Aqua Alphabet 2 is an alphabet-themed water fitness class that showcases another round of 26 aquatic exercises. Aquatic fitness instructors can teach this fun class format in both deep and shallow water. Once all 26 exercises have been instructed and mastered, it’s time to challenge your class members with letter games that include a dice round, an AMRAP blast and a core finisher. This dual depth cardio class not only improves aerobic endurance, it also enhances brain function with neurobic challenges that involve memory recall.
Aqua Alphabet was a big hit with water fitness instructors when it was released in March 2024. Therefore, I had the idea to do a video called Aqua Numerical with a dice game, but it became evident that I needed a list of exercises. As often happens, my original idea morphed into another round of Aqua Alphabet that included a dice challenge. And can I just say that coming up with 26 more exercises that correspond with each letter of the alphabet was not easy. As I kept practicing, I even doubled down and came up with double letter monikers for most of the exercises, such as Donkey Doubles. Comparing the two versions, I do believe the second round of exercises is bit more intense. However, your class participants can work at a pace that is comfortable to them. Like the original video, there are memory pop quizzes that add a mental challenge to the exercise. Watch Mark talk about the video below and then read on for class details.
AQUATIC FITNESS CLASS-AT-A-GLANCE
Aqua Alphabet 2 is an hour format that includes 8 exercise segments. This aqua class can be instructed in both deep and shallow water. A flotation belt shoulder be worn by class members in deep water. The water’s resistance is the only equipment needed for this workout. Class Members can wear webbed gloves to increase the water’s resistance.
Segment 1: Letters A to F
The first 6 aquatic exercises are taught after a quick warm-up. Feel free to lengthen the time of the warm-up to suit the needs of your participants and the temperature of the water. The 6 exercises are performed three times, first for 64 counts of music (30 seconds), and then twice through for 32 counts of music (15 seconds each). Repeating the exercises creates a cardio endurance challenge while helping your class members master and memorize the moves.
Segment 2: Letters G to L
The next 6 exercises are taught and repeated three times, like the timing in the first round. Memory pop quizzes are included to help your class participants memorize the exercises corresponding to each letter. This adds an element of “Neurobics” refers to the aerobic workout.
Segment 3: M to S
There are 26 letters in the alphabet and that means this segment includes an extra letter, for a total of 7 exercises.
Segment 4: T to Z
The final 7 exercises are instructed
Segment 5: Final Exam. A to Z.
It’s time to see how well your class members memorized and mastered the 26 exercises. All exercises A-Z are taught at a quick pace of 32 counts (15 seconds) for each letter. As you know, the finale is always me favorite part.
Segment 6: Dice Round
Although the finale was not the end of this workout. It’s time to have some fun and “game” the letters. The first game involves a big foam dice that can go right in the pool. Here is the dice I purchased from Amazon. Like traditional dice, there are six numerals on the dice, 1-6. To instruct this round, you must first select a series of letters. As the first letter (exercise) is demonstrated, the dice is tossed. If it lands on a 4, the exercise is performed for 40 seconds. The next letter (exercise) is shown, the dice is tossed, and if it lands on a 2, the exercise is performed for 20 seconds. Moving on to the next letter (exercise), the dice is tossed. Uh oh! It lands on a six. The exercise is performed for 60 seconds. This round was designed to last around 5 minutes. However, this can easily be lengthened and enjoyed once your class has mastered all 26 exercises.
Segment 7: AMRAP Challenge
AMRAP stands for “As many reps as possible.” In this round, 3 letters (exercises) are chosen, and the first exercise is performed for 30 seconds. Ask your class participants to count the number of reps they achieve in those 30 seconds. Then teach that same exercise again and have your students count the reps. The goal is for them to try and get at least one more rep in the second round. The same two rounds are repeated for the other selected exercises. Consider choosing exercises that can easily be counted for this round. AMRAP is a fun way to amp the intensity with self and team competition. If interested, here is the over-sized clock I purchased on Amazon.
Segment 8: Core Finisher
This short segment features a flow of four letters that target core muscles. The result is a challenging sequence of suspended core action.
Segment 9: Alphabet Stretch
For this segment, choose letters of the alphabet that target select muscles for stretching.
Teaching the Class
In the video, you see me using props to teach the class. Just know that you do not need props to teach this class. You can easily provide a fun and effective workout with just the class notes that accompany the video. You can also consider low-budget props like poster boards to display the letters. The magnetic chalk board I use in the video was purchased from Amazon. The magnetic letters I use were also purchased at Amazon. For the dice round, there are several ways you can simply assign timing for the exercises. The 26 exercises themselves are a great cardio workout, and you can skip the rest if you want.
In closing, I want to thank all of you for your feedback that you provided on the first round of Aqua Alphabet. Your comments on the website and on social media were the inspiration for doing a second round of Aqua Alphabet. Keep the feedback coming!
