Taking on the adventure and challenge of incorporating new equipment in class can be both exciting and terrifying. The training versatility of the water alone is vast but adding equipment like foam, drag, weights or even resistance bands can take an aquatic workout to a completely new depth. So when transitioning my intermediate class to an advanced level and adding the HYDRO-FIT™ buoyant cuffs, I was equal parts anxious and eager. The transition was a great success and below are some teaching tips and sample exercises that I found effective. Buoyant cuffs are comprised of material that is specific to water and floats. When the cuff is pushed down under the surface of the water towards the pool bottom, it creates a concentric (shortening) contraction of the muscle. When the cuff moves toward the surface of the water, in a controlled manner, it creates a lengthening muscle action, or eccentric contraction. I begin the class traveling in a big circle. My goal is for students to become comfortable and confident controlling the leg movements with added buoyancy attached to the ankles. It is important for students to understand that they need to really use their arms, legs and core to control body movements and keep their feet properly aligned under the hips. Progressing travel from short lever/single foot movements (e.g. jogging), to long lever/two footed movements (e.g. cross-country ski), and finally to elevated foot positions assists students to gain physical strength and control over body alignment. I began to notice that although my verbal cues were helpful, I had to also be mindful of demonstrating with proper posture on deck to prevent students from leaning too far forward and trying to look down to watch their feet. Also, it was important to bring attention to the placement of their legs and feet (not lifting the knees too high) and the constant engagement of their core, hips and gluteal muscles to control lower body positioning. After traveling for 10-15 minutes and gaining confidence in their abilities and proper form, I bring them to the wall for isolated leg and core work. I like to use this as an opportunity to show how effective the buoyancy equipment can be, and at the same time, how it can challenge balance and core strength. Performing single leg lifts in the frontal (side to side) and sagittal (front to back) planes, while holding or having their backs to the wall, creates isometric contractions of the core as well as concentric and eccentric muscles actions for the lower body. I also have them face the wall, using both hands on for support if needed, and begin to do mountain climbers (vertical or diagonal/level III) and double leg tucks for core work. If they feel strong enough to let go of the wall, they have this option, but initially using the wall helps reduce the chances of improper form or injury. From the wall, I have my class take the cuffs off of their feet and place them either on their upper arm or forearms for level III/suspended training. If I have participants with cervical or elevated scapula issues, I advise them to put the cuffs on their forearms and focus on performing scapular depression during suspended exercises. Suspended work with the cuffs on the upper body allows the lower back to relax and elongate and the pelvis/sacrum area to drop. During this level III work I perform base movements that sometimes incorporate the wall, like a level III cross-country ski with their back to the wall while cueing the back foot to touch the wall with each stride for extra posterior work. Or I will have them tap the wall each time the feet come forward during a front to back shoot through. To finish my cuff class on a high note, I enjoy incorporating abdominal and gluteal work using Pilates and some kicks, NYC Rockettes style! Having the ability to float yet use your hands freely allows the opportunity to perform multi-directional diagonal body positions, as well as a challenging V-sit for an extra core challenge. Want to try this in your class? The following workout is a program you can use for a 45-60-minute program. SAMPLE WORKOUT: Warm-Up (8-15 minutes) Traveling with cuffs on ankles – I turn the class around every 2-2 ½ minutes. High Knee Jog with Transverse Opening Arms High Knee Jog with Pumping Arms High Knee Jog with Hands on Head OR Alternating Arm Reaches Cross-Country Ski Level I Cross-Country Ski Level II with Tucks Cross-Country Ski Level III (paying attention to form & upright torso) Hops Level I Level III Tuck HOLD (keep feet below hips & use arms to pull forward) Jumping Jacks OR Cross-Country Level I – traveling laterally Leg/Core Wall Work (8-12 minutes) Cuffs on ankles; hold the wall for support if needed; be mindful how high the leg is lifted. Side Leg Lift (toes forward; control cuff towards surface) - 30/60 sec on each leg Forward Leg Lift (control cuff towards surface) - 30/60 sec on each leg Leg Circles( keep circle small to control alignment) - 30 sec each direction/30-60 sec on each leg Bent Knee Leg Press (control cuff & stop knee/hip at 90 degrees) - 30/60 sec on each leg Turn to face wall Double Leg Press/Hops - 60 sec Mountain Climbers (Level I or Level III in diagonal position) - 60 sec Wall Circuit (6-9 minutes) Perform each exercise for 1 minute & repeat 2-3 times Level III with feet tucked below hips: Pull forward to the wall & push backwards to the lane/wall Facing wall (option to hold): Double Leg Press/Hops Cardio Sprint (option to hold wall): High Knee Run with pumping arms/arms overhead OR Mountain Climbers (level I or level III diagonal) Level III/Suspended Work (15-20 minutes) Cuffs on upper body. Hold each move roughly 1–1 ½ min depending on class ability. Cross-Country Ski – focus on hip opening Hold Split for Stretch on each leg (split stance in sagittal plane – 15 sec) Pendulum Cross-Country Ski – body travels vertical & diagonal side to side Diagonal Plank Hold - Lead into single leg lift (Pac man) keeping bottom foot on floor – Repeat on each side Front to back shoot through - Lead into circling legs (open front to back & back to front) Reverse Plank position – Rockette Kicks (emphasize pushing leg down) Moguls in 3’s (Single – Single – Double) Side to side shoot through - Lead into adding 4 scissor/CC legs on each side (movement at the hip, not knee) Diamond Legs Twisting (feet touching below hips) Travel Diamond Legs up to surface for 4 counts & down for 4 counts Reverse Plank position – Rockette Kicks (emphasize pushing leg down) V-Sit Hold (pike hips/toes & head at surface) trying to keep toes as high above water as possible with heels touching V-Sit lifting straight legs up & OUT V-Sit lifting straight legs out to IN V-Sit stack heel toe & lift – switch feet & repeat Cool Down I hope you enjoy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at jennilynn@jennilynnfitness.com. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour is an AEA ATS and CE Provider as well as NSCA, CPT and CE Provider for AFAA and NASM. Jenni Lynn is also the creator and founder of S'WET by Jenni Lynn Fitness™, a trademarked aquatic fitness program that incorporates her swimming background with kickboxing, HIIT, yoga, pilates, and strength training in the pool. She truly believes the perception of water fitness can be transformed and soon ALL ages and genders will be working out together in the pool! Reprinted with permission from the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) www.aeawave.com This article first appeared March 1, 2019 online as a Featured Article.

Hey you. YES, YOU! I got a question. And I mean this with all due respect but... JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? No seriously, who are you? Take a moment and think about how you'd answer that. Because in this world today, if you can't define yourself, you let everyone else do it for you. And until you can accurately describe who you are, separate from what you do, you'll never be able to turn your small business into a big brand! Now I know what you're thinking: I'm just an aquatic instructor or personal trainer. I don't need a brand. I work for a gym, or private company, or perhaps even yourself as an independent consultant. That's awesome! Part of your identify is the company or person you work for. But that's just PART of YOU, right? So what makes up the rest then? Truth is...the rest is the BEST part of who you are. It's what makes you unique. It's your "special sauce"... the "secret ingredient" to your success. It's WHO YOU ARE, not WHAT YOU DO for work. The best part of you is your BRAND. And I promise you, once you understand what yours is, you'll be able to harness it's incredible power to turn small seedlings into fruitful successes! At IAFC 2019 this summer, Jenni Lynn is going to be presenting for the first time a workshop called "B.Y.O.B" (Session #207: Build Your Own Brand). We're gonna be asking some unique questions, and play a few silly games, all so you can begin to identify who you really are and then explore the various technologies and social media tools out there that can help amplify your particular message. We hope you leave the B.Y.O.B. at #IAFC2019 lecture with some fresh ideas on how you can begin to build your own brand and let it attract the customers and clients you want to see show up to your classes! See you in lecture! Attending BYOB at IAFC? Here's an exercise to get you prepared!

Join us for TWO FULL DAYS of #AquaticFitness Education hosted by the AEA and featuring S'WET's Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour! WHEN: March 23-24, 2019 WHERE: Downers Grove, Illinois CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW Early Bird AEA-Member Registration Deadline: February 23, 2019 Check out this action-packed schedule of events: DAY ONE: Saturday March 23rd 8:00 AM - 10:15 AM – H2O CIRCUITS Experience creative aquatic circuit options using a variety of equipment for total-body training! A cost-effective way to add equipment to you pool programs, these teaching tips and class suggestions will put circuit training back on your list of favorite formats. $45 Early Bird AEA Member $55 Late and/or Non-Member CECs: AEA/AF 2.0, ACE 0.2, AFAA 2.0, ATRI 2.0, NASM 0.2 10:30 AM - 12:45 PM – BALLOLOGY Put the fun back into fitness and “round out” your programming with an inexpensive, universal equipment option – a small, pliable ball. Explore effective techniques to challenge cardio conditioning, coordination and core training that appeals to a wide range of participants - both in the studio and the pool. $45 Early Bird AEA Member $55 Late and/or Non-Member CECs: AEA/AF 2.0, ACE 0.2, AFAA 2.0, ATRI 2.0, NASM 0.2 1:30 PM - 3:45 PM – S’WET BOOTCAMP Get your students energized with our high-intensity boot camp classes! By combining circuit training with creative exercises and equipment, this course offers new ways to optimize your pool space with some hard-core aquatic training, helping students achieve results they want. $45 Early Bird AEA Member $55 Late and/or Non-Member CECs: AEA/AF 2.0, AFAA 2.0, NASM 0.2 DAY TWO: Sunday March 24th 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM – S’WET SILVER Expand your techniques using level II, grounded and equipment assisted high-intensity exercises to elevate your elite senior/low level mover aqua enthusiasts. Incorporate everything from cardio intervals, balance work and core teasers that will keep our active aging population coming back for more! $55 Early Bird AEA Member $65 Late and/or Non-Member CECs: AEA/AF 3.0, AFAA 3.0, NASM 0.3 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM – RATED M FOR MATURE Baby Boomers and beyond want a training program that meets their needs and interests, while accommodating special concerns, such as fear of falling. Develop purposeful movement to achieve balance, coordination, mental awareness, posture, and range of motion. $55 Early Bird AEA Member $65 Late and/or Non-Member CECs: AEA/AF 3.0, ACE 0.3, AFAA 3.0, ATRI 3.0, NASM 0.3 ADDITIONAL DETAILS: *** Advance Registration Required - NO ONSITE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED *** View specific event information at www.aeawave.com under Calendars/AEA USA. Click on the Event you wish to attend for more details, registration links or specific downloads. Questions about this event? Email info@aeawave.com CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour is an AEA ATS, NSCA-CPT and Continuing Education Provider for AEA, AFAA and NASM. Combining her education in health psychology and swimming experience, Jenni Lynn enjoys creating a total body water workout that challenges every type of participant.

My idea of the perfect pool is one that’s big, beautiful, clean and maintained at 83/84 degrees - an ideal situation where we can go back and forth between high intensity work and balancing yoga movements without turning into an ice cube. Instead, I am working with ‘swimmer water’ kept at a brisk 80-82 degrees, where it’s difficult for most of my participants to even get in the pool to start class. Dealing with this challenge for the past decade, I have come up with some creative ideas on how to warm my students up quickly in these frigid waters. Most of my classes do start with travel, and this is a fun way for students to not only get familiar with how to move themselves through the water but using the water’s inertia is a fast way to get muscles working hard and elevating body temperatures. Whether working with the entire 25-meter pool (lucky!), a single/double lap lane, or an “interestingly shaped” pool, there are a few more ways that I enjoy warming participants up in cool water. When I started working at the Manhattan JCC, I realized that the previous instructor had always had the students doing stationary warm-up drills, with very little directional changes. Most of the students would complain about how cold the pool was, and they didn’t really care for my encouraging words, "Then work harder!" We all know that change is very difficult for most people to deal with, so I decided to start off slowly incorporating more traveling options into the routines. It all started with turns. I was still in my first year of teaching and not the greatest at cueing directional changes, so I began with quarter turns while doing Jumping Jacks. As I felt more confident (in their abilities and mine), I progressed to half and full turns, while changing up the base moves I was using. This was a hoot for the participants! Eventually, we all progressed to some fun exercise variations. For example: Jack 8 → ½ turn R & Jack 8 → ½ turn R & Jack 8, continuing to make a complete ‘around the world’ with Jumping Jacks. Another fun one was doing a half or a full 360-degree turn with Cross-Country Skis. This definitely required advanced cueing and great music for the tempo, but the students were making waves and warming up. Note: careful no one gets dizzy. The Whirlpool: After starting to gain the class’s approval, I threw a huge curve ball and had them start traveling around in a ‘circle’ to begin class. We have only a single lane of a 25-meter pool (with the line down the middle) for up to 14 participants, so I had them traveling around the middle line. Since one side is deeper than the other, I put a marker on the deck to make sure people are in the appropriate level of water, so they can maintain their speed while traveling. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more annoying than when participants choose to be in water that is too deep – when they have access to shallower water – resulting in horrible form and posture! Once we got the circle going and then turned around to push against the wall of water, people were warming up quickly! The class started to experience the whirlpool effect and truly feel the water’s inertia (or as I call it “water power”); they realized that they had to work much harder to maintain both form and speed. Check out Jenni's One-Minute Warmup on Our YouTube Channel! By the way, I am a big stickler on posture, but being that I train New Yorkers, they can be challenging to slow down and take the necessary time to correct their body positioning. Over time, they realized how much more cardiovascular challenge they were getting from the traveling, and several even noticed physical changes in their bodies and stamina. As the class was progressing and more people were continuously showing up for class, I had to step up my wave game. On those crowded mornings where it was just too tight to travel, I went back to the AEA guidelines - short levers and start to pick up the tempo while maintaining your range of motion. When I can see from my student’s body and facial expressions indicating that the pool is really cold, I use one of my go to warm ups: STATIONARY WARM-UP High Knee Jogs w/ Pumping Arms (Bring hand to hip to pull elbows back) Tire Jog Right (Right leg jogs in & out of a tire, keep arms pumping) Tire Jog Left (Left leg jogs in & out of a tire, keep arms pumping) Tire Jumps (Jump both feet up and out, then up and in to the tire) Wide Leg Jog w/ Alternating Slicing Hook (When R knee is up, L hand hooks across the front of the body; when the L knee is up, R hand hooks across the body) Jumping Jacks (Emphasize pulling and pushing the legs/arms out and in) Level III Jumping Jack (Play around with using one arm at a time while waving the other above the water) Level I Cross-Country Ski (Cueing to scoop and pull the hands through the water) Twisting Ski (Cross-country leg with arms extended out for transverse rotation. Arms held in an “L” shape, so if your L leg forward/R leg back, your R arm is straight out in front and your L arm is straight out to your left side. When the legs move, the arms stay straight as you rotate them to the other side, working in opposition to the legs, to challenge the core) I continue each exercise for 30-60 seconds while giving physical cues, such as: Keep the ears over the shoulders to maintain tall spine. Try to get the knees as high and possible while really pushing and pulling the water! Your abdominals are in control of the legs so let’s try to stay with the tempo of the music as much as possible. For the Wide Leg Jog, brace your abdominals and try not to rock the torso side to side but lift the knees up higher to the side using your obliques. For Hooks, pay attention to your hand placement to change or increase the resistance of the water… Slice → Fist → Scoop With Rotating Skis, keep shoulders and hips squared to the front and brace the abdominals to prevent twisting the torso. This is YOUR workout; you get what you put in! Cueing is an art form that only improves from experience. When it comes to getting your participants fired up and moving quickly, your verbal cueing needs to have enthusiasm and encouragement…especially if you’re going to warm them up quickly and keep them warm! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour is an AEA ATS and CE Provider as well as NSCA, CPT and CE Provider for AFAA and NASM. Jenni Lynn is also the creator and founder of S'WET by Jenni Lynn Fitness™, a trademarked aquatic fitness program that incorporates her swimming background with kickboxing, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, and strength training in the pool. She truly believes the perception of water fitness can be transformed and soon ALL ages and genders will be working out together in the pool! Reprinted with permission from the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). This article first appeared in the December 2018 - January 2019 issue of Akwa magazine. www.aeawave.com

Every time I get up on deck, it is an act of courage and responsibility for me. Confident is not a word I would have used to describe myself until after I began teaching aquatic fitness. I was terrified to get up and speak in front of my class in high school. A decade later, and my passion for aquatics finally put to use, I found that I felt more and more self-assured after each class I taught. I take my job very seriously. We still have fun in my classes, but I show up for my students with one purpose: to help them reach their goals. Whether you choose to define your title as a teacher, instructor or coach, our focus should be helping our students live a healthier and more active lifestyle. The word “choreography” sounds daunting to me, and I’m sure to many others. My personal style is defined as freestyle/non-linear, or as my students call it, S’WET Drills. I use HIIT and boot camp formats that focus around timed drills, and/or instructor guided circuits. The entire class performs the same exercises for either a designated amount of time. Or, I observe the class to see how effectively they’re performing each move, and transition to the next exercise once the majority are moving correctly. I am a believer in setting realistic yet challenging goals. One of my favorite ways to start class is asking my students to set their intentions or goals for the workout. Whether it’s to keep their mouth shut so they can focus more, give 85% instead of 65% during the interval sprints, or just get in two more push offs during circuits. I like to have everyone, including myself, set a goal. One goal I make for myself, that also benefits my students, is changing my routines every 8-12 weeks, so that we’re always working on different areas of physical and mental fitness. This could be focusing on balance, plyometric, cardiovascular endurance, strength and power training, neuromuscular, etc. Though I do work the entire body every class, having a focus helps to keep things interesting, and allows students to improve in multiple areas of fitness. This Coach & Command workshop came from a student telling me that she appreciated the way I coached the class and commanded attention. Hence the name was born! In this workshop, you will learn goal setting, strategies to push different ‘athletes’, and take away workout ideas and coaching tips to help you and your students achieve success. Reprinted with permission from the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) www.aeawave.com This article first appeared in the February March 2018 issue of Akwa magazine. Learn more about IAFC 2018 http://www.aeawave.com/IAFC.aspx PDF Copy of this article

Taking Your Land-Based Exercises into the Water​ Muhammad Ali -- one of the world's greatest boxers -- was known for his speed, endurance and unorthodox, dance-like fighting style. And as legend has it, what made Ali the ultimate contender in the ring was the truly unique way he prepared for his matches outside it... ...in the pool! ​ Ali knew that aquatic fitness workouts provide the perfect blend of intense cardio and superior resistance training, allowing you to build up stamina, improve balance and push yourself to work harder, all the while avoiding needless stress and injury to your body and joints! Perhaps Ali was actually revealing his secret training routine when he famously said, "float like a butterfly." The whole time he was actually talking about the swim stroke! Just Add Water! Adding water to your workout regiment can be one of the most effective methods for improving strength and body conditioning. And it's easy to do too. Why? Because almost any exercise performed on land can be done with modification in the water -- often times with even better results! But before you dive in, it's critical to understand the effects of water resistance on your body, how to properly modify certain movements to avoid injuries and how to choose the right pieces of equipment to improve your fitness experience. Our Turf to Surf workshop will do all of that, assisting you with taking your current land-based exercises into the water. Whether you're a certified personal trainer or just an enthusiast looking to expand your own workout routines, these workshops will bring you the latest trends in the fitness industry! Why Water Works... There's a reason S'WET is fast becoming the new wave in aquatic fitness -- IT WORKS! Topics in our Turf to Surf workshops include: understanding the power of resistance in the water, how buoyancy, density and body inertia can effectively work for and against you as part of your fitness training. how water workouts can be the most effective method for those with injuries and in rehabilitation. Pools, Tools & More The right pieces of equipment are the truest tools of our trade. In our Turf to Surf workshop we will have discussions and demonstrations of the differences between various types of aquatic equipment, including: drag, buoyant, weighted and resistant products, as well as when to use them most effectively. Moves You Can Use Finally, as part of the Turf to Surf workshop, we will review some of the core water-based exercises almost anyone can perform, and demonstrate ways to increase intensity for maximum results while still minimizing impact on your joints. Modification is the key to success! Interested in booking the Jenni Lynn's Turf to Surf workshop? Click here to learn more and download the details! You can also read/print a PDF version of this article online:

Here's what you missed this week at S'WET!

Click Images To Play The wheel may have been the greatest invention on land...but in the water, we're going with Aqualogix Resistance Bells for the win! We utilize the all purpose bells as part of our daily resistance training work and during our S'WET circuit drills in class to provide students with a high-intensity, low-impact workout. **** SPECIAL DEAL: GET $20 OFF YOUR PAIR OF BELLS when you download our latest DVD - WAVE WARRIOR featuring the Aqualogix Bells & Fins! **** Below are just eight of our favorite S'WET moves using just the bells and the incredible power of water resistance! 1. Jumping Jills For our Jumping Jills, think of your body -- arms and legs -- forming the letter T (with your legs together while your arms are wide apart) and then move into the letter A (arms together in front, with your legs apart). The key is to work in OPPOSITION, allowing the natural resistance of the water plus the added resistance of the bells to really give your lats and delts a solid workout. 2. Jumping Jennis Of course I just HAD to name a move after myself! Similar to the Jumping Jill, a Jumping Jenni works with the same style of movement -- legs and arms still working in opposition. This time, instead of forming the letter A with your arms down in front of you, move your arms transverse across your body to come together in front of the chest, and then open them back up again to once more form the letter T. This works your upper back, shoulders and chest. 3. Abdominal Rotations The key to working your abs in the water is focusing on your core. For our Abdominal Rotations, maintain proper balance and form, with your arms steady at your sides, keep your feet firmly planted on the floor and use your obliques to rotate slowly around the spine. This move is NOT about speed...It's all about FORM! If you find yourself moving around, you need to move more shallow and anchor those feet so your abdominals are doing the work! 4. Abdominal Presses Just like the Abdominal Rotations, our Abdominal Presses require your feet to remain planted firmly on the ground, feet shoulder width apart with a soft bend in your knees. Slowly pull your parallel arms down towards the floor and then up again to the surface of the water. You should feel this in your abs! Again, proper form is critical so if you find yourself wobbling around, you need to move more shallow so your feet remain anchored to the floor. 5. Bicep Curls What we love the most about using the AquaLogix Resistance Bells is the multi-directional design itself. There is a "blade" on one end of the bell and a "flat side" on the other. This is key to how the bells slice through the water and creates maximum resistance depending on the exercise. For our Bicep Curls, with your feet planted shoulder width apart and the bell's flat side facing UP (blade facing down), you want to flex at the elbow to bring the bell quickly upward and then slowly reset them at your sides. With the flat side facing up, there is more surface area (and thus more resistance) on the upward motion, really burning out those biceps! 6. Tricep Presses To do our Tricep Presses, you will need to flip the AquaLogix bells over, so the blade is now facing up and the flat side is facing down. Again, with your feet planted shoulder length apart and the bell's flat side facing DOWN, you want to extend your arm down at the elbow, emphasizing the downward press of the arm, making sure to complete the full range of motion! The majority of the resistance is now on the downward motion, focusing on the triceps. 7. High Intensity Hooks Our High Intensity Hooks will leave you breathless! Anchor those feet, with a soft bend in the knees, sit into your heels and start throwing some punches! Remember, FORM IS FOREVER, so make sure you remain planted, anchoring yourself downward, and use your core strength to hook left and right. This is a high-intensity exercise that helps work your arms, shoulders, abs and attitude! 8. High Intensity Hammer Drops Last but not least, we end with our High Intensity Hammer Drops. This exercise is a big, full-body workout itself. Take a similar stance to the Bicep Curl, anchor those feet, sit into your heels, and start with the bells at the surface edge of the water, parallel in front of you. Then quickly (and like you mean it) "drop" those arms into the water, fully extending back and forth along your sides and then back upwards again with equal force. Be sure to stop just at the surface of the water to create suction when you drop them back in, over and over. This is a big move and creates a lot of whitewater! And check out some of the DVD's we made in partnership with FitMotivation.

One of our favorite new pieces of equipment to include in our S'WET circuits these days is AquaStrength's Barbell. The light-weight, unique design allows for a multitude of exercises focusing on flexibility, upper body, core strength, coordination, balance, rotary stability, power, agility and endurance! Here are 8 Great S'WET Exercises using just the barbell and the power of multi-directional resistance in the water: We like to incorporate some of these moves in our S'WET Boot Camp circuits. Try three rounds of each exercise in intervals of 15-seconds, 30-seconds and then really challenge yourself for a whole minute! Questions about how the bell works or interested in buying one for your workouts? Contact us through our Facebook page for additional details!​ And check out some of the DVD's we made in partnership with FitMotivation. Their users got a first hand look at our two most popular workshops -- S'WET Boot Camp & S'WET Deep Water! Now you can bring the workout to your laptop computer with our digital downloads!

Are you in the Wausau, WI area and want to experience the newest wave in aquatic fitness?! S'WET by Jenni Lynn Fitness is coming to you for an entire weekend of high-intensity, low-impact water workouts! ​​ April 22nd and 23rd. Woodson YMCA. MASTER CLASS April 22nd, 2016 (Friday) 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Cost: $10.00 About Course: This one-hour master class is aimed at water fitness students and enthusiasts looking to supplement their current workout routine. S'WET by Jenni Lynn Fitness is a high-intensity, low-impact aquatic workout appropriate for all levels of activity. Close to selling out!! Register now! TRIFECTA OF S'WET April 23rd, 2016 (Saturday) 9:30 AM - 4:45 PM* S'WET DEEP WATER 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM S'WET CHALLENGE 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM S'WET BOOTCAMP 2:45 PM - 4:45 PM * Note: 1-hour lunch break: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Cost: $40 for a single course; $75 for any two; $105 for all three ** About Course: This full-day intensive workshop is broken up into three unique courses. Each course is 2-hours long, 1-hour in lecture and 1-hour in the pool. AEA/AFAA credits are available for certified instructors. ** Discounted prices available for AEA Members/YMCA Staff.

Forget what you think you know about water workouts and experience why a wetter workout could be a better workout! Two incredible forces of nature combine to bring you the NEW WAVE in Aquatic Fitness: S'WET by Jenni Lynn Fitness and Aquastrength present a warrior's water workout for people serious about maximizing fitness results with minimal impact to their joints (and wallets)! This is S'WET. Not in New York City? If you can't make it to a S'WET by Jenni Lynn Fitness class to try it out, check out their DVDs on sale now! You can bring S'WET to your own pool today and see for yourself how we #SWETNYC! Visit the S'WET SHOP for more.

Bruce, I get it bro. You think Cross-Fit is cool and water workouts are for wusses. I admit...I used to think the same exact thing. Then I turned 30, and the thought of me lifting a used refrigerator up over my head just didn't sound like the right approach to fitness anymore. My first class was a Wednesday. I remember this because I snuck out of work at lunchtime so I could try out this new "Aquatic Bootcamp" promising a high-intensity workout at the gym across the street. I figured I'd get into the pool, barely break a sweat and be back at my desk within the hour... ...Fifteen minutes into the warm-up and I began thinking of ways to call out from the office for the rest of the afternoon just so I could catch my breath and recover! It was my first water-based workout ever, and already I understood what the stunning brunette in the front row meant when she leaned over and said, "Get ready...This ain't your grandma's aqua class!" Combine intense cardio with low-impact plyometrics, throw in some heavy weights and enough wall taps to wreck havoc on my abdominals and you get S'WET: The Aquatic Bootcamp -- a truly revolutionary reworking of the water-based workout. So Bruce and EVERYONE ELSE who thinks aqua classes are just "for old ladies like mom...", before you start throwing shade our way, dive in and experience the new wave in aquatic fitness! Not in New York City? If you can't make it to a S'WET by Jenni Lynn Fitness class to try it out, check out their DVDs on sale now! You can bring S'WET to your own pool and see for yourself. Oh, and Mrs. Robinson, your copy is on the way to you now! Visit the S'WET SHOP for more.

Ladies and Gentlemen, This is the water workout you've been waiting for: S'WET™ by Jenni Lynn Fitness Combining high intensity interval training (HIIT) with advanced cardio, plyometrics, unique equipment from around the world, and her very own special ingredient – a whole pool full of fun – Jenni Lynn created S’WET™, a powerful water workout experience adjustable for all levels of activity. Whether you're a triathlete swimmer or just looking to supplement your current exercise routine, this suped-up aquatic boot camp is your one-stop shop for an ultimate total body workout. Let's make one thing clear before we go any further: Your hair will get WET when you S’WET™ with Jenni Lynn Fitness! Are you a water fitness instructor looking to step up your game? Need some AEA Certifications and a vacation?! Guess what? You can do it all at this year's International Aquatic Fitness Conference! Call it your vacation for your vocation...a VOACATION! Learn more about IAFC and be sure to register for S'WET Boot Camp & S'WET Challenge by clicking the below photo:

Every year for the past twenty-nine years, the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) hosts an International Aquatic Fitness Conference -- IAFC -- in Palm Harbor, Florida. I've attended the last three years in a row, and just booked my ticket for year four! Billed as Five Days of Education and Training, IAFC is where presenters from all over the world converge as a community to offer amazing group sessions and educational lectures to help you "discover your potential" in and out of the pool. Well, they deliver that and so much more! And guess what? I'm not even an aquatic instructor! So why do I go? Here Are Five Reasons Why You Should Attend IAFC 2016 ​​1. Fun in the Sun For some people, the idea of laying out on the beach to burn to a crisp sounds relaxing. Not for me. I like my vacations to be active, jam-packed with fun and interesting people while also getting some personal time to meditate and detox from the city-life I'm used to. Five days in a row I get to spend my afternoons in a pool working out. And before you roll your eyes and say "how relaxing," you have to remember that water workouts are unlike any other kind of fitness activity because while you are burning out your arms, legs and core, you are also recharging and relaxing your body -- without all the pain to your muscles and joints! Oh, and did I mention the conference is hosted at the truly spectacular and exclusive Innisbrook Resort and Spa? Six different pools, unending green grass and beaches in every direction just minutes away from where we are! 2. Try Out Something New Ever ride a bike underwater? They got that. Ever try a pole dance in a pool? Or how about some underwater trampolines? They got all that too. Kickboxing, weight-lifting and yoga. They have sessions for each and every one of those things. And they're open to everyone -- instructors and enthusiasts to try out! You can spend entire afternoons checking out the latest trends in aquatic fitness and also learn about why water works as a safe and sometimes more effective alternative to land-based training. 3. Meet New Friends and Contacts Whether you're a fitness professional or just a fan like me, you will meet tons of new people from all over the world who share your passion for aquatics. Young, old, male, female, it feels like everyone has something to gain from attending. Last year I discovered Tri-Swim's product line of shampoo and conditioner at the Marketplace, an entire floor dedicated to the best this industry has to offer -- swimsuits, equipment, music and more! And when I left, I stayed in touch with the people who ran the booth and they still keep me updated on sales and discounts. 4. There's a Dance Party Perhaps the best way to end the conference is by attending the Dinner and Dance Party. After a full week of sun and fun, grooving with everyone you met is a must! I was soaked in sweat by the end of the night...(literally) more than during the workouts even. The true power of pulling people together is demonstrated at this dance. No matter what language you speak (or how well you dance), there is something breathtakingly beautiful about bonding with each other after experiencing the week we just had. It is magical watching the entire global community bust a move as one! 5. Muscle & Memories Don't forget, this is an international conference run by FITNESS PROFESSIONALS! So you will work hard AND play hard. After a solid week of working out, eating healthy and coming back to New York City with a well-maintained tan, the muscle and the memories will last a lifetime...or at least until next year! You can register for IAFC 2016 through the AEA's website at www.aeawave.com or by clicking the link below!

They say that variety is the spice of life. And let’s face it, without options our world would be pretty darn boring. The same applies to our workouts! Over the past decade, I have been teaching aquatic fitness classes in New York City, one of the most eclectic and diverse places on earth. What it’s taught me is that every day is unique – different students show up with different needs, all from varied skill levels and ages, and with a range of fitness goals. As their instructor, it is my responsibility to make sure each and every participant feels safe and leaves satisfied with his or her workout. It’s not always easy, I’ll admit, but it’s a skill you can master with both practice and patience. I have had the incredible fortune of learning from and training with some of the best and brightest mentors in this business, most of whom you’ll find at IAFC 2016 this year! Conferences like IAFC remind us all that interest in the aquatic industry is always rising and water workouts are making serious waves in gyms and studios across the globe. [For more information on this conference, click the photo below.] The perception of water aerobics is changing – and changing fast. Young, old, female and male, participants are all realizing the benefits and fun that can be had. This is one of the main reasons I developed S’WET Boot Camp. If aqua fitness came in flavors, S’WET would be Sriracha. It’s intense. It’s high-energy. And yes, it does leave you sweating, just like the hot sauce. It’s also one of my most popular classes in New York. Why? “Because it’s different,” says Christopher LaCour, one of my students and trainers. (And yes, for purposes of full-disclosure, he’s also my fiancé!) “Every class is different. There’s different music, different equipment, new circuits, new moves,” he says. “I’m never bored and I’m always fully engaged.” "If aqua fitness came in flavors, S’WET would be Sriracha." Very quickly, what started as a single class grew in both attendance and demand. I began noticing a younger generation of water enthusiasts taking interest in getting a high-intensity, low-impact workout, all without the injuries and long lines at the gym. In fact, there were times when my pool began looking like a frat house with more men than women. Young athletic men in their twenties and thirties, eager to push themselves to train hard. No complaints here. (Sorry Chris!) Their energy fueled mine, and I found myself adjusting moves accordingly. I added on new equipment, tried out new music. I went back to the drawing board with the basic maneuvers and built in options. And that’s what you’ll see if you attend S’WET Boot Camp at this year’s conference. But rest assured, you do not need to be a triathlete to join in on the fun! Remember, what makes aquatic fitness so wonderful is the ability to adjust almost everything with modifications. A straightforward Wall-Tap, for example, can be done a multitude of ways, using various levels of resistance, with or without the use of equipment. The same goes with Rock-n-Rolls and Push-Offs. The only thing you should know ahead of time is no matter how hard you try to avoid it, your hair will get WET when you S’WET! Need some simple ideas on how to kick things up a notch in your classes? Try these: • Switch out your music tracks for something new. • Add a piece of equipment to intensify the experience. • Challenge yourself to add new moves to your routines. That last one is my favorite. If you show up to class with the same old plan in place and repeat it week after week, your students will plateau, both physically and passionately. What I plan to demonstrate with S’WET Boot Camp is a freestyle-based class that expands and explodes the basic moves of aquatics while incorporating today’s latest equipment to take water workouts to another level. And what I hope participants and observers walk away with is some of the added spice to include in their own routines at home. Reprinted with permission from the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) www.aeawave.com Original article appeared in the February/March 2016 Akwa magazine [Vol. 29 No.5 Pg. 14]