‘Sirena’ Found Healing in Water and Now Inspires Others

After struggling with uncontrolled diabetes, Anabel Ledezma transformed her health through exercise and changes to her diet. Now known as “Sirena” (mermaid), she shares her love of the water through free aqua aerobics classes, where she encourages others to stay active and discover what they are capable of.

Her story with exercise began long before she became an instructor

Ledezma found out she had uncontrolled diabetes when she was in her 20s. Her blood sugar levels were close to 400, something she described as dangerous. She felt dizzy and tired. Doctors told her diabetes has no cure and that she would have to take medication for the rest of her life. But for a long time, she continued eating sweets and other foods she knew she should avoid.

Then COVID-19 arrived and changed her life

The music starts, and people begin to move in the water. Anabel Ledezma – wearing a bright orange tank top, bike shorts and gym shoes – is at the front of the pool, leading another aqua fitness class at the San Antonio Natatorium. Her students know her as “Sirena,” which means mermaid, because her work and passion are connected to the water.

Ledezma believes aqua fitness is inclusive

Ledezma describes herself as active and positive. She likes helping others and motivating them. For her, there is something special about the water because “the water doesn’t know what you can’t do on land.” A person who walks with a walker or uses a wheelchair can get into the water and start moving in a different way.