by Cathy Marshall, KGW Staff

kgw.com

Posted on January 9, 2014 at 4:39 PM

PORTLAND -- If you need motivation for your 2014 fitness resolution, you might find it at the East Portland Parks & Recreation pool.

Mary Hamilton, 71, is teaching water aerobics to seniors. If youre down in any way, you need a Mary Day, said student Barbara Goyette.

Hamilton didnt even learn to swim until the age of 32. My four boys could swim and they would tease me that I couldnt so I learned how to do that and ride a bike, Hamilton remembered. She had worked for Portland Public Schools as an aide and at 55, retired and became a water instructor.

It keeps my blood pressure regulated and gives me more flexibility, she said.

Her students have learned that the benefits go well beyond physical changes.

I was staying home and not ever seeing people and then I came here and it was light and bright. Its been a great way to beat depression, remarked Goyette.

This month, Mary is helping students become Water Warriors." The Portland Parks and Recreation program is in its 13th year.

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Sr. 'water warrior' spreads word about fitness