MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR POOL

Water exercise, also known as aqua aerobics, hydroworx or deep-water workouts, is not new. For many years, doctors and physiotherapists have recommended water exercise to cardiac rehabilitation patients, pregnant women, people with disabilities and those seeking a gentler workout. These programs continue to deliver outstanding physiological, social, biomechanical and participant retention results. 

More recently, fitness specialists have developed water exercise programs that give the generally 'fit person' a workout that can raise heart rates to cardiovascular workout levels. Many AFL, NRL, rugby, netball and track athletes include water exercise as part of their training regimes – a fact that dispels the misconception that water workouts are necessarily gentle.

Studies have shown that aqua aerobics programs offer great physical and mental benefits to participants.

Is your local facility making the most of its pool? 

More and more facilities are offering aquatic based fitness programs for the adventurous fitness member, including acquapole, paddle board, high-intensity interval training (HITT), aqua spin, aqua bootcamp and deep-water running. The market is constantly crying out for more variety, effectiveness and innovation.

While new fad aquatic-based programs may be ‘cool’, the delivery of classes must be performed by trained, licensed/registered Aqua Instructors. Don’t be fooled; the best personal trainer or group exercise leader may not be the most informed aqua instructor. It is the responsibility of each and every facility to ensure their instructors:

• have the knowledge, skill and understanding of the fundamentals of movement in water  
• are competent to conduct a water rescue
• are adaptable to instruct on pool deck –it requires a different skill set than that when in an enclosed specific group fitness room
• have the experience to write aquatic exercise prescription as opposed to land based exercise
• are aware of industry guidelines relating to specific population groups

Professional athletes have been known to use hydroworx programs to recover from injury and improve performance.

For more information regarding gaining an accreditation, industry guidelines and the responsibilities of delivering effective and safe water exercise visit AUSTSWIM www.austswim.com.au​