“Erma Bombeck said water exercises are great. You don't get your hair wet, you can talk all the time and the teacher can’t see whether you’re doing it right or not,” said 94-year-old water aerobics instructor June Soderland.
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings as few as four and as many as a dozen women gather at the Butler-Gast YMCA Pool.
“The number will get bigger as swimsuit time approaches,” joked Soderland.
Veteran teacher June Soderland leads the 30-minute Aqua Joints Class.
“It's as close as we get to being Rockettes,” said Soderland.
For 30 years Ms. June has been teaching water aerobics at the Butler-Gast YMCA. At 94-years-young she is making a splash.
Shirley Alber says people are surprised to learn the age of their spirited teacher.
“I tell them you can do it. Anyone can do it,” said class participant Shirley Alber.
June is proof being active keeps you young. The water aerobics teacher is an inspiration to her students.
“You know when you get older you don't want to just crawl up in the corner, you need to get out,” said Alber.
Being social keeps June spry.
“When you get old you need to make new friends,” said Soderland.
And friendships are easy to come by at the Y.
“I like being with the people, I’ve met some really nice new friends, and I feel like I’m helping them be healthier,” said Soderland.
June says teaching is what she lives to do.
“Well they say you're never too old to learn, I guess you're never too old to teach,” said Soderland.
