Get ready to bring some pool noodle drills and skills into your aquatic fitness classes. Noodle ABCs with Claire Barker-Hemings is a fun and challenging 20-minute pool noodle routine designed to train ABCs - agility, balance and coordination.
Noodles are simply the most versatile and affordable equipment you can have on hand for your water fitness classes. Your class members can float on them, stand on them, sit on them, kneel on them and use them for resistance in a variety of ways. For this reason, Fitmotivation has dozens of aquatic fitness instructor videos that feature the use of a pool noodle.
Aquatic Fitness Class-at-a-Glance
Noodle ABCs does not include a warm-up and cool down because it is a shorter video and meant to be added into regular class programming. Noodle quality, size and safety is vitally important. Watch Claire explain in the video below and then read more in her short article.
The Versatile Pool Noodle: An Essential Tool for Aquatic Exercise
By Claire Barker-Hemings
The pool noodle is a versatile piece of equipment that goes beyond providing buoyancy. Its shape and form require significant control from the user, adding an extra layer of challenge to aquatic exercises. However, not all noodles are created equal, and it's essential to consider their condition before use.
Assessing Your Pool Noodle
Before incorporating noodles into your workout, consider the following factors:
Age and Condition: Older noodles may be waterlogged, affecting their buoyancy.
Density: The noodle's density influences its resistance and support.
Design: Noodles with a hole in the middle behave differently from solid ones.
Newness: Brand new noodles might have a slippery film, altering grip and control.
These aspects can impact the effectiveness of your exercises, so it's crucial to assess the noodles beforehand. If you don’t own the pool, you may not have control over the noodle quality, but being aware of these factors can help you adapt your workout accordingly.
Familiarizing Yourself with the Noodle
Spend some time in the pool experimenting with the noodles. Get a feel for their buoyancy and resistance and determine how you might need to modify exercises in your routine to fit the specific noodles you have.
Noodles ABC: Agility, Balance, and Coordination
The Noodles ABC concept draws inspiration from everyday activities. It focuses on three essential skills: Agility, Balance and Coordination. These skills are crucial for daily tasks we often take for granted. In this session, we'll use the noodle under our feet to create balance challenges, pass the noodle from hands to feet, and control leg movements to test coordination. These exercises are designed to push you out of your comfort zone and enhance your agility, balance, and coordination.
Safety and Adaptation
When using noodles under your feet, exercise caution. Their buoyancy can cause them to pop out of the water unexpectedly. Take your time with each exercise, and don’t worry if you can’t keep up with the pace initially. With practice, your skills and comfort with the noodles will improve.
Incorporating pool noodles into your aquatic workout can significantly enhance your exercise routine. By understanding and adapting to the unique properties of the noodle, you can effectively challenge your body and improve essential skills for daily life.
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Fitmotivation extends a big thank you to Claire for sharing her passion and knowledge in both the video and her short article.