This low-impact workout was created to accommodate students of various heights and fitness levels in a shallow-water class. The first segment focuses on creating class content with grounded moves and the other two segments demonstrate how incorporating a noodle provides creative challenges and reduced impact.
Welcome to Noodle RX. The inspiration behind this workout occurred when AEA Training Specialist, Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour had to reformat a few of her classes to accommodate some of her taller students in shallower waters. Grounded moves are always the perfect solution for shallower waters, but Jenni Lynn also discovered that a noodle could be a lifesaver for rescuing a depth-challenged class.
Fitmotivation: Tell us more about your reasons for creating Noodle RX?
Jenni Lynn: Having several students in different classes with ankle, knee, hip and back issues, I was challenged to assist these people with more of a PT approach for the class. However, I never an opportunity to work in deep water and I had to learn to use shallow water in a creative way. Since I have a wide range of heights in my pool, ranging from 5 foot to 6’3’’, I knew the noodle would be a versatile piece of equipment to use to accommodate different heights and fitness levels of participants. From there, I challenged myself to use the noodle for the majority of my shallow water classes and asked students for their feedback. Asking for participant feedback is a great way to connect with your students and hear how they’re benefiting, or not, from your work.
NOODLE RX: VIDEO-AT-A-GLANCE This 40-minute workout features four segments.
Segment 1 starts with a warm-up that features some impact and then transitions into lower body series of grounded/anchored moves. The noodle is not utilized in this segment.
Segment 2 is all about the upper body. The noodle is used in various positions to perform buoyant resisted exercises that target the upper extremities.
Segment 3 targets the core with a variety of noodle positions and exercises.
Segment 4 features a final stretch using the noodle.
Noodle Recommendations
Jenni Lynn recommends a medium density noodle that is pliable. “I have access to the white/Hydro-fit medium to heavy density noodles in my classes, and find that the majority of the class enjoys the challenge of this denser type of noodle,” says Jenni Lynn. However, added that she does have lighter noodles for some of her students with arthritic or hand issue students. “I love the versatility of the noodle and it’s a common piece of equipment found in pool areas.”
Fitmotivation: Do you have any teaching tips you want to pass along for this workout?
Jenni Lynn: It is important to help your students use buoyancy effectively. Going through anchored, level II and suspended work on the noodle, used on different parts of the body, is very challenging for many students, and can take time to become comfortable with. Taking the time to educate them about how we get an eccentric and concentric contraction (lengthening and shortening phase) in our muscle fibers, can give their body an all around effective and efficient workout.
Fitmotivation extends BIG thanks to Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour for once again sharing her passion and talents with subscribers. Check out other Fitmotivation videos featuring Jenni Lynn and the S’WET brand – including, Super Circuit 1, Wicked Wall, S’WET Boot Camp, S’WET Deep, S’WET Challenge and Wave Warrior. Interested in hosting or attending S'WET workshops? Visit the S'WET website or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.