Water aerobics all-star

Seventy-four-year-old Jeanette Raichle is up for National Aerobics Instructor of the Year award. She swears by the importance of fitness, and she is walking, swimming, dancing and hiking proof of the long-term benefits of an active lifestyle. 
“Not bad for 74, huh?” said Jeanette Raichle after giving away her age. “If you don’t use your strength, you’ll lose it. I stay very active.” 
She said that she was surprised and happy when she found out that she was in the running for National Aerobics Instructor of the Year award. The contest is hosted by Greatmats, a Wisconsin-based specialty flooring company. 
The women in her water aerobics class on the morning of Nov. 19 teased Raichle about her local celebrity status, as she has also received many polka honors, including being crowned “Polka Queen” at a polka festival in Duncan, Iowa.  
It is not unusual on any given day for Raichle to spend seven to eight hours exercising. Between polka dancing, teaching water aerobics, hiking, running a mile a day and biking 10 miles a day, she easily fills up her time with fitness. 
She teaches three water aerobics classes a day during the week and two classes on Fridays at the Owatonna Fitness Center at West Hills. She first tried it when she was in between jobs and her daughter gifted her two months of water aerobics classes in 2003. 
“I tried it, and I liked it. Eventually I was asked to teach,” said Raichle. “A lot of people don’t know about water aerobics. If people tried it I think they would really like it.” 
She explained that water aerobics is unique in that all ages can excel at water aerobics. The water lifts people up and takes much of the weight put on joints throughout exercise. 
Raichle currently has two class participants that are over 90. She also had a man that could not walk because he was not maintaining his body. After routine water aerobics, he was able to live a mobile lifestyle again. 
“I truly believe that if people would just try it, they’ll feel better,” she said. “People always ask me ‘where do you get all of your energy?’ Well the truth is that teaching strengthens my muscles and bones. It just makes me feel good.” 
A typical water aerobics class begins with stretching with noodles. Then, the class would use the boards for some work outs. The bar bells are used for 15 minutes of higher impact aerobics. 
While Raichle is excited about her nomination as one of the four individuals up for National Water Aerobics Instructor of the Year, she hopes to create more of an interest in water aerobics and fitness, especially within the elderly community. 
To learn more about joining a class, call the Owatonna Fitness Center.