When Julie Czochara moved to Gothenburg from New York in 2017, she didn’t know a single person. So, as one of her first actions as the branch director of the new YMCA, she started a water aerobics class.

“Starting the WaterFit class gave me the opportunity to get to know people,” Julie said. “It has been a blessing ever since.”

The class now meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon-12:45 p.m. at the YMCA or at the outdoor pool in the summer.

“We laugh, pray, talk, sing and …. yes exercise,” Julie said. “It is the best part of my week, and we all come away feeling so much better than when we first came in!”

The class first met at the Gothenburg Comfort Suites for about a year until the YMCA pool was built. Now, it alternates between the YMCA for most of the year and the outdoor pool in the summer.

“There is nothing better than to have the class outside when it is a beautiful, warm sunny day,” Julie said. “This year, we ended the outdoor season by turning on the water slide. Now that was entertaining!”

The initial class started with about six people and has grown to about 30 if everyone attended. The average attendance is about 15. Most of the participants are in their 60s and 70s, however, teenagers, young adults and people in their 80s also participate.

“This class is for everyone, especially if you have joint issues, hip or knee replacements or back issues,” Julie said. “Water exercise is the best! WaterFit combines strength, cardio, balance and a lot of laughter.”

Julie plays all types of music to energize the participants.

“It is very entertaining when we all know the songs and start singing along and reminiscing,” Julie said. “It is a hoot!
Nancy Augustine, 78, said Julie “has great music for those of us who still remember the 60s.”

Nancy started attending the WaterFit class about eight months ago.

“Like a lot of people my age, I’ve had both knees replaced, one twice, and a hip replacement,” Nancy said. “Everyone always says walking is such great exercise. I hate to walk. I had always thought it would be fun to try water exercises, and at the urging of my friend, Jeanie Johnson, I got up the nerve to put on a bathing suit and go!”

And she’s glad did.

“The whole class is so great,” Nancy said. “We laugh, we visit, we sometimes get a side eye from Julie (jokingly!) when we get to talking instead of exercising, but it’s always fun. It’s just a special class that helps keep me moving, lets me enjoy others, and gets me off the couch!”

Jeanie Johnson also started in the WaterFit class with an invitation from a friend.

Jeanie was reluctant to start because she feared she wouldn’t be able to keep up, and the arthritis in her back was causing a lot of pain. She faced her fears and started attending one summer when the class was outside.
“I loved it from the start,” Jeanie said. “The exercises were so good for all parts of my body. I couldn’t believe that I didn’t get sore muscles or hurt the next day!”

Jeanie said Julie makes the routines fun, and she looks forward to the 45-minute sessions that seem to end too quickly.

“Overall, the WaterFit class has helped make me so much more flexible in my everyday household chores, and I have gained strength in my arms and legs,” Jeanie said. “I can do things that I hadn’t been able to do for years before I started. I’m getting better balance, too. I will say that when I don’t go for a week or two due to health issues or being out of town, I start to lose strength and balance and feel the need to get back to it as soon as I can.”

Jeanie has nothing but praise for their instructor.

“Julie is just the best teacher and instructor for the WaterFit class and is so good with everyone and never makes it awkward or uncomfortable for any of us at any time,” Jeanie said.

Julie said there’s always room for more people to join the class.

“The invitation is now… come join the class,” Julie said. “See ya in the water!”