Wanda O’Brien Michelle Mason Judy McCabe Beth Stauff Gillian Wells Lori Tornes Jan Jones

Members Not Shown in Photos:  Becky Demarco Lisa Chrysochou Susan Tschita Stacey Medve Cindy Finck Jeanne Lorenson Sue McGrath