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WATER FITNESS
STAY IN YOUR LANE!
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
IN THE POOL
When it comes to social
distancing in group exercise,
the water presents a different
proposition to land-based
classes. Aqua fitness specialist
Claire Barker-Hemings looks
at some techniques to keep
classes fun and effective, as
well as safe.
We need to be aware
of how our members
feel, especially
given the older
demographic of
many aqua groups
L
ike so many industries, the fitness
world has been turned upside
down by COVID-19. The entire
industry shut down overnight.
Most of us knew it was coming, as operating
was becoming more challenging due to
restrictions and rules being rolled out by
centres, following guidelines from state and
territory governments. In Melbourne, after
the initial shutdown, we had a glimmer of
hope with a brief re-opening, but then, just
over two weeks later, we were closed again.
In the meantime, other parts of Australia
have been able to open and operate under
strict guidelines.
Social distancing seems to be here to stay,
for the foreseeable future at least. As part of
the overall strategy to slow the spread of the
virus, numbers at facilities have been limited
by regulations laid down by the appropriate
authorities. In land-based group fitness and
gym settings, social distancing has been
achieved by marking spots on the floor to
indicate the areas within which participants
must stay. In the pool, however, it is a little
more challenging, since it would be difficult
to place markers on the pool floor and it is
not unusual for a person to ‘drift’ from the
place they started due to turbulence created
during the workout. Staying on one spot in
the water is quite a challenge!
As group fitness leaders, we need to instil
confidence by adhering to the rules outlined
by the club or centre’s management. Our
classes can still be effective, engaging and
fun, but it is necessary for everyone on the
team to follow a consistent approach in
order to set a good example and ensure
that participants also understand what is
required of them.
Managing the logistics
I have spoken to a few of my aqua instructor
friends in Australia and the US to see how
they are managing social distancing during
their sessions. Here are a few of the points
that have been raised:
COVID-19 plan
If you work for a facility you will almost
certainly find that a plan has already been
created and that you have a responsibility
to familiarise yourself with it. If you run
private classes, it is recommended that you
create your own plan to ensure that you are
implementing the guidelines set out by the
regulating authority.
Equipment
I have found the policy on equipment to
differ centre to centre, with some clubs using
equipment and others opting to use none.
There is no sharing of equipment during the
class and it is cleaned afterwards. Others are
not permitting use of the facility’s equipment
or encouraging clients to bring their own.
In addition to any existing guidelines, we
need to be aware of how our members feel,
especially given the older demographic of
many aqua groups. Some will be happy to
use equipment, whereas others will not.
As professionals, we need to put our own
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