IT AIN ’ T WHAT YOU DO ,
IT ’ S THE WAY THAT YOU DO IT
FILEX 2017 PRESENTER
Only by fully appreciating the physical properties of water can we work it in a way that elicits maximal benefit .
WORDS : CLAIRE BARKER-HEMINGS
H ow many times have you heard a
client say ‘ she just doesn ’ t work us as hard as so and so ’, and how often have you duplicated movements from a workshop only to find that your clients aren ’ t feeling the intensity in the workout ?
Whilst how we deliver a class , coach and motivate our clients , harness the power of music , prepare our sessions and use equipment affect aquatic class outcomes , it is essential to fully understand the physical properties of the water and to appreciate that it ’ s the way we work the water that makes all the difference .
So let ’ s take a look at some of the physical laws as they apply to the aquatic environment and affect the intensity of a water fitness session .
Inertia
Put simply , inertia is change – and it affects aquatic movement in three main ways .
Total body inertia . This can alter intensity if travelling is incorporated in the choreography . When travelling it takes more energy to start , stop or change direction of the entire body against the water .
Water ’ s inertia . This can be experienced when travelling , especially when changing direction after a distance , as you are trying to reverse the water ’ s motion as well as your own . Travelling in a circle and then changing direction will allow you to experience the inertia of the water .
Limb inertia . Every time you move a limb through the water , it takes effort to overcome inertia . This happens when we move the arms and legs .
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