Rolling in the deep… end: Why aquatic exercise is uniquely beneficial for all ages

Twice a week at 9:45 a.m., Connie Posadny calls her rowdy battalion to order.

Her soldiers, a couple dozen of Toledo’s hardiest senior citizens, are armed with pool noodles and foam dumbbells. They’ve assembled for roll call at the Wolf Creek YMCA pool, as many have been doing for years.

Yet, they’re not here to fight — they’re here to dance.

With the cadence of a drill sergeant and the pep of a cheer coach, Ms. Posadny barks her commands, while an ’80s disco cover of The Temptations’ “My Girl” provides a rhythmic backing.

“Move those legs! Dip those arms!”

Ms. Posadny is one of Wolf Creek’s water class instructors. Most days of the week, this Y offers some form of water aerobics, ranging from aqua-jogging to dance classes to Ms. Posadny’s “SilverSneakers Splash” water aerobics class.