By Shannon Lukens.

 

These three have taught different classes at Old Town Hot Springs for a combined 117 years.

 Karen Jimmerson (on the right) started teaching in 1989. Both Jean Labaree (center) and Peggy Van Vliet (on the left) started in 1983.

(Labaree) “I’ve taught spin. I’ve taught step. I’ve taught Core, I’ve taught Strength and Stretch. I’ve taught them all. “

(Van Vliet) “I used to teach land, which was a blast. I loved it. But then I had this awakening about the water and that was going to be the up-and-coming thing and I could continue to do that well into my later years. So that’s basically what I do now.”

 

Van Vliet teaches water classes in the hot pool. The Fit For Life class is at 7 a.m. and she teaches it on Tuesdays and Thursdays, whether it’s sunny or snowing.

“I just absolutely love it and I get so much feedback from the people. They’re the best and they’re so dedicated. They’ve been doing this for years, as well as I have. But the hour of the day, 7 a.m. Summertime it’s great, wintertime it’s a bit of a challenge. During COVID, we had to meet at 6 a.m. and they all showed up.”

 

Van Vliet also teaches a deep water class. It used to be in the deep end of the old lap pool, too, where she would instruct in the water and on the side of the pool.

 

Labaree says she has been happy to be active her entire life and that’s what she hopes those in her class can do as well, because she loves teaching.

“I try to instill that into my students, so they can live a fulfilling life as long as they can, and still be able to do the things that they like to do, maybe at a smaller scale as they get older, but still be able to move and enjoy life.”

 

Labaree says she loves teaching at Old Town Hot Springs, and she is happy to have been doing it for so long.

“I enjoy it and it keeps me young.”