Profile: Theodore “Mr. Ted” Mortin, water aerobics instructor

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

Theodore Mortin, 74, is a volunteer water aerobics instructor for senior citizens at Atlanta’s East Lake YMCA.

“When I moved to Atlanta in 1995, a lady friend asked me to come with her to the YMCA. I took the water aerobics class, but they didn’t have a consistent teacher. I volunteered to fill-in when needed and have been a teacher for six years.”

“Water aerobics helps with arthritis, cardiovascular strength and stroke patients. The water loosens up the limbs, hips and knees.”

“A lady who had a stroke called me to let me know that for the first time in years she was able to walk up the steps at her daughters house without any problems. She was so excited.”

On being called Mr. Ted: “I introduced myself at Ted Mortin, but people just started calling me Mr. Ted. It’s even Mr. Ted on the schedule for classes now.

His other nickname: “I’ve been called Teddy Bear by some of the ladies in the class.”