H2O Neurobics with Dr. Lori Sherlock is a 25-minute aquatic fitness instructor video that features movement patterns designed to improve brain health. Combining both brains and brawn, these shallow water movement patterns stimulate neural activity and improve cognitive function. An optional AEA approved online course is available for this video. The online program includes a detailed handout and a 10-question quiz approved for 1 AEA CEC.
The USA’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a longstanding Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) that coordinates with partners to promote brain health and address cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease through public health strategies. Within the fitness industry, the term Neurobics refers to exercise designed for the brain and was first used by Dr. Lawrence Katz. This type of exercise is based on the theory that learning new movement patterns can keep our brain healthy by increasing blood flow and creating new neural connections.
Creating exercise routines that promote brain health and enhance activities of daily living (ADLs) is just one of Lori’s many passions in fitness education. She is a professor in the School of Medicine at West Virginia University. She coordinates and teaches the aquatic therapy curriculum within the division of Exercise Physiology. Below, Lori talks about the H2O Neurobics video and then continuing reading for a summary of the exercise action in the aquatic fitness instructor video.
H2O Neurobics - Video Summary
This 25-minute pool workout includes a short warm-up, cool down and three Neurobics segments that challenge the brain with varying movement patterns. A tennis ball is used in two of the segments. Any small ball can be substituted here.
Neurobic Segment 1: Dots
This segment challenges the brain with Dot drills that vary direction and change foot patterns. The drill patterns revolve around 5 dots and include slalom, hourglass, figure 8, wide triangle and the letter “M.”
Neurobic Segment 2: LITabata
This brain challenge introduces Low Intensity Training (LIT) and the use of a simple tennis ball. The exercises include a gait focus with ball, eye and head drills presented in a Tabata timing format that includes 8 exercises performed for 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest.
Neurobic Segment 3: LIT Build Ups
This segment includes a low intensity training (LIT) interval, with the exercises performed as one minute of gentle build up, followed by one minute of mobility and ball play.
Fitmotivation extends a big thank you to Lori for sharing her vast knowledge and passion for aquatic fitness with subscribers. Check out her other Fitmotivation videos. Given her educational background, three of her videos include optional AEA approved online courses. We hope she can find time in her busy schedule to return in 2026 for another round of filming and more AEA approved online courses.
