How to Teach a Water Aerobics Class

Water aerobics is great for those individuals that have trouble exercising due to poor joints or other muscle pain. Water aerobics is completely low impact, while still yielding great results for those who take part in it. As a water aerobics teacher, you want to make sure that your students get the best results from their classes. To do this, you need to provide a wide arrange of exercises and stretching. Here is how to teach a water aerobics class.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin with stretching before your students enter the pool. Stretching can help eliminate cramping that can be a problem while swimming. Make sure to sufficiently stretch the legs, knees, hamstrings, arms, shoulders and neck before entering the pool.

2. Begin with low impact work, such as kicking with the help of a kickboard. These low impact exercises get your students used to the water and helps to warm up their muscles for more challenging exercises as you continue your routine.

3. Have the students do jumping jacks in the water to begin the cardiovascular portion of your exercise routine. Make sure to do at least two sets of eight in order to get the most benefits. Keep a careful eye on your students and watch for excessive fatigue. Encourage those students who are laboring too hard to take a break by the side of the pool.

4. Begin the kickboxing segment of your routine. Kickboxing while in the water builds strength while promoting cardiovascular health. Have your students work on punching and kicking against the resistance of the water.

5. End your class with a cool down stretch. Cool down stretching helps your students reduce any pain that they may feel as a result of the water aerobics class. Have your students do lengthening stretches by stretching their arms over their heads and relaxing.

References

• Aquatic and Fitness Professional Association International