Australian Aqua Training Specialist, Claire Barker-Hemings shares an express video that features some rhythmic stretching and flow for both upper and lower body. Use it as a joint prep in the warm-up, a cooldown after cardio or as recovery for interval training.
Rhythmic stretching in the pool not only feels good, but it also embodies the grace and fluidity of moving in the water. Claire’s inspiration for creating this short routine was in watching how her participants moved in the water. “I noticed that the soft almost ballet and Ai chi movements gave them a great sense a freedom and they love to feel like they are dancing in the water,” says Claire.
WHAT CAN YOU USE RHYTHMIC STRETCHING FOR?
Cool Down
The most obvious use for this flow routine would be as an active cool down after a cardio routine or some other aquatic fitness programming.
Active Stretch
If you teach in a chilly pool, doing a passive stretch at the end would be prohibitive as the students would get too chilled. Consider using this routine as an active stretch to end the class in a cooler pool.
Warm-up/Prep
The big flowing movements of the upper and lower body would serve as a nice warm-up for the muscles and joints. “I use these sequences and similar in my aqua Pilates sessions as a prep for the workout to come,” says Claire.
Recovery
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is very popular these days. All interval training formats require a timed recovery period. This type of rhythmic flow would work very well for recovery time periods that are 30 seconds or longer.
Fitmotivation extends a big thank you to Claire Barker Hemings for traveling all the way from Melbourne, Australia to share her passion and talents. Be sure to check out her recent videos, Aerobic Splash, Aqua Gloves & Loops, as well as her other Fitmotivation videos – Aqua Ballet Beats and Liquid Pilates. Claire is also a representative for Arbonne and is happy to assist with nutritional, wellness and skin care needs.