Ready-Set-Go! Let’s play The Multiplier. This aquatic fitness class cardio format features a fun rep challenge that creates engagement, focus and a fun sense of competition. The entire class is based on just 12 water exercises that are paired into six 2-move combos. You can teach this class in deep or shallow water. There is no equipment required.
Rep Inspired
My inspiration for this class content goes back a few years. If you have ever watched any of Stephanie Newbury’s AquaGym Fitness videos, you will recall her progressive exercises where one move in a 2-move combination was progressed one rep at a time.
Recently, I reposted a reel on social media that was first posted in 2024. This reel featured an example of a progressive 2-move combo. However, I called it a “Multiplier” because I didn’t want to co-opt Stephanie’s terminology. After reposting this reel, it occurred to me that a full video of multiplier combos would be a fun challenge for both instructors and participants.
Below, I talk about my Multiplier inspiration and then read on for a class summary and the benefits of trying the rep challenge in your classes.
Class Summary
This aquatic fitness instructor video includes a warm-up, 12 multiplier rounds, a bonus round and a final stretch. Yes, there are just 12 exercises in this entire workout. That makes it easy to teach for the instructor, and easy to follow along for the participant. The 12 exercises are paired up into six 2-move combos. Each 2-move combo is taught twice.
The first time through, the first move in the combo is multiplied, meaning you add on a rep every time you do the combo, while the second move always stays at one. You time the round for 90 seconds and your participants see how many reps they can complete for the first move.
The second time the 2-move combination is performed for 90 seconds, the second move is multiplied, and the first move always stays at one.
After the 12 multiplier rounds have been completed, it’s time for a Multiplier Bonus Round. In this final round, all 12 exercises are added together for a mega-combo that is taught with repetition reduction. At least that is the way I did it in the video. Feel free to do a bonus round in whatever manner you want, and in a way that matches your comfort level and teaching style. Or just skip it.
Self-Counting is Important
This class is designed for participants to complete the reps at their own pace. Everyone will be going along at different paces, especially if you have a large class. Therefore, it is important for the class members to go at their own pace and to count their own reps.
Benefits of a Rep Challenge in Class
Yes, this is a cardio workout. But it is all about focus, engagement and challenging your class members to see how many reps they can complete. If you have a chatty class, these Multiplier rounds are a great way to shut down the chatter. Class participants need to stay engaged in counting and don’t have time to talk. Not convinced? Give it a try. You don’t have to do the entire class of Multiplier rounds. You can toss in a couple rounds and see if it silences the talkers.
Working with less moves, and lots of repetition makes this a simple straightforward athletic workout to both teach and participate in. The goal is to train muscular and cardio endurance and to improve overall stamina.
I hope you and your classes enjoy The Multiplier challenge.
