Surprise your participants every week . Whether it ’ s just one new move , a block of moves or a fun activity , think outside the box and be inventive
environment . Do your research and find some sites and social media pages that provide educational articles , blogs and videos .
Attend other aqua classes
You can learn so much from other instructors . Every instructor has their own individual style and interpretation of exercises . Get some new ideas from them , but before doing so , introduce yourself and tell them why you ’ re there . Some instructors can be very protective of their ideas , so respect that .
Get creative in the water
Get in the water and have a play ! Try different moves and use the equipment in new ways – just have fun while understanding and experiencing how the moves feel . It makes no sense for instructors to create moves without getting into the water . It ’ s like a stunt driver creating daring new moves without getting behind the wheel . You need to know if something is going to work , how difficult it will be to execute and which muscles are targeted – and you can only do this if you get firsthand experience in the water .
Surprise participants
Try to surprise your participants every week . Whether it ’ s just one new move , a block of moves or a fun activity , think outside the box and be inventive .
Focus on specific muscles or joints
Even though many aqua moves are great at targeting the entire body , use each class to focus on moves that are specific to one area of the body , i . e . focus on upper body one week and lower body the next .
Don ’ t just demo – teach !
While participants are performing the moves , coach them on technique , tempo , breathing and posture . Educate them on which muscles are being targeted and the importance of the outcome , be it strength , flexibility or endurance . Clients love to learn , and it can help increase engagement by giving them the mind and body connection so vital to their wellbeing .
Pick a theme
Choose themes for your programs . This can be done through music choice or even dressing up – anyone for 80 ’ s or a movie-inspired soundtrack ? Make the most of every special event or festival that comes along and adapt your programs to suit .
Distinguish your programs
Make your programs distinct from each other , just as land-based ones are , i . e . a HIIT session , a combat session , an endurance session , a partner session , cardio circuit or step . For example I ’ ve developed a program which I called ‘ Laterally thinking ’ in which I ’ ve linked together lateral moves with travel . Use concepts
Think of a concept , and then put together moves to suit it . Start with easy blocks of four moves , and then increase the level of intensity , such as from anchored to suspended , or directional changes . Use as many variations of a move as you possibly can .
Fully utilise the medium
Moving the water forcefully equates to lifting weights in the gym . Use the water to its full advantage .
Include a challenge
Irrespective of whether they can execute it or not , participants appreciate being pushed . Get them out of their comfort zone and expose them to many more of their capabilities . They ’ re in a very safe environment where there is no fear of falling , so experiment . This will usually lead to a lot of laughter .
Most importantly , challenge yourself and reignite the passion you had when you first decided to enter this industry . Look at your class with fresh eyes . Immerse yourself in new knowledge and invest in your personal and professional development .
We have the best job in the world – one which not only keeps us healthy and fit , but places us in a privileged position to advise , train and coach others . Be a role model and an example of a true professional . Inspire , educate and lead . Show gratitude for your position , for the people who bring themselves to your classes and for your ability to make a difference .
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Rosemary Dugan is the director of Synchronised Body Solutions in Perth . With over 17 years in the industry , her qualifications include Dip . Fitness , Dip . VET , NLP Master & Trainer , Reiki Master , Health & Wellness Coach , therapist and educator . Rosemary is well known and respected within WA aqua circles , having trained many in the field of aqua instruction .
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