Welcome to the latest edition of the WETS newsletter.
  It might be getting colder but that doesn't deter us from looking at industry needs and dipping our toes into the waters of innovation. Our core business has been the Aqua Instructor Course, which continues to be conducted in both city and regional areas. However, the NEW Aqua Trainer qualification - Personal Trainer Elective provides a further pathway for instructors to diversify their skills and work with different populations. WETS also promotes the notion of inclusivity in aquatic exercise through the Aqua Trainer - Inclusive Aquatic Instructor qualification and the MATE (Making Aquatics a Terrific Experience) program, empowering carers who accompany people with a disAbility or medical condition to the pool. In short, we are always looking for ways to improve what we do and advocate for the benefits of exercising in the water.

WETS are proud to be at the forefront of aquatic fitness development and this was made evident at the recent Filex conference in Sydney, with three members of the WETS staff presenting and receiving great feedback on their sessions. For some, like Stacey and Melissa, it was the first time, while for others like JSP, it was her 12th Filex! The atmosphere at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre was energetic and warm, as instructors of all ages gathered together to learn from each other, explore new ways of moving and most importantly, have fun. There were opportunities to catch up with 'old' friends and make new ones. For those of us who have been in the industry for some time, what is most striking is the sense of comraderie both in and out of the pool. This is not always present in land based programs.

Regional Aqua Instructor Courses
 We recognize that it is not always easy to access training opportunities in regional Victoria and for that reason WETS is coming to you!

The Aqua Instructor Course will be running in Sale in June and in Echuca in July. This is a fantastic opportunity to access first class training within your region without the inconvenience of having to travel to Melbourne. Further details can be accessed through our website at www.wets.com.au

We are happy to provide these opportunities but we need your support to make them happen. If you know anyone who might be interested in becoming an Aqua Instructor and who may not be on our database, please forward this newsletter to them.

WETS Workshops
 WETS have designed a number of workshops of varying duration to meet your needs for professional development. We hope you will also be refreshed, inspired and be able to network with fellow instructors, learning from each other. The workshop selections cover a broad variety of aqua exercise formats and clientele. Here is a sample of what has been planned in the coming months.

Aquatic PT- Presented by JSP
A one day introductory workshop for Cert IV Fitness Leaders. The knowledge and skills provided will motivate and encourage PT's to utilise and consider an alternate exercise environment - with excellence and success.
Sunday 28th June
10am - 4pm
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC)

Adults Older Workshop -Presented by JSP
'Move it or lose it' is a saying we so often hear and no where is it more applicable than in the older adults population. How can you work with this population most effectively to both challenge and provide a holistic experience that will keep them coming back to your class?
Sunday 12 July
3.5 hours duration
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre

Aqua Balance Workshop - Presented by Melissa Cameron and Stacey Dolliver
By incorporating a blend of strength, core and stability work this workshop explores the essence of Aqua Balance. Devised from a variety of wellbeing practices this fresh approach to movement in water will leave you feeling rejuvenated and "balanced." - as presented at FILEX 09

Deep Water Instructor Update - Presented by JSP
How many ways can you move in deep water? Controversy still rears its head in the delivery of 'correct' deep water techniques. The pre requisite for this one day course is to bring your bathers and experience the activity to form an education opinion.
May, Dec
Metropolitan Melbourne

Stay Tuned for other innovative and refreshing topics: including Aquatic Health and Wellness and Aquatics for Medical Conditions

  This month we feature the Vertical Abdominal Curl. As with all the 'Moves' it is imperative that you experience these movement patterns in the water yourself. Experience and learning go hand in hand. Download the PDF for Move of the Month by clicking here.

 Women, Exercise and Aging: Strong Message for the 'Weaker' Sex

 The research this month focuses on women and in particular, older women (appropriate for the month in which mother's day falls and tributes are paid to the special women in our lives). There is no specific aquatic application within the research, however, there certainly are messages about the positive nature of exercise as it relates to the older adults population, who are a steadfast group within aqua classes.

 In this research article, published in March 2001 in the journal of the American Medical Association, Friedrich maintains that women can remain strong and agile as they age, but to so, they need to get some sort of exercise. Because women have less muscle and bone than men, they are at greater risk at a younger age than men for many problems associated with aging. Loss of muscle strength, bone density and balance account for some of these problems, which are only really appreciated when they have diminished. The researchers contend "that evidence supports the idea that vigorous exercise like running and brisk walking can help counteract some of the negative consequences of aging and can even add years to life. Strength training, while not shown to lengthen life, can improve its quality by giving people the muscle power to perform daily activities and remain independent longer" Exercise is also shown to be one of the most effective non medical interventions for reducing pain and improving function and quality of life for people with arthritis.
If you would like a copy of the full journal article please email info@wets.com.au

 AQUA INSTRUCTOR PROFILE..

This month we have great pleasure in announcing that Lorraine Slorach has been awarded Instructor of the Month. We are all unique individuals and what makes us interesting are our 'stories'. No two people will have an identical pathway but what we do share is a passion for water based exercise. So what is Lorraine's story?

 In 2005 Lorraine participated in a mentoring program on property investing. Nine months later, she was surprised not only by the knowledge she had gained and the friendships that she had made, but by how much more confident she was. Lorraine realized that when you follow your dreams, many things are possible. She had been a participant in the fitness industry for more than 20 years and challenged herself to complete her Fitness Instructor and Group Exercise Instructor qualification. She quickly realized that as far as land classes were concerned, she was a much better participant than instructor

 As luck would have it Lorraine turned to Aqua Exercise. At this point she met JSP and completed "her excellent Aqua Instructor course, with plenty of actual practice time and a good measure of humor thrown in" Lorraine passed her assessment in spite of her 'nerves' and has never looked back. What keeps her in the industry is that:
"Aqua participants are a pure joy to be around. They are a happy bunch, truly enjoying their time in the water, knowing they are benefiting their bodies whilst splashing about. I love this path I have chosen. I love learning and look forward to becoming a better instructor with practice and continual participation in workshops. I will benefit by remaining fresh and enthused, as will my participants and they, after all are the bottom line"

 Congratulations Lorraine and may you instruct for many years to come! You have won a complimentary WETS 2009 workshop voucher to continue your learning. Enjoy with compliments of the team at WETS.

 If you would like to nominate yourself or a fellow instructor for this award, email info@wets.com.au, letting us know your story and the reason for your nomination. Let's continue to share the stories of instructors who are passionate about what they do.

At Filex, a number of instructors spoke about the benefits of purchasing WETS Aqua Moves 1 DVD for the Aquatic Centre where they are employed. That way, they believed lots of instructors could benefit from this user friendly and practical resource for less outlay. It is easy to get into a rut when you are living a busy life. Incorporating a few new moves into your movement repertoire can make all the difference. WETS Aqua Moves 1 DVD means you have new moves at your fingertips all the time for under $25.00.