Get ready to break out the noodles and add some fitness and fun in your aqua classes. Pool Noodle Fitness & Fun with Mushi Harush is an aquatic fitness instructor video that features an epic collection of noodle exercises. The pool noodle is used the entire time in this class format with creative exercises for cardio, core, strength, balance, flexibility and more.
Presenting at many of the same aquatic fitness conferences over the past 25 years, Mushi is a longtime fitness colleague. As far back as I can remember, she has consistently presented sessions that showcase noodles. In fact, I think one of her conference sessions many years ago was called Oodles of Noodles. Mushi is the founder of the Israeli Aquatic Exercise Center and an international training specialist for the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA).
THE INCREDIBLE, AFFORDABLE, VERSATILE POOL NOODLE
Floating, standing, sitting, straddling, kneeling, pushing and pulling, noodles are simply the most versatile and affordable equipment you can have on hand for aquatic fitness classes. Given the popularity of pool noodles and their presence in most facilities, Fitmotivation has dozens of aquatic fitness videos that include the use of pool noodles.
THERE IS NO OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT CAN DO ALL THIS
The noodle can be pushed and pulled against the water’s resistance for upper body muscular strength & endurance, as well as cardio training. For lower body, the noodle can be stepped on with one or both feet and pressed down for resistance and balance training. Straddling or sitting on a noodle, you can target lower body, cardio and core from a suspended position. A noodle can be placed behind the upper back to provide neutral buoyancy in a modified supine position for some challenging core and leg work. The noodle can also be used for creative planking exercises, with toes touching the pool floor, or with the body fully suspended in prone position. Pool noodles also provide stability, balance and confidence for those class members who need a little extra support. Simply put, there is no other aquatic fitness equipment that provides this kind of versatility.
Below, Mushi talks more about her video. Then read on for information regarding the best kind of pool noodle to use in water exercise.
WHAT IS THE BEST KIND OF NOODLE TO USE IN AQUATIC FITNESS CLASSES?
Like body types, there are different sizes and densities of pool noodles. Many facilities keep it simple and affordable by using the cheaper “Dollar Store” noodles. Actually, I prefer using these noodles in my older adult aquatic fitness classes because they are easier for class members to manage under the surface of the water. They have less density and so they don’t pop up the shoulders or explode out of the water if a member loses control. It’s all fun and games until the paramedics are called to a class. However, these Dollar Store noodles are less dense and have a hole in the center, which makes them less sturdy for providing optimal resistance and for holding up a more solid body when floating in modified supine position. In the video, we are using a more medium sized noodle that does not have a hole in the center. These solid core noodles are sturdier and more ideal for most aquatic fitness activities. I purchased these solid core noodles in a 3-pack on Amazon. Larger, more dense noodles are available online. It is probably best to have a variety of noodle sizes available in your classes for the varying fitness levels and body types.
Fitmotivation extends a big thank you to Mushi for sharing this epic collection of pool noodle exercises, along with the joy that naturally comes about from their use. She returns next month with one of her signature deep water class formats.
