My first aqua class I'll never forget the first time I tried an aqua fitness class. It was a strange sensation. Surrounded by water, I felt like I was defying gravity. My legs didn't move as expected, and I couldn't shake the feeling of being completely out of my...
Marietta Mehanni
Aqua Articles
H2O Conference: A world of presenters at your fingertips
The last 18 months have been a series of firsts, from teaching virtually and getting a handle on the technology to editing videos, creating accessible education platforms and building new websites. The impetus to do all these new things may have been due to reasons...
Be your own best mentor
A Unique Approach to Instructor Development Over several years, I collaborated with Maria Teresa Stone on a workshop that revolutionized the way instructors hone their skills. The workshop involved recording instructors performing exercises in both water and land...
How to please group fitness participants
Can you make everyone happy? Recently I received an email from an aqua instructor asking ‘Are you able to share ideas with me on how I can keep everyone happy in a class? The participants are of different ages, have different abilities and fitness levels and injuries...
Aquacise Your Pelvic Floor
By Dianne Edmonds and Marietta Mehanni "Lower back pain is also strongly linked with pelvic floor weakness and there is certainly an awareness that aqua aerobics provides a safer choice of fitness program for these individuals." Introduction Many people who want to...
Back to basics-Water quality and skin irritation by J. Kevin Tucker
Recently, I spoke with a commercial pool owner. He told me that he had a purple color on the walls of his pool. With just a couple of questions, I could determine the problem. I also suggested a simple way to remove the color from the pool. However, the basis for the...
Splash Dance
Do you like to dance? Dance is the movement interpretation of music. Most instructors would say 'Yes' because we often use exercise as a movement interpretation of music, and perhaps that is why we like this form of exercise. Do you find yourself dancing, or bopping...
Hydro Worx
Pursuing the next great aqua move Aqua Fitness has taken the world by storm, captivating enthusiasts with its invigorating and effective workouts. Aqua instructors constantly pursue groundbreaking techniques and cutting-edge moves to stay ahead in this rapidly...
Wet Force
How can dumbbells and noodles be used for deep water exercise? Dumbbells and noodles are popular aquatic tools, predominately in shallow water, for resistance, turbulence and buoyancy-type exercises. But can they be used effectively for a deep water class? These two...
Hydrofabulous
What are the ingredients of a fabulous aqua session? Class Plan Music Teaching Skills X factor One of the most important aspects of a fabulous class is the plan. Even with all other factors being present, without a plan, your sessions will be a “hit or miss”. It will...
Deep And Meaningful
Co written with Clare Patmore Our mission was to look at conventional deep water sessions and explore the movement possibilities for a range of reasons. Originally we had tried deep water running classes. Our cliental didn't really enjoy the drills, sprints and...
Liquid Rhythms
Consider this… Participants coming to YOUR class because of the MUSIC you play! This has certainly been an important aspect in land based classes for as long as group fitness has existed. Admittedly, this is sometimes missing in aqua classes and music is merely a...
Frothy Foam Ideas
What class would be complete without some exercises devoted to using the humble dumbbell? From the original milk containers that were one of the earliest floatation aids used in aqua classes, the dumbbell has many uses, including: Suspended exercises in shallow and...
Floating Feet
As an aqua instructor, I've worked with dumbbells and noodles in countless ways. Both are fantastic tools with many uses, but after years of creativity, it's time to try something new. Foam ankle cuffs! Floating Feet The ankle cuffs increase resistance and buoyancy...
Creating Aqua Magic
Aqua instructors are continually challenged to create new and interesting classroom formats. Hence, different forms of equipment such as dumbbells, noodles/woggles, aqua belts, etc. were developed. Unfortunately, not all facilities are equipped with these great tools....
Aqua Instructors
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes - Aqua Instructors Today I shine a spotlight on a remarkable group of individuals who truly deserve our appreciation: aqua instructors. These dedicated individuals often find themselves teaching in less-than-ideal environments—hot, humid,...
Not Just a Dumbbell
But I only have one dumbbell! How often have you been in a position where you only had enough dumbbells for one per person... or looked at a dumbbell and asked "Why do I need two"? If you have never used one dumbbell, it will certainly make you think creatively. The...
H2O Gymstick
Aqua Gymstick The Aqua Gymstick, born from the original Gymstick in Finland, has evolved into a versatile aqua fitness tool. While using rubberised bands in water or land fitness classes isn't groundbreaking, the Aqua Gymstick sets itself apart with its attachment...