Why a certified instructor lead class is important...

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 I have been going to several classes and today I didn't go, because I know that they are using a paper with the moves they are going to use and I just cannot motivate myself to go to the same routine that I have done at least 10 times now.  

As a certified water fitness instructor, it is as important for me to not get bored as those attending the class.  Even if a class has the same elements as another, it will not be in the same order and will usually vary by using different equipment or adding a game to the end of class.  

I get bored easily and do not want to bore my students by teaching the same exercises in the same order day after day.  There are so many elements you can work into a class to vary it.  Granted you can have an entire class that focuses on the elements I am about to list, but it is great to work them through all classes.

I apparently like lists as I seem to have several on the blog so far, and I just want to point out that lists are incomplete as most lists can go on and on, but like I said, I am not about to bore anyone for any reason.  I digress...

Varieties of classes:

1. Stretch - stretching is great for all ages and stretching in the water is great as you don't have to worry about falling or finding the floor as you work throughout the muscles you're stretching.  You can static stretch, which I am not a fan of, as you can get cold quickly staying in one place for a period of time. I prefer dynamic stretching, any move held for 5 or less seconds, and repeating a few times.

2. Balance  - which is especially important for the older crowd, as falling can break bones.  You can increase the difficulty by placing hand in various positions.

    a. straight out so you can easily tilt side to side and maintain balance using your whole body.

    b. elbows at the sides, hands pointed upward is an intermediate position.

    c. arms crossed at chest, make is more difficult.

    d. closing your eyes with arms in any position will immediately make it more difficult.

    e. creating a current, or inconsistent current close to the participants bodies can also throw off their balance and is quite fun.

3. Core - having a strong core is important at any age and there are so many moves in the water that can strengthen your core.  

4. Strength - where you use the water and either buoyant or large surface area equipment can increase strength of all muscles of the body.  You get 14 times the resistance in water than on land so you can defiantly work up a good sweat!

5. Joint movement - especially important for the older crowd to move every joint in their body daily to help with arthritis that plagues so many.

Having a certified instructor will insure that all moves are done safely and they can let the participants know what muscles to focus on for each move.  When we focus on the muscle we are suppose to be working we can correct the move and feel it working that muscle and get benefit from the class.


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