YMCA water aerobics keeps Orlando seniors social and active

ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of seniors, who call themselves the “Swimmin’ Women,” are taking fitness classes each week to stay active and social.

Natilee Hamilton is one of them, bringing the energy to the water aerobics classes at the Leonard & Marjorie Williams Family YMCA.

“I love to see people having fun and I love to make somebody’s day,” said Hamilton. “I don’t care who it is. I love the fact I can make somebody’s day.”

For her, the class is more than social hour. It’s a low-impact way to keep her body moving, as she lives with back and knee issues.

“I used to be a much, much bigger woman. I used to weigh 365 pounds. I’ve lost over 100-something pounds by not just swim aerobics, I’m able to do other workouts due to the fact that I lose the weight from swim aerobics,” said Hamilton.

The class is part of the YMCA of Central Florida’s senior offerings to encourage healthy living. By using weights and alternating exercises, the seniors are increasing strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise. Participants feel lightweight underwater too.

“One third of senior citizens experience some sort of loneliness or socialization, so this is a great opportunity to bring people together, meet some friends, get connected, and really form their own community within the Y,” says District Vice President Justin Higa.

Eva-Maria Lamott and her husband are also in the class. While they benefit from the exercise, they have also formed a second family after moving here from Germany.

“I love these classes because all the people here are so amazing. We are already friends and we are meeting also in private sometimes. We are celebrating our birthdays together and it’s really a good, good group,” said Eva-Maria Lamott.

To learn more about group classes, leaders say you can stop by or call any local YMCA or visit the YMCA of Central Florida’s website by clicking here.