22 WAC Magazine | wac.net
living fit
instructor insights
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Instructor Insights
Jaime Beenen, Aquatics
Jaime Beenen (née Crow) began teaching aquatics in 2013
at the WAC aer falling in love with it when she taught as
a substitute. Jaime's interest in fitness began at a young age
through dancing, performing on the trapeze, completing
obstacle courses, and eventually running marathons.
"My family is all in the medical field, so I've always been
interested in the body," she says. "I love seeing and testing
what my body can do."
While still teaching aquatics, Jaime joined the Club's ranks
as a personal trainer in 2015. Two years later, a skydiving
accident le Jaime a quadriplegic. Although the accident
ended her personal training career, she successfully returned
to teaching aquatics at the WAC.
"I think teaching aquatics really helped me not go into the
same depression that happens with a lot of people aer an
accident like this," she says. "Being able to go back to work
aer such a traumatic injury put a focus in my life. Teaching
at the WAC was the first job I had aer the accident. It felt
amazing to feel useful again and part of the workforce."
In helping others stay active, Jaime finds her own
motivation. "I love the people in my class," she says. "ey've
become family over the years. It makes me feel great
whenever I can help them."