Aquafitness BRE207

Course Structure: Aquafitness BRE207

1. Introduction
   
   • Definition of aqua fitness and therapy and how it differs from other fitness activities. Encompasses the different stages of a fitness session and the management of an aquatic center
2. Equipment and Facilities
   
   • The aim of this lesson is to gain the skills and knowledge which will aid in the selection, use and management and facilities required for aqua fitness activities. Includes pool position, design and depth, equipment required for aqua fitness activities, music and first aid requirements.
3. Types of Exercises
   
   • This lessons gives an understanding of the wide range of different aerobic and anaerobic movements that can be used in aqua aerobic programs. Lesson content includes stretching, aerobic and anaerobic principles and exercises in both shallow and deep water.
4. Hydrostatic and Hydrodynamic Principles
   
   • The aim of this lesson is to develop an understanding of the principles underlying the design of an appropriate aqua fitness program. Includes definitions of pressure, weight and body alignment in water, warming up, recovery and cool down.
5. Safety and Health
   
   • This lesson gives an understanding of the aqua fitness training requirements of special needs groups. Includes pregnancy, safety and health requirements, pre-exercise screening checklists, liability and legislation.
6. Program Design
   
   • This lesson provides skills in the design and delivery of appropriate aqua based programs to improve and maintain aerobic fitness. Includes program aims, warm up, the exercise body, recovery and cool down examples, as well as intensity levels.
7. Leading a Program
   
   • This lesson gives an understanding of skills to provide better leadership qualities during an aqua fitness session. Covers leadership concepts, teaching, communication, body language and student numbers.

Aims: Aquafitness BRE207

• An understanding of how aquafitness activities differ from other fitness activities.
• Skills and knowledge which will aid in the selection, use and management of equipment and facilities required for aquafitness activities.
• An understanding of a wide range of different aerobic and anaerobic movements that can be used in aquafitness programs.
• An understanding of the principles underlying the design of an appropriate aquafitness program.
• An understanding of the aquafitness training requirements of special needs groups.
• Skills in the design and delivery of appropriate aqua based programs to improve/maintain aerobic fitness.
• An understanding of skills that will enable better leadership of an aqua fitness session.

What you will be doing during this Course

• What would typical responses to exercising in water be, for each of the following:
• A middle aged man who had done little exercise for the past ten years.
• A young female adult who has been active in sport through high school and after school years.
• An elderly lady who has had hip surgery in the previous few years.

Either visualise someone running or go and see someone in action (either on a track or on a treadmill in a gym). Explain the different forces on the runner as compared to someone in the water doing a similar exercise. Areas to consider include:

• Gravity pressure
• Sidewards pressure
• Joint pressure
• Speed.
• In a manner similar to the way you answered question 2 of this lesson, compare the differences that occur between weight training and aqua training.
• Go to an aquafitness location/provider and enquire from the managers or staff on how they select equipment. Do they select according to need, trend, function or price? Why do they select the equipment they have? What is the range of equipment they have available?
• At the same location, ask about maintenance of other facilities. How often are they in need of cleaning, who does it, what equipment is used, etc?
• Investigate any other equipment that can be used by aquafitness instructors that are not mentioned in this text. Where can they be purchased from? How much are they? What use have they? Try to obtain brochures.
• Perform a range of aqua-exercises (eg. warm up, aerobic exercises and resistance) and a number of stretches covering all major body parts. Record your performance of these on VHS video. Submit the video to the school. The tape should be about 1 hour in length.
• Observe an aquafitness session. Ideally you should obtain permission to visit a health club or gymnasium and observe a class. If held in a public pool, you might be able to make these observations without obtaining formal permission.
• If a pregnant women came to your class right at the beginning and wanted to join in what would you say and do? Take for granted that she is relatively new to the centre.
• List 10 important factors you need to consider when working with a group of children.

Aqua Fitness activities might be defined as any fitness activities undertaken when the body is submerged or partially submerged in water. This can include Swimming, Diving (high board or scuba), Snorkeling, Aqua Aerobics, Hydrostatic Stretching, Deep Water Running, or even more structured activities such as Water Volleyball or Water Polo.

This course is perfect for anyone interested in water fitness and safety as well as teaching some of the essential elements such as aquafitness equipment and facilities, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic principles, and program design and facilitating. The course is written by John Mason, author of the best selling book, "Aquafitness", published by Kangaroo Press.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the Academy, marked by the Academy's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.