Written by Shlomit Ovadia of JCC Denver
It’s 8:30 am and the women’s locker room at JCC Denver is as lively as Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehudah market on a Friday morning, as floatie-clad ladies change into swimsuits and lather their faces in sunscreen in preparation for Judy’s famous Aqua Fit class (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings).
Despite the early hour, the summer sun is already shining brightly at JCC’s Outdoor Pool, expected to climb upwards of 100 degrees later that day. Class– goers flock to the pool with their towels, joking and talking as they wiggle their way into the water to the beat of the music.
I am curious what the hype is about since I’ve heard nothing but good things about Judy’s class from her frequent flyers, many of whom have been hitting the pool with her for ten years now.
As soon as the tempo picks up, Judy has already begun dancing, bright sneakers tapping the cement overlooking the pool and ponytail bouncing up and down, as she flashes a smile as wide as the cloudless sky beaming down at us.
Everyone is pumped but the vibe is laid back. Folks running late casually wade into the water in protective sun gear, floating by their friends to say hello.
Judy is not only gesticulating every movement fully but participating with the class from above the pool and making it fun, calling out the moves, saying, “If you can’t keep up with me or your neighbor, who cares! Keep moving!” Or, after demonstrating everyone’s favorite action, rainbows, saying “if you don’t want to go around fully, I don’t care!” which elicits plenty of laughs from participants.
Observing this all from under the covered shade of a lounge chair perched behind the class, I watch as a sea of sunhats bob to the rhythms of the tunes and movements Judy calls out, reminiscent of an 80s workout class—the kind that you want to be in (think 1985 movie “Perfect” starring John Travolta).
People are singing as the song, “come on baby, let the good times roll,” plays, all eyes glued to Judy’s demonstration and joining along. The class is comprised of several isolated moves that target certain muscle groups, which Judy later combines into patterns for everyone to perform according to their own ability. The class is low impact, so folks can push themselves a bit more than normal without risking injury.
Slipping out quietly as I rush off to my next engagement, I am left thinking about what I’ve learned from Judy’s contagious, silly, and playful energy, and how non-judgmental support brings out the best in people.
Here’s what folks have to say about Judy’s class:
“Judy really cares that her class is interesting. She prepares for every class. She makes them all different. I don’t typically enjoy exercising but this class is different. The hour flies by.” – Susan Madison
“Judy brings high energy to the class and her awesome personality. Good friends, great pool, good exercise equal an amazing workout.” – Debby Meyers
“Judy is such an enthusiastic instructor, always smiling, having expectations that we will work hard but at our own levels, explaining the benefits [for] particular muscles and joints of the moves that we are doing. Judy does [her] homework, planning routines that make exercising seem more like dancing in the water. It is clear that Judy really cares about teaching and her students.” – Sarah Gilbert
“I enjoy the combination of energy, sunshine, and good friends. I’ve been attending for years, and I keep coming back because it’s a great way to start any day!” – Patricia Lackner
“Judy enjoys teaching, and that is inspiring. She always projects friendship and caring which is why I enjoy her class so very much.” – Sandra Solove
Check out our Fitness Group Class Schedule to join a class.