Welcome to the first edition of the WETS newsletter for 2009. It is a publication that aims to communicate, motivate, educate and inspire you to make the most of your aquatic training opportunities. A noteworthy new addition each month will be a column that recognizes instructors who have successfully completed the WETS Aqua Instructor Course and are now adding value to these experiences through initiative and excellence in working with their participants. Enjoy the year ahead and aim high: 2009 will be the year to shine!
The first workshop for 2009, something for everyone! The fitness industry has focused on the benefits of cardiovascular fitness but has been a little slower to recognize the therapeutic and relaxation opportunities of the aquatic environment. To kick start our workshop program for the year, WETS introduces you to the concept of AquaTherapy: a broad concept based around holistic wellbeing. There are many applications of AquaTherapy and if you are an Aqua Instructor, Personal Trainer, Disability and/or Allied Health Practitioner and would like to make your practice more inclusive and holistic in nature, this workshop is for you.
The AquaTherapy Afternoon Workshop (3.5 hours)
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
Wellness Zone
To enrol in the Aqua Therapy workshop contact WETS on (03) 8774 1722 or visit www.wets.com.au and book online
Each month we will feature an exercise, which you can use to increase your movement repertoire. The move can be implemented into existing 'routines' to help keep your choreography fresh or you could combine a number of moves to create an entirely new routine. The WETS AquaFrame is also featured, as we know that many centres have already purchased this unique teaching tool. Download the PDF for Move of the Month
In medical and chronic conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it is important to maintain cardiovascular fitness as much as possible to maximize health and independence. Fatigue in individuals with MS may be exacerbated by poor cardiovascular fitness, hence the recommendation by doctors to participate in a moderate exercise program. Whilst many instructors are witnesses to the fitness benefits in participants who regularly attend our classes, little scientific research has been conducted on the efficacy of aqua exercise.
Each WETS newsletter will provide access to information from a research journal adding kudos to what aquatic instructors do best - deliver great exercise opportunities in our swimming pools. This journal article; Outcomes of an Aquatic Exercise Program Including Aerobic Capacity, Lactate Threshold, and Fatigue in Two Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis by Gina Pariser, Diane Madras, and Elizabeth Weiss examines the effects of exercising in an 8 week aqua program. Results demonstrate an increase in the participant's fitness level and a higher submaximal workload without the lactate accumulation that causes fatigue.
If you would like a copy of the full journal article please email info@wets.com.au
The MS Society in conjunction with WETS have 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 by emailing us here info@wets.com.au
Featured above are the Inclusive Aqua class who meet weekly at Aqualink Nunawading. This group is now in its tenth anniversary and a number of original members still attend. These participants are living witness to the fact that aquatic exercise can have a positive benefit on both mind and body.
January's instructor of the month is Di Keefer, a relatively new aqua instructor who has shown initiative in creating the concept of AquaSport. AquaSport is an extension of mainstream aqua classes. Di and 'the Otters' demonstrated their routine at the AquaSummit 2008. The synchronized aspect of the routine requires team work, coordination and memory retention and can be as physically challenging as required. Well done to Di who has encouraged her participants from the Pakenham YMCA reap the benefits of fun and fitness and boy, did they do it in style! As January's Instructor of the Month, Di wins a voucher for a complimentary WETS workshop in 2009.
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.
