Name: Beth Triller

Age: 52

Occupation: Rehabilitation and fitness specialist at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community’s Aquatic Wellness Center, 333 W. Main St.

Number of years on the job: 25

I have a passion to help people be healthy and show them what a difference exercise makes in their lives. Exercising on a regular basis helps everyone to see progress and become committed to exercise for life.

Many of the residents from Capitol Lakes Retirement Community are my students. The public is also welcome to take classes as long as they fit the age category, which is 50 and older.

I teach high, medium and low levels of aquacize in the lap pool. I also teach Arthritis Foundation classes in the warm-water therapy pool, which is kept at 92 degrees. I teach cardio training for people ages 50 to 65. My other classes include strength training and balance.

In addition, I teach BOSU ball, which stands for “both sides up,” and is done with a half ball mounted on a platform. Students step up and down on the ball during the workout to help develop their core strength.

I also teach prenatal and postnatal classes — Exercise for Two on land and water — for moms-to-be and new moms, which is offered for those under 50. It’s important that new moms take time away from the baby to exercise to help ward off post-partum depression.

I had always wanted to have a career that included some kind of fitness aspect. I worked at Meriter Hospital for 20 years as an outpatient physical therapist and helped open the first outpatient physical therapy department through Meriter in 1989 with Teresa Amonett. I worked with a great group of physical therapists and they were all wonderful mentors to me. I have certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Aquatic Exercise Association.

When the wellness center opened five years ago, I transferred here to work with the seniors. I enjoy working with them and I think I make a positive difference in their lives. I have a lot of ladies who remind me of my mom and grandmother, so it’s very comforting to be here.

What I Do invites people to tell in their own words what they do to earn a living. The column runs every Tuesday. To suggest someone to feature, contact Jill Carlson at jillcarlson1957@gmail.com.

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