In the age of technology, it's easy to become disconnected from your body. But a water aerobics class can help clients reconnect with their bodies and have fun while they're at it! Water aerobics is also a great way to get people moving who otherwise wouldn't exercise. So if you're teaching a water aerobics class, here are my top tips for making your class enjoyable and fun:
Have the right equipment.
- Make sure you have enough equipment for everyone.
- Make sure each individual has the right equipment for them. This is especially important if you're working with a large group of people who may have different fitness and mobility levels or if some are new to water aerobics and others are more experienced.
- If your class size is large enough (more than 20), having a few extra pieces of equipment on hand can help keep things running smoothly without constantly going back and forth between classes with equipment in tow.
Make it a party
- Music: Music is a great way to make exercise more fun. It can help you get in the mood and keep you focused, so choose songs with a strong beat you enjoy.
- Drinks: Water aerobics clients love having drinks during their classes because it gives them something else to do besides focus on the exercises they're doing at that time. You have several options when it comes to providing drinks:
- Bottled water
- Juice boxes (without added sugars) or fruit smoothies made with low-fat yogurt
- Coffee or tea
Be clear about your expectations, then check in often with your clients.
Being clear about your expectations and checking in with your clients often is an important part of making exercise fun.
- Make sure they know what is expected of them: As a water aerobics instructor, it's your job to ensure that each client understands the key elements of each exercise (e.g., how much movement or resistance is required) and how to perform it correctly. You might provide this information through verbal cues or written instructions on slideshows projected onto screens throughout the pool area; if so, consider including links to videos demonstrating proper form so clients can refer back to them later if needed.
- Make sure they know how to modify exercises if needed: Some people may need help modifying their movements so that they can maintain proper form while still getting an effective workout--which means you'll need some basic knowledge about common modifications like substituting arm motions for leg motions or moving slower than usual--but don't worry! Plenty of resources are available online to learn more about these techniques.
Plan out their workout ahead of time.
Planning out your water aerobics workout is an important part of making it fun for your clients. You need to consider the types of exercises you will be doing, the sequence of exercises, and how long each will last.
Planning ahead will help with preparation and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of class. It also gives clients a preview so they know what they are getting into before they arrive at class!
Make the water aerobics class enjoyable and fun.
When you are setting up your water aerobics classes, make sure that you have good music. You want to make sure everyone can hear and enjoy the songs.
If you want to get really fancy, consider investing in some sort of sound system where all of the speakers are waterproof and connected, so they don't get wet when someone splashes around or falls into the pool!
Remember that each client will have a different fitness level, so plan accordingly.
- Remember that each client will have a different fitness level, so plan accordingly.
- Give them a chance to warm up before they start the class.
- Ensure they know what to expect and how you plan to help them achieve their goals.
- Don't be afraid to take things slow if that's what your client needs, but also don't be afraid to make changes if it becomes clear that your client would benefit from something more intense than what is currently being done in the water aerobics class.
Personalize the workout to each client's needs.
- Personalize the workout to each client's needs.
- Use different exercises to target different muscle groups and fitness levels.
- Use different exercises to target different goals, body types, and skill levels.
If all else fails, get them wet!
If all else fails, get them wet!
Water aerobics is a great way to get people moving. But it can be intimidating for some people, and it's important that you have a good instructor who knows how to make your clients feel comfortable in the water. If you've been struggling with getting your clients out of bed and into the pool, here are some tips:
- Make it a party! If you have enough room in your facility, try hosting an annual swimsuit fashion show where everyone gets up on stage wearing their favorite bathing suit (or lack thereof). You can even have prizes for the best costume or most outrageous outfit. This will help break down barriers between participants because everyone is competing against each other instead of against themselves (or against their own bodies).
Takeaway:
- Make sure you have the right equipment.
- Have fun!
- Keep it interesting.
- Personalize the workout to each client's needs, including their fitness level and goals.
- Be clear about your expectations, then check in often with your clients during class to ensure they are doing what they need to do and feeling good about it (or not). You may need to adjust the intensity or length of time spent on an exercise if you notice fatigue setting in or discomfort arising from a joint problem or muscle soreness.
- Plan out their workout ahead of time so that everyone knows what's coming next--this will keep everyone focused on their workout instead of getting distracted by others around them who might be doing different exercises at different speeds or intensities than those prescribed for them by their instructor.
Conclusion
It's important to remember that the key to making your water aerobics class fun is personalization. You want each client to feel like they are getting a customized workout, which means considering their needs and interests. So if one person loves music and another prefers quiet time with just their thoughts, you should plan accordingly! Also, remember that some people might need more encouragement than others when it comes time for them to get wet--but if all else fails (and who knows what could happen?), there's always that towel draped over your shoulders...
