NORWICH – For some, the secret to everlasting life is unattainable, far-away in a myth or a legend.
For others, the magic supposedly found in a fountain of youth – like the idea of getting old – only really exists in the people who believe in it.
For one early morning Water Arthritis Exercise Class, it just so happens that the vibrancy of youth, with or without all its secrets, follows them wherever they go, including the Norwich YMCA swimming pool.
“You can’t help but feel good around this group,” said class member Jane Stillinger. “They’re a bunch of clowns.”
In a class that intends to loosen joints and strengthen bones, its participants say the limber laughter is what makes all the waves.
“They’re a riot,” said the class’s co-instructor Patty Jenkins. “They are just a fabulous group.”
Class members range in age from their 60’s on up to their mid-90’s, most having arthritis or some form of replacement surgery. The low-impact of working out in the water is the key to healing and strengthening those vulnerable joints, many of the participants said, and since joining the class they have never felt better.
“It’s been the best thing for me,” said Netti Dennis of Norwich, who has lived with arthritis since she’s been in her thirties.
“I feel better after I get out,” added Jewel Hayes, of Mt. Upton. “I feel great.”
The class was started by Jenkins and co-instructor Susan Kocsis three years ago. According to Jenkins, the original three-day-a-week class became so popular that they had to create a second class for 8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The twice-a-week class has since evolved into more than just exercising with friendly acquaintances, or friends – they refer to each other as part of an extended family.
“It’s been huge,” Jenkins said. “There is no other way to describe it.”
Aside from improvements in flexibility, mobility, and posture, the class said that their confidence, attitude, and overall outlook on life has benefited with each new visit to the pool, acknowledging the warm and fearless atmosphere created by their teachers, and each other.
“I’m not afraid of drowning anymore – that’s a miracle,” laughed Jo Laughlin, who in six months has overcame a substantial life-long fear of the water. “Susie (Kocsis) is an excellent teacher. She’s very understanding.”
The group of 20 to 25 have grown very close, with several having been members since the class’ beginning in 2003, some of whom also go to the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday class. But the relationships they’ve developed don’t end at the pool doors, as the class regularly holds functions together, which includes a ceremonial breakfast outing to a local restaurant after each hour in the water.
“We need that extra social hour,” said Polly Hopson, who has been using the water for her work-outs for over 50 years. “We just enjoy it, we enjoy the social aspect of it.” Hopson, who is a widow, said it is nice to spend time with other people away from her home. “I like it because I don’t have to go home to an empty house,” she said.
They spend time drinking coffee, discussing family and eagerly telling stories, all the while fitting in a few more laughs.
“They’re used to us,” laughed a reassuring Dennis, referring to the waitresses at Ossie’s Restaurant.
When it’s over they get in their cars and go separate ways, happy for the time they’ve had, looking forward to the next meeting.
“You can do things in the water that you wouldn’t normally be able to do,” said Stillinger.