Aqua Fitness Instructors Dominic Gili and Claire Barker-Hemings. Photo. Alex Rea.
The older we get, the more important it is to maintain fitness, not just for heart health and mobility, but to make us less susceptible to falls.
The paradox being that as exercise becomes more important, the harder it can be. That’s where aqua fitness comes in.
Aqua fitness is a growing industry as more people realise the benefits of low-impact exercise – especially the older and less active demographic who want to keep fit.
To meet demand, Moruya Memorial Swimming Pool has hosted a training course for Aqua Fitness Instructors, run by Dominic Gili from Sydney and Claire Barker-Hemings from Melbourne.
Pool School at Moruya. Photo: Supplied.
Local Aqua Instructor Annie Clarke said there has been increasing demand for aqua classes, which are currently offered at the Moruya, Batemans Bay and Narooma pools.
“The water is a great place for low-impact training, gaining all-round core strength, as well as having a lot of fun,” said Annie. “I have clients of all ages and fitness levels, including some with disabilities. With Aqua Fitness you can just go at your own pace.”
Annie has been an instructor for over 20 years, conducting classes in Sydney pools and remedial exercise, post and pre-op exercises, and has attended international aqua conventions.
Annie invited the instructors to Moruya for the course to alleviate a shortage of instructors in the Eurobodalla region.
New crew of Aqua Fitness Instructors for Eurobodalla. Photo: Supplied.
The course included two days of live training, self-paced written work and practical field experience. The students are then required to align themselves with a competent, qualified, experienced Aqua Fitness Instructor for mentoring throughout the practical field experience hours.
Working from Moruya Pool for the past 12 months, Annie was asked by Grand Pacific Health to conduct an Indigenous health program in the water. The program was well attended and now a staff member from Grand Pacific Health has completed the course for new instructors.
Annie said, “This was a one-off course for the region. I doubt it will be run again here, and I am offering the appropriate mentorship, without any charge for the students to get fully accredited”.
“At the rate of growth in the popularity of the classes, there wouldn’t be nearly enough qualified instructors to fill the gaps next season.
“With a new pool in the planning for Mackay Park in Batemans Bay there should be extra interest in aqua classes,” said Annie. “And Narooma pool stays open all through winter.”
To learn more about classes at Eurobodalla pools, visit Making Waves Aquafit on Facebook.
Claire Barker-Hemings and Dominic Gili at Moruya Pool. Photo: Alex Rea.
Loading ...
