At 90, age is no obstacle to activity
By July, any New Year’s resolutions that were made about
exercising and getting in shape have probably expired. As the
calendar races further and further away from the idyllic promises
made on Jan. 1, momentum encourages us to have a little too much
dessert and a spend a little too much time on the couch.
So, for those in need of a mid-year boost to reinvigorate
forgotten fitness goals, Bernice Pedrazzi may be just the
inspiration you need.
”
If you just sit, you’re going to deteriorate,
”
exclaimed the petite, 90-year-old Hollister resident.
At 90, age is no obstacle to activity
By July, any New Year’s resolutions that were made about exercising and getting in shape have probably expired. As the calendar races further and further away from the idyllic promises made on Jan. 1, momentum encourages us to have a little too much dessert and a spend a little too much time on the couch.
So, for those in need of a mid-year boost to reinvigorate forgotten fitness goals, Bernice Pedrazzi may be just the inspiration you need.
“If you just sit, you’re going to deteriorate,” exclaimed the petite, 90-year-old Hollister resident.
Even though she can longer do as many things as she might like, she works hard at the things that she is able to do. And these days for Pedrazzi, that means water aerobics … and lots of it.
She has been attending water aerobics at Rovella’s Gym in Hollister since the pool facilities there were completed a few years ago. Before that, she exercised using Rovella’s more conventional equipment such as the treadmills. But after a few water-borne workouts, there was no turning back and attending classes three times a week has become part of her routine.
“Water aerobics is not hard on your legs or any other part of your body,” said Pedrazzi.
Especially for those in their golden years, low-impact activities such as swimming and water aerobics can provide great exercise yet still be gentle on bones, joints and ligaments. Plus, having known someone who had a fall during a gym workout, being in the water gives Pedrazzi an additional feeling of security.
“Now, you can’t hurt yourself in the pool, unless you drown,” she says with a chuckle. Her sharp sense of humor often punctuated her thoughts over the course of conversation.
While the aim of water aerobics is certainly to raise heart rates, the atmosphere around the pool at Rovella’s Tuesday morning showed that the class provides more than just a workout. The clock was nearing 9 a.m. and the water aerobics pool was slowly filling up not only with swimsuit-clad students, but also friendly conversation. Greetings and smiles were exchanged, mostly with familiar faces, but any newcomers were quickly met with warm introductions.
The music started and attention turned toward the instructor, Lisa Rovella, who also happens to be Pedrazzi’s granddaughter. Students mimicked her movements, but even as the pace picked up, conversations continued on the side.
“It’s a lot of camaraderie,” said Pedrazzi. “Everyone’s talking and having fun, you don’t feel like you’re really working.”
During the hour-long class, several women made their way over to Pedrazzi for a quick chat and a dose of Pedrazzi’s gentle smile.
“When she doesn’t come, we miss her,” said water aerobics classmate and friend Mary Lou Armbruster, who referred to Pedrazzi as an inspiration. “She’s great.”
It seems that Pedrazzi’s inspirational influence however, extends farther than the concrete sides of Rovella’s pool. A healthcare provider who sees Pedrazzi on a regular basis has been motivated to begin a swimming regimen of her own.
“You’re going, now I have to go,” Pedrazzi recalled being told. But just hearing her words was not enough of a commitment for Pedrazzi.
“I’ll check up on her tomorrow,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
Pedrazzi was proud to state that she is the oldest member in her water aerobics class, surpassing many other students by decades, she believes. However, her attitude turned quite humble when asked what is it that she has done to help her stay so healthy and active at the age of 90.
“I don’t know, maybe it’s the genes,” she said modestly. But then, with a little more certainty, she stated “I think it’s my family.”
Starting with the three daughters that she raised with her husband, Lawrence Pedrazzi, her family has grown tremendously and now includes three granddaughters, three grandsons, eight great-granddaughters, one great-grandson and one great-great-grandson.
“We’re always partying,” she said, her face filled with joy as she talked about being surrounded by loved ones. Pedrazzi will be the focus of a big get-together later this month as her family celebrates her 90-year milestone that officially occurred in late June.
In between the special occasions and family parties, Pedrazzi will most likely be found in the pool, chatting with friends and exercising to the upbeat music. Her advice for others, regardless of age, is clear and simple.
“Get with it,” she said firmly.
“If I can do it, they can do it.”
Local water aerobics classes:
Morgan Hill Aquatics Center
Shallow Tone
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
Deep Water Dynamics
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
Rovella’s Athletic Club, Hollister
Monday thru Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
