More people are coming to aquatic fitness programs than ever before. The Instructor is the key ingredient to a “happy” class. Instructors are responsible for safety and efficacy of exercise as well as “enjoyment” so that people return regularly to a program.

 Be connected with your participants, use a lot of eye contact. Let them feel you are in tune with every move and are there to make positive corrections so they can get the most from their exercise time.

Be flexible.  Have a “game plan” but remember we are working with a number of personalities and the best made lesson plan in the world will not work if the atmosphere is not right for it on that day.

Treat your participants not as a business customer but as a friend.  If they choose to share something of their personal life with you, allow the time to get to know them as a person, not just one of a number in class. Try to make each person feel comfortable and know that they would be missed if they did not show up for class.

 We all like to know why we are doing something.  Most participants are interested in diet, health, and exercise issues.  READ ,READ , READ trade magazines ( not just on water exercise but be aware of what is going on in the exercise industry). Bring in articles about health and exercise (always giving the source).

Keep a file to draw from. When you find something you think your participants might be interested in or to start an “exercise discussion.” with, put it in your file.  Here are a couple of quotes  to get you started:

REASONS TO EXERCISE

FICTION: You need to spend 30 min. of your workout on your abs

FACT   When moving through  the water in good posture will engage the core abdominal muscles. This is perhaps the easiest way to improve function and support a healthy spine.

 EXERCICE REGULARLY “ may optimize your body’s defenses against illness,” says the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Hagen.. If you happen to catch a cold, you may recover faster if you’re fit.

*WHAT EXERCISE WILL DO FOR YOU

• Better posture and body alignment = less injuries
• Fluid, easy movement = better range of motion
• Stronger muscles and better joints = the water has 12-14x resistance and then when you amplify with equipment adds increased intensity and surface area
• Fewer aches and pains = water naturally massages the muscles to dissipate blood lactate (which otherwise creates muscle soreness)
• A more efficient circulatory and a better respiratory system =the water weight on your chest especially in neutral working position, deep water or suspended with feet off the bottom adds a training effect for breathing (but you do have to breathe properly)
• Better digestion = getting the blood pumping with basic moves and regular exercise
• Caloric expenditure = moving with cardiovascular and muscular strength will help raise your metabolism during the workout as well as after the workout.

If there are more questions – be sure always refer your clients and patrons to their own health care provider for their own personal health questions. Create an atmosphere of social and positive lifestyle – offer some specialized sessions to help everyone bond as a group. Enjoy a  seasonal potluck or  lunches or  simply nutrition  break to give participants time to socialize with each other outside of the class and ask general fitness technique questions. Invite Master Trainers for workshops or guest classes to show that you value their time and their journey of fitness and good health.

Remember that our group exercise programs are well populated with seniors or retirees who come from a variety of interesting backgrounds and professions, so draw upon that. Each day, say something nice to every participant or at least acknowledge them with a  nod and smile -letting them know you care . Enjoy! And they will too.