Some Dothan seniors are taking part in special fitness classes geared towards healthy hearts and happy minds.

John Parham has been getting out of his wheelchair and into the pool for aerobics since 1990.

John says, "I want to come here so that I can get about; all of it is stretching exercise and we have the best instructor this side of China here."

After a double hip replacement, water aerobics provides him with rehabilitation and low impact exercise.

According to AquaSize Instructor Han Kang Ning, "In my class, most people come after surgery; a doctor suggests to them to join the water aerobics, or water exercise because it helps muscles and joints work.”

Fitness classes geared towards seniors provide them with a fun and social environment, while also helping them physically.

Dot Wetmore moved to Dothan five years ago. She’s been going to Healthy Hearts for three years.

After neck surgery, she has increased her flexibility and relieved the pain.” When I first started coming here, I had carotid artery surgery on both sides of my neck and I could hardly turn my head that way. So, since I been comin' here, I can turn my head each way," she said.

In addition to the physical benefits of these classes, seniors of all ages come out and form valuable friendships while breaking a sweat.

Helen Rolen is 89-years-young and never misses a class. "I have a lot of friends; it's all friendship, everybody. Actually, I think exercise is a social thing, you can exercise with people when you wouldn't at home.”