Aqua and the heat wave - how did you and your participants cope?
As the February edition of the WETS Newsletter goes to print, Melbourne is in the middle of a heat wave, the likes of which has not been experienced for a century. How did you cope? We had discussions with many instructors and participants during this week.
Extremely hot weather produces challenges for both aqua exercise instructors and the facilities at which they work. In terms of a hot weather policy, it seems that many facilities operate under their own guidelines. Just out of interest, are you aware of the protocols that are in operation where you are currently employed? One thing is certain, when the weather heats up, there is a swell in the number of participants in our aqua exercise classes. When working at an appropriate water temperature, exercising in water allows body heat to dissipate and is therefore a more comfortable, efficient and effective exercise medium than some land based options. However, this doesn't negate the need for instructors and their participants to frequently hydrate before, during and after the class and to vary the class structure to suit the prevailing climatic conditions.
Aqua Instructors - a niche career for these economic times
The attraction of exercising in water during the hot days of summer really bumps up the number of participants who join in our classes. Even during this economic climate, classes are still operating financially as most people join in water based fitness classes and aqua to promote a healthier lifestyle in an enjoyable environment.
WETS continues to address the skills gap in qualified Aqua Instructors and trains instructors to deliver a top rate class irrespective of the weather. WETS is committed to providing quality instructor training courses which will increase the number of Aqua Instructors and Personal Trainers delivering aqua and water based fitness sessions to a variety of population groups. Our vision is to ensure that instructors are of the highest standard to deliver the most up to date and innovative aquatic techniques to their participants. There is nothing like the ripple effect created by an enthusiastic and optimistic instructor. Our current training opportunities are listed on the WETS website. The Aqua Instructor Course at the YMCA Dandenong Oasis will be the next opportunity to train with us. This course takes place on 21,22, 28 February and 1 March with assessment on 29 March. Let us know how we can support you.
YES - WETS is on the road again, training our regional instructors - The Aqua Instructor Course will be conducted at the YMCA in Horsham during March. More information can be obtained on the calendar. WETS Training Calendar
Formalising your qualification
In 2008 WETS trained just under 100 Aqua Exercise Instructors, a figure of which we are very proud. We are also excited because so many instructors are now more aware of the diverse career possibilities within the aquatic industry. Successful completion of the Aqua Instructor Course requires not only practical competencies but also the completion of a portfolio of assessment documentation that must be submitted within the set time frame. It is also a requirement of the Fitness Registration Bodies, that course participants demonstrate successful completion of all assessment outcomes before they can become registered and eligible to obtain insurance cover as an Aqua Instructor. If you have completed the Aqua Instructor Course and have not yet submitted your portfolio, WETS would love to hear from you and we will assist in any way we can. We want you to succeed and be able to participate in further training opportunities in 2009.
Workshop Review - a health and well being perspective
The AquaTherapy workshop which took place on 23 January was a great opportunity for 15 participants from a variety of fields to learn more about using the water medium to enhance all aspects of well being. The focus was not only on mainstream aqua participants but also on those requiring rehabilitation from injury or utilizing one on one specialisation, such as that offered by a Personal Trainer. In spite of the hot weather on the day, the atmosphere was calm and supportive as the group worked closely with each other to trial movement options and practise using equipment and their bodies to support others in the water. The workshop was a worthwhile opportunity to network with other professionals and keep up to date with the latest techniques that have been successful for others.
Pictured - Instructors at the AT worshop looking at ways to enhance relaxation through flotation
The move featured this month is the MERMAID, most applicable to the hot weather as the water is where we all want to be. This move improves core stability and abdominal strength and is controlled and powerful. As fatigue may set in quickly, alternate with movements that are less explosive. Most importantly, set the 'scene' for the Mermaid and have fun with it. The PDF move is now available for download. Click here to download this month's move.
Each month, the WETS newsletter provides access to information from a research journal adding kudos to what aquatic instructors do best: deliver great exercise opportunities in our swimming pools.
The research this month fits in nicely with the AquaTherapy workshop we successfully conducted in January. This workshop focused on exercising mindfully in a safe, enjoyable and effective environment. The reviewed study for February was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise in water in 64 subjects with Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee compared with subjects with OA of the knee who performed land based exercises. The water temperature was 32oC and 1.2m in depth. The 50 minute sessions were conducted 3 times a week for 18 weeks. This recent research article was published in August 2008 by Silva, Valim, Pessanha, Oliveira, Myamoto, Jones and Natour in the Physical Therapy Research Journal. People with OA of the knee usually have a reduced gait speed due to the pain. The results indicated that water based and land based exercise reduced pain and improved function in patients with OA of their knee. It also demonstrated that the water based exercise regime was superior to land based exercise for relieving pain before and after walking.
If you would like a copy of the full journal article please email info@wets.com.au
The MS society in conjunction with WETS has developed an innovative training opportunity for leaders interested in delivering aquatic sessions for people with neurological and mobility conditions. Be one of the first graduates of this course. Register your interest in the Inclusive Aquatic Instructor course here at info@wets.com.au
February's instructor of the month is Bill Stevens from Warrandyte. Bill is currently instructing in 8 Centres around Melbourne, including YMCA Aquarena in Doncaster, the Kew YMCA Recreation Centre and the Monash Sports and Aquatic Centre. The list just goes on and on... The plot thickens as you read that Bill teaches between 22-25 classes per week, instructing 7 days a week. The majority of Bill's classes are mainstream aqua, although he also instructs several classes for specific populations with neurological and mobility conditions. Bill is reliable, personable and motivated. He 'retired' from the work force at the age of 66 and is currently nearing his 81st birthday. What an achievement! Bill is an inspiration to his clientele and the staff at WETS salute him. Congratulations Bill. As February's Instructor of the Month, Bill wins a complimentary WETS 2009 workshop voucher.
Bill is pictured here at the AquaTherapy workshop at the superb MSAC Wellness Zone. JSP is demonstrating an effective stretch for one on one clients. This stretch when correctly performed will assist to increase the range of motion at the hip joint.
If you would like to nominate yourself or a fellow instructor for this award, email info@wets.com.au letting us know (max 250 words) the reason for your nomination. We look forward to hearing of the great things that you are doing in the aquatic and fitness industry.
