Fill in the Bounce with Richard Gormley is an aquatic fitness instructor video that features several add-on sequences of movement. Each sequence is layered with intricacy and intensity options as a progression. As per the video title, if you or your students get lost, return to the bounce until you get back on track.
Richard is a popular Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) and has presented Aqua Zumba® at conferences and instructor trainings in 56 countries. In his debut Fitmotivation filming in 2025, Richard shared two Aqua Zumba videos in a special collaboration with Zumba Fitness®. His last video, Sink or Sprint, showcased a unique version of HIIT, the Norwegian 4x4 protocol. And now, Fill in the Bounce, further demonstrates his foray into more traditional forms of water exercise.
Add-On & Layering
The movement in this video is presented with primarily two types of choreography, add-on and the layer technique.
Add-on choreography, often called the building block method, is achieved by teaching a movement #1, then teaching movement #2 and then adding #1 and #2 together. Next, you introduce movement #3 and then add 1,2 and 3 together, and so on. The end-result is predictable sequencing that helps build exercise confidence as participants start to identify the sequence.
The layer technique involves introducing a base move or combination, teaching it, and then layering the base move or combination with a movement variation. The variation often progresses the base move with either intricacy or intensity.
Repetition
The key to success in a workout like this is repetition. You simply cannot expect to fully grasp the 35 minutes of choreographed sequences the first time through. Like any class, it takes an instructor a few times to get good at teaching a new routine, and it takes the students a few times to get good at performing the new routine. The goal is to get the class members to the point where they can master the sequences without your verbal cueing. In Zumba® classes, instructors don’t talk at all. They rely on visual cueing and participant mastery.
Below, Richard talks about his inspiration for creating Fill in the Bounce.
Class-at-a-Glance
Fill in the Bounce is a 45-minute shallow water workout that includes a warm-up, cool down and three aerobic segments. The choreography in the three segments is broken down into two sequences in each segment, both coming together with add-on and layered instruction. In segment 2, the choreography is added on from segment 1, and in segment 3 the choreography is added on from segments 1 and 2.
Fitmotivation extends a big thank you to Richard for sharing his knowledge and passion with subscribers. Check out his other Fitmotivation videos. I look forward to seeing Richard and many of the Fitmotivation video presenters at the International Aquatic and Therapy Fitness Conference (IAFTC) in May 2026 in Palm Harbor, Florida.
