the water at different speeds depending
on body composition and fitness levels, so
it will be almost impossible to maintain the
appropriate space once the water starts to
move in a class environment and drifting
begins to happen. There are many ways to
add variety to a class without 'travel' and
without equipment (should your centre not
allow the use of it).
When teaching an aqua session, applying
the following modifications to each move will
create variation in intensity and movement
patterns, without travelling:
Working position of the move –
performing each movement in rebound,
neutral or suspended will load the body in
different ways and change the focus of the
movement.
Surface area/speed – changing the
shape of the body (e.g. hands – slice,
fist, paddle, web) or the part of the body
presented to the water, and varying the
tempo to which the movement is performed,
will also change the focus of the movement.
Around the body – using all planes of
movement will give a balanced workout for the
entire body.
Enlarge the movements – increasing
the range of motion of each movement will
almost certainly use more power, as drag
forces increase. This is also a great way to
encourage more flexibility around a joint.
Turn the movements – instead of adding
travel, face different directions. When your
participants face in other directions it
challenges them, as they may not be able
to see you as clearly, therefore they may
need to remember a routine and listen more
intently to you (it may also have the added
benefit of them cutting down on their talking
to others!). It is a great way to look at their
posture from another perspective.
During these changing times, as fitness
professionals it is our role to adapt, be
flexible and above all be compassionate.
Many people will have strong feelings
about COVID-19, including ourselves, and
remaining neutral, following guidelines and
being clear with our instructions will help
people feel comfortable and happy to return
to our sessions.
Claire Barker-Hemings
Claire is a highly
regarded aqua fitness
exercise specialist,
presenter and Pilates
instructor. She trains
people of all ages,
sharing her passion and
knowledge of water, fitness and wellbeing. She has
been teaching since 1997, planning and delivering
aqua fitness workshops and new instructor training
across Australia and internationally.
THE QUICK READ
• It is necessary for everyone on the
team to follow a consistent approach
to social distancing in classes to
ensure that participants understand
what is required of them
• Be prepared to teach sessions that
don’t require equipment, because even
if the facility allows its use, some
participants may not feel comfortable
using equipment that others have used
• If the facility you work at has not
already done so, it may be worth
providing participants with some
clearly written instructions detailing
how they can get online to reserve their
spot in class
• A number of techniques can be
employed to prevent participants
travelling in the water and contravening
the facility’s social distancing policy
• These techniques include lane marker
ropes or marker cones on deck, as well
as exercise modifications that create
variation in intensity and movement
patterns, without the need for
travelling.
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