Instead of HIIT, change things up and provide your aquatic fitness classes with a choreography challenge. ChoreoSplash with Claire Barker-Hemings is a good old fashioned water aerobic format that will challenge class members’ stamina and coordination with 45 minutes of non-stop movement.
ChoreoSplash is an example of steady-state aerobic training. The goal is to exercise for long duration at an intensity of a 6 or 7 out of 10. Unlike interval training, there is no rest. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is when you work at an intensity of 8 or 9 for a short period of time, followed by rest or recovery. Aqua HIIT workouts are popular on Fitmotivation, but if you always teach what you always taught, your class members will always get what they always got. Fitness results require a commitment to variability and other training principles. Teaching both steady-state and intermittent intensity training in your classes can help your members improve their overall fitness so that they can be prepared for any kind of energy demand life throws their way.
Aquatic Fitness Class-at-a-Glance
The ChoreoSplash format is 49 minutes in total length and includes a warmup, cool down and 5 aerobic segments. The first four aerobic segments feature choreographed combinations built around a single base move. As the segments build, the movements from the previous segments are added on. The last aerobic segment serves as the grand finale of choreography. Important to note, teaching these types of workouts requires a higher skill level for both instructors and participants. Consider instructing the moves in a manner that suits your level of experience. Be prepared, the class participants likely will not get the choreography right away. This is the type of class you want to teach multiple times so that they can eventually master the moves and enjoy the thrill of the fast-paced action. Below, Claire talks more about ChoreoSplash in a short video and then shares additional education and tips for creating choreographed aqua fitness classes.
Creating Effective Choreographed Workouts
By Claire Barker-Hemings
Designing a choreographed fitness session can initially seem daunting. The art of teaching movement combinations while ensuring that the class stays cohesive throughout the session requires skill and practice. The foundation of any successful class begins with a base move. From there, you can build increasingly complex patterns tailored to the abilities of your class. It’s essential to challenge your participants, but also know when to stop to prevent frustration. By mastering transitions between moves, you can create weeks of engaging content.
Aerobic Focus
The primary objective of these sessions is to enhance cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Although there may be moments when the class feels particularly challenged, the goal is to keep everyone continuously moving. This consistent activity trains both the heart and muscles, contributing to overall fitness. Remember, steady-state aerobic training is vital for improving cardiovascular health, enhancing endurance, and promoting fat utilization. It supports recovery, regulates blood sugar levels, and benefits mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. This type of exercise improves overall fitness and allows for consistent training, which is crucial for long-term fitness gains.
Techniques for Effective Instruction
To facilitate smooth learning and effective transitions in your class, employ techniques such as addition, pyramids, and layering. These methods help ensure that each move flows naturally into the next. Careful planning of your building blocks is essential, as it provides a clear path from point A to point B in your routine. As you progress through the session, observe how well your class is following along, and after each session, take time to review and consider whether there was a different “route” you could have taken. Remember, there are many ways to build a routine, and the approach may need to change depending on the fitness level and coordination of the group in front of you.
Music Structure
Designing your class around 32-count phrased fitness music allows you to adapt to any music choice, which can vary from group to group. Tailor the choreography to reflect your personal style and align with the skill level of your clients. Initially, you may not reach the final desired choreography, or you might need to modify moves to better suit the abilities of the group in front of you. Embrace variety and use these sessions as inspiration to create movements that are tailored to your audience. This approach not only enhances coordination but also supports daily activities.
Final Thoughts
Above all, make sure to have fun, connect with your audience, and encourage them to move to the beat. Your enthusiasm and engagement will inspire your class and create a motivating and enjoyable experience.
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Fitmotivation extends a big thank you to Claire for traveling to Florida from Australia to share her passion and content. Check out her other Fitmotivation videos.