At the heart of the Don Sjogren Community YMCA in Holdrege is a pool that is more than a place to exercise; it’s a place where friendships form, fears fade, and strength is built from the inside out. Through the YMCA Water Wake Up class, Connie Jacobson has been a beacon of transformation, guiding her students through gentle yet powerful water aerobics exercises.
A Pool with Purpose
Connie’s connection to the YMCA began before the organization even had a pool when she played a pivotal role in bringing the aquatic dream to life in the Holdrege community. As a key member of the board, she supported the creation of early aquatics programs by teaching classes at the local Super 8 until the YMCA pool was completed. Thanks in part to her leadership and vision, the YMCA opened its current 40,000-square-foot facility in 2006, where Connie has been teaching water aerobics classes twice a week ever since.
“I’ve always loved the water,” Connie says. “My mother told me I could swim before I could walk.” That early connection became a lifelong passion. Over her lifetime, Connie has taught 40 years of swim lessons and 25 years of water aerobics. She even became a lifeguard at the age of 60. Connie remarks, “everyone else was younger, but they cheered me on anyway.”
Connie’s class is more than just exercise; it’s a joyful morning ritual where members in their 70s to 90s come together. “We don’t get our hair wet—heavens forbid!” Connie laughs, sharing one of the class’s unofficial mottos. The class dances (lightly), uses noodles and balls for strength work, and most importantly, supports one another. “The best part is everybody is so connected,” Connie shares. “If someone isn’t there, we know about it. We care about each other and call to check up on people if they aren’t there.”
This sense of belonging makes the class a cherished part of many lives, including Sharon Kreutzer, a long-time participant who credits the class with keeping her active and social. “It’s kept me a little active,” Sharon says about the Water Wake Up class. “At first, I was working full time, so the class is good for me now that I am retired.”
Healing Power of the Water
Connie’s leadership extends beyond fitness. Water aerobics has also proven to be a powerful tool for physical healing. Connie recalls a class member who chose to attend class in preparation for back surgery. Both he and the surgeon realized that the water aerobics class helped his muscle formation and shortened his recovery time. Now, Connie says to people approaching surgery, “You have to come to water aerobics first because you’re going to be so much happier if you do.”
Recently, Connie’s health journey brought the class full circle. After a stress test revealed significant arterial blockage, she learned she needs bypass surgery. Thanks to her years of water fitness, her doctor was impressed with her strength. “The doctor said, ‘You’ve not lost any strength because of your activity in the water.’ He even said I likely wouldn’t need cardiac rehab, I could get right back in the water.”
A Lasting Legacy of Friendship
For many, the water is a challenge. “Some people are afraid of the water, and I understand that,” Connie says, although she is confident that the water is a place for all. She tells newcomers, “We’ve had back surgeries, knee surgeries, shoulder surgeries, and some who have never had a surgery here, too, so you’ll fit no matter what.” Connie has worked with several students with differing abilities over the years and remarks, “It’s fun to get someone to understand that the water is okay—to watch them get the ‘aha’ and know what they are doing.”
Connie Jacobson and the Water Wake Up class embody the YMCA’s mission of fostering community, well-being, and togetherness. As Sharon puts it, “It’s a friendship group, really,” capturing the essence of what makes this class, and the YMCA, a vital part of their lives. Connie affectionately agrees, “The best part is the communication and the friendships that have been made.” Through her dedication and joyful spirit, Connie continues to inspire all who gather in the welcoming waters of the Don Sjogren Community YMCA.