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AQUA SKILLS
VARIETY IS THE
SPICE OF CLASS PROGRAMMING!
Keep things interesting in the
pool this summer by playing
with the many variables of
your class programming, says
instructor and industry educator
Dominic Gili.
re your aqua fitness classes
innovative,
engaging
and
purposeful? When was the last
time you tried a different teaching style or
class program? Varying your programming
is the key to ensuring positive outcomes for
every aqua workout.
We all have our preferred teaching
methods and class types; some instructors
choreograph their workouts, while others
love interval training or working with a
particular piece of equipment. However, we
should all keep an eye towards a broader,
more varied approach, embracing different
training methods and class formats, which
will challenge and stimulate both trainer and
participant.
Consider some of these training options
for new workouts ideas or entire class
programs:
A
Music, dance and exercise
When it comes to aqua fitness classes, music
is an effective tool to motivate participants.
The two key qualities of workout music are
tempo and what psychologists call rhythm
response, the latter being an individual’s
physical response to the music – the
involuntary tapping of your foot or nodding
of your head, or that moment when you say
‘I’ve just gotta dance to this song!’
Dance-based
workouts
can
be
challenging, engaging and fun when
adapted to the water environment. The
choice of music available to trainers is wide
and varied, from rock’n’roll and disco, to hip
hop and even classical music – which gives
us a great opportunity to create a special
experience for participants.
So, where to start when creating a ‘pool
party’ playlist? These three tips are great
starting points:
• use
songs
with
pre-existing
choreography, such as Nutbush City
Limits, YMCA
• be inspired by lyrics that describe moves,
like Jump and Let’s Twist Again
• choose songs that you think your
participants may sing along to, such as
Hey Baby, Sweet Caroline or any of the
karaoke crowd pleasers!
NETWORK SUMMER 2018 | 49