Trenton's Water Walkers Unite for Camaraderie, Physical Fitness, and Social Connections in the Swimming Pool
In the heart of Trenton, New Jersey, a unique group of older women gather six days a week at the Hetzel outdoor pool. They are the Water Walkers, a community of women who have found a supportive and accessible environment for exercise, fellowship, and personal growth.
Founded by Donna Wellons, a Trenton native and social emotional learning educator, the Water Walkers began as a "joke" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inviting the public to join her in the pool, Donna started a movement that has grown to about 50 participants over the past six years.
Each morning, except Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., these women come together for water aerobics sessions tailored to seniors. The sessions include warm-up exercises, followed by low-impact routines designed to improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Newcomers are welcomed with a song, and the camaraderie among members is what keeps them coming back each season.
Water aerobics offers numerous benefits for older adults. Being buoyant, water reduces gravitational stress on bones and joints, making it a low-impact form of exercise that supports joint health and mobility while minimizing the risk of injury or strain. Regular water exercise helps improve strength, flexibility, endurance, and cardiovascular health. Moreover, the social aspect of group classes, such as those undertaken by the Water Walkers, supports mental health and motivation, reducing feelings of isolation and improving quality of life.
The Water Walkers' meetings are part of a partnership with independent journalists across New Jersey to highlight the state's people, communities, and distinctive places. This partnership is made possible with support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. The website provides fact-based, in-depth journalism and relies on financial support from readers.
For Victoria Bland, another member, the sisterhood she found through the class is affirming. Clara Blakely Sampson, an 87-year-old member, has been attending Water Walker classes for five seasons. The bond they share transcends the pool, extending into their daily lives.
Courtney Gaines, a health specialist from Mercer County-based company Just Gaines, emphasizes the benefits of water aerobics for older adults. "It's a great way to get exercise without putting too much strain on your body," she says. "Plus, the social aspect is a huge bonus."
The Water Walkers are a shining example of how organized water aerobics can empower older adults both physically and socially, fostering stronger community ties and healthier aging through a supportive, accessible environment.
The Water Walkers, a group of older women in Trenton, New Jersey, have integrated science-backed water aerobics exercises, based on the benefits of low-impact forms of exercise for joint health and mobility, into their lifestyle. This home-and-garden setting brings them together six days a week, creating an environment conducive to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and personal growth. Their bond extends beyond the pool, reflecting the positive impacts of lifestyle changes and social connections on their mental and emotional well-being.
