When Jackie first stepped through the doors of our Magna Vitae venue in Horncastle back in 2000, she had no idea that one day she would gain something far more valuable than fitness: a lifelong friend.
And when Rita tentatively walked into her first Aqua class many years later — nervous around water and unsure of what to expect — she certainly didn’t expect to find a friendship that would become such a central part of her life. But that’s exactly what happened!
Jackie and Rita began their fitness journeys entirely separately, only to find one another in the water — and form a friendship that now stretches far beyond the pool edge
Jackie’s journey began when the Horncastle gym first opened. For years, she travelled from work in Lincoln, battling traffic just to make the 7pm Aqua sessions. It was commitment in its purest form.
Rita’s path was completely different. Encouraged by her daughter, she stepped into the swimming pool for Aquacise in 2017 — even though she wasn’t able to swim. “Water wasn’t my thing… but I loved it straight away. I never went back in the gym!”
The two didn’t know each other at this point. In fact, despite attending similar sessions, they hadn’t crossed paths at all. That changed the day they found themselves standing side-by-side in the water at an Aquacise class.
“I just said to Rita, ‘Did you enjoy that?’” Jackie recalls. And from that single moment, the conversation has never really stopped!
“Sometimes you meet someone and you just click,” says Rita. Jackie nods. “We’ve made so many friends here, but this… this is different.”
They talk about those early days fondly—Rita refusing to go past the slide because she was nervous in the water, Jackie gently encouraging her further each week. Over time, step by step, their confidence — and their friendship— grew. Now, they’re each other’s motivation!
Rita admits, “I don’t like it when Jackie’s not here. If she’s on holiday, I’m not as good in there. I don’t feel as confident.”
“We’re like comfort blankets for each other,” Jackie laughs.
What makes their friendship special is how it doesn’t just stay in the leisure venue. They also extend their friendship outside of it!
They go for meals together, they walk together — even through COVID closures, they’ve holidayed in the same caravan parks, even their husbands get along (which always helps!)
They’ve also formed a cheerful WhatsApp group with a few Aqua regulars, affectionately named the Aqua Babes, which keeps everyone smiling and connected.
“It’s part of our life now,” they say. “We come as a pair — people even mix our names up!”
For both Rita & Jackie, Aqua has become much more than exercise. Rita, who lives with sciatic nerve damage and drop foot, says the water has helped her stay active in ways land-based exercise simply can’t.
“It really has helped me,” she says. “I can do things in the water that I can’t do on land.”
And when Rita had a difficult period with anxiety, the quieter Aqua sessions became a calm, safe place for her to rebuild her confidence.
“There should be more said about how much Aqua helps mental health,” she says. “Not just physical fitness.”
One thing that’s impossible to miss is the impact Jackie and Rita have on the team.
They arrive smiling, they chat to everyone, they instantly lift the atmosphere — wherever they go.
Staff often comment on how their positivity brightens the day, especially on busy shifts. Their warmth, humour and encouragement don’t just help new participants… they boost the team too.
“We’ve got such a lovely relationship with the staff,” they say. “If they’re having a tough day, we hope we lift them a bit.”
And the team all agree that they absolutely do!
The Power of a Simple Hello
Their story shows how one small moment — a simple “Did you enjoy that?” — can spark something life-changing.
Today, they go out of their way to encourage newcomers, especially those who feel nervous or unsure.
“Just give it a go. You never know — you might just enjoy it. And if you’re nervous, come stand by us. You’re in a safe environment here.”
They’ve even suggested a buddy system for newcomers, because they know first hand how much easier those first steps feel when someone is by your side.
Jackie and Rita’s journey remind us of what our Magna Vitae venues truly are: not just gyms and pools, but community spaces where confidence grows, wellbeing is nurtured and friendships flourish in the most unexpected ways.
Their story is living proof that physical fitness is only one part of the picture. The social and emotional benefits — connection, belonging, laughter, support — are just as important.
And sometimes, you might even walk in for a workout…and walk out with a lifelong friend.
7th November 2025
Celebrating Our Members at the Active Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards
