Image courtesy Christina White, aqua fitness instructor
Different coloured cones or other items can be used as markers to
help participants stay in their lines
Uplifting or funny messages written on the cones can soften the
'formality' of social distancing protocols
feelings on the matter aside and be respectful of the fact that some
people are feeling vulnerable and worry about using equipment that
other people may have used.
Class numbers
As mentioned, the appropriate authorities are stipulating the number
of people who can be in a facility at any given time and demanding
that the members be appropriately socially distanced. In most cases
this has resulted in class numbers being far smaller than before.
Although this is not something we would ever have hoped for, a silver
lining is that we have the opportunity to get to know our members
better and give each individual more attention.
Class times
Many classes have been reduced in duration to allow for people
exiting and entering the building at different times, and to ensure
that there is appropriate time for cleaning of the workout space and
equipment between pool sessions. A number of centres have not
opened the change/shower facilities to ensure that members do not
congregate in one area, while others have restricted the number
of people able to use the changerooms. In my experience, it is not
uncommon for aqua participants to simply wrap themselves in towels
and head home to shower anyway, so for some the new restrictions
have not impacted their routine. In the colder months, particularly, it is
not ideal for participants to hang around in wet swimmers, so there’s
no harm in reminding them at the close of class that they should keep
post-workout socialising both distanced and to a minimum and head
straight home for a hot shower.
Booking system
Many clubs have implemented booking systems to control class
numbers, with this system varying from facility to facility. Be aware
that this development may cause anxiety among some of your older
participants, especially if the system is online. If they lack confidence
with using technology, they may harbour fears of missing out on their
favourite session.
If the facility you work at has not already done so, it may be
worth providing participants with some clearly written – and even
illustrated – instructions detailing exactly how they can get online
to reserve their spots in your class. During shutdown, when we
started delivering sessions online, I provided my aqua participants
with written instructions on how to use zoom and was pleasantly
surprised by how many older participants enthusiastically embraced
this very different way of doing things. As we know, group workouts
can be as much an opportunity to socialise as they are to exercise
– and for many people isolation wasn’t going to put a stop to that!
Staying fun and effective (as well as safe)
Here are some practical ideas/solutions to help keep the classes fun,
safe, effective and engaging:
Spacing
To help with spacing, the lane ropes can be retained to ensure that
each line of people is kept apart (most pool lanes are 2.5m wide).
I have even seen one pool in South America that also places lane
ropes across the swimming lanes, effectively creating a grid that
gives each member their own square of workout space.
Alternately, different coloured cones or other items placed on deck
and spaced the appropriate distance apart can be used to ensure that
each participant has a marker to help them stay within their line. Uplifting
messages or funny quotes can be placed on the cones to give them more
meaning and take some of the 'formality' of simply social distancing away.
We are in a health and wellness industry, mental perception is important.
Pool depth
Depth may be an issue where it wasn’t previously. Due to participants
being spaced further apart, and therefore out in their own workout
zone, some may find themselves a little deeper or even shallower
than they would normally be. If this is an inevitability in the class
you teach and you have participants who are nervous exercising
in deeper water, it may be worth asking at the start of the session
for those who feel more comfortable working out in ‘the deep’ to
volunteer to move to that area. To create a fully inclusive session
for everyone, plan teaching tips for people that find themselves in
transitional or deep water.
Swap travelling moves for stationary ones
In so far as class structure is concerned, for the time being it is a good
idea to keep the participants on the spot. People 'travel' through
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