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by Jenni Lynn Patterson LaCour I wasn’t expecting to blog about one of my journal entries again, but here I am, Day 200 of not teaching, and THE day before my 40th birthday! Insane. I truly feel like a fish out of water when it comes to not having taught for this long now! I’ve been teaching for the last decade with almost a class or two per day, and I thought I’d feel like I lost a part of me from this much time passing, but I’ve actually gained some insight to myself and what my career means to me. I can’t say I’ve had a ‘vision’ of my future or what I would be doing at the age of 40, but I can tell you all I’ve ever wanted to do is help people, in some way or another. Now after being in the customer service based industry for 26 years, I feel what I do for a living actually helps people. As well as myself. I genuinely miss being able to see my students working hard, closing their eyes to push themselves through the last 15 seconds of a sprint or thanking me after class for making them feel better than when they first got to class. These were mutually beneficial situations that pushed me as an instructor and pushed them to become physically and mentally stronger human beings. Now looking into the next decade and chapter of my life, I am really looking forward to what I would consider a fresh start back to teaching. I am not the same person as I was before COVID and all the self reflecting that turning 40 brings, has brought into light the type of instructor I wish to be going forward after COVID. Even though NOTHING will be the same again, I know I want to become a more present and grateful person. I never want to take any of my classes for granted, not even the ones that have crazy Karen’s in them! Though this surreal time has brought unfortunate circumstances that have put all of us in situations we never thought we’d be in during our lifetime, it has made us stronger in so many ways. Time can show you both the positive and negative habits we continue to do within our life, especially if we look away from the screens long enough and take each moment in. To learn, to grow and to discover exactly what it is that we want out of this life. Our perspective affects so much of how we view our daily circumstances, and I’ve had a foggy filter of comparison in my sunglasses for far too long! I constantly felt as though I wasn’t “living up” to some standard, that I had NO idea who or how this ‘standard’ even came to be?! Now that I’ve traded my prescription in for a fancy new pair of readers from Home Depot (no joke), I do see things with a whole new outlook. Life is what we make it. I can’t believe it’s taken me 40 years to actually realize that statement, but it’s so true. No amount of money, possessions or title is going to make any one more, or less, ‘successful’. To me, success feels like accomplishing all of my daily, weekly and monthly goals, which in turn lead to me achieving much more within my year than I ever thought possible. The little steps each day add up and every effort you give counts for something. Keep making waves, remember what you’re grateful for, and always stay hydrated! For more tips on staying motivated, educated and hydrated, please check out our podcast! The Aquaholics Bootcamp Season 1 is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Episode 11: Lynda Keane & Haylley Pittam Joining us from across the pond are TWO very special guests, Lynda Keane & Haylley Pittam, co-founders of the UK-based Aquatic Rehabilitation and Exercise Academy, otherwise known as A.R.E.A. This mother-daughter duo with a combined 45+ years experience and education in aquatic fitness offer us some incredible insight on everything from injury prevention and soft-tissue therapy to pre/post natal programming and the importance of proper pelvic care. We were thrilled to end our first season of this show with Lynda & Haylley, as they are truly dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and evidence based aquatic education. Season 2 of The Aquaholics Bootcamp will have a strong focus on continuing education and the role it has in building safe, effective programming using some truly state of the art equipment. We're beyond pumped to bring you those amazing conversations. As you'll hear in the their interview, Lynda and Haylley's shared passion for all things aqua has made them the leading advanced aquatic educators covering all aspects of aquatic training. They never stop learning, training and experimenting...with some truly incredible results still to come! Full Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today from across the pond are two very special guests, Lynda Keane and Haylley Pittam. They are co-owners of the UK based Aquatic Rehabilitation and Exercise Academy, otherwise known as A.R.E.A. and have a combined total of over 45 years experience working in aquatic fitness. AJ: With a degree in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention and a master's in soft tissue therapy, Lynda works mainly with orthopedic and musculoskeletal clients and has a special interest in hypermobility. Likewise, Haylley has worked in the health and fitness industry as a masseuse, personal trainer, a swim teacher and an aquatic fitness instructor with a focus on pelvic care and pre- and post- natal work. Jenni Lynn: There's so much to talk about and we cannot wait to dive in. So Lynda, Haylley, welcome to Alcoholics Bootcamp. Lynda: Thank you. Welcome. Welcome to you. Haylley: Hello. AJ: Yes, thank you guys for joining us today. Where are you both calling from? Haylley: So we actually live half an hour away from each other. But Lynda is closer to London, and I'm more in the countryside. AJ: And you're in the United Kingdom, of course? Haylley: Oh, sorry. Yeah, I forgot to add that bit. Yeah, we're in the United Kingdom, near London. AJ: Nice. In the introduction, we mentioned some of your previous experiences. But can you take us back and tell us a little bit about your backgrounds, how you found yourself becoming involved in aquatic fitness and what your education and training has been? And Lynda, why don't we start with you? Lynda: I was going to say I think we need to, as it definitely leads into Haylley afterwards. Well, the strange thing is my first incarnation was I was a French cuisine chef. AJ: Mmm. Haylley: Don't get excited. Lynda: No, that was in the past. And then I had children. And I desperately wanted them to learn to swim. I thought it is absolutely with no hesitation one of the most important things in the entire growing up of a child is for a child to learn to swim. And I thought, well, I'll become a swimming teacher because it'll be cheaper. I was a single parent, by then, and after the swimming lessons, there was an aqua aerobics class and the instructor was always late, always. So I've very flippantly said to the manager, I'm fed up with this, I said send me on the course and I'll warm them up. And then when the instructor comes in, she can take over, never ever expecting to actually teach a class. So I did the course and literally fell in love with it right from the word go. I just was desperate to teach it. And to do it. I was already bitten by the bug as soon as I left that course. And I then went on to teach and then lecture in it for sort of 20 odd years, really. And I thought, I need medical knowledge now. So that was the next stage. I went and did the degree. And that was it, then masters and now it's early, early doors of a PhD. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Lynda: I did get bitten by the bug really quite severely. AJ: I love that. And Haylley, where do you fit into this picture here? Haylley: So while she was becoming a swimming teacher and a swimming coach, I was the swimmer. And then from being the swimmer, I actually have, I'm hypermobile. So I have hypermobility and my left knee was at that time when I was a swimmer, I was a breaststroke swimmer, I didn't know that I had hypermobility. So I actually ended up getting injured a lot. And my dreams of being an Olympic swimmer wasn't ever going to happen. But I then went from being a swimmer to being the lifeguard on poolside. The swimming teacher, the assistant swimming teacher, and that then led me to being in the leisure center for pretty much most jobs apart from the general manager. You know, I would be doing receptionist, lifeguards, swimming teacher, aqua aerobics instructor. And as Lynda developed with the aqua aerobics, I would be taken to these conferences and exhibitions and seminars. And I remember being 14 standing in front of these women doing a presentation and thinking, I want to be a fitness instructor. I want to be there, I want to be presenting, I want to teach people. And I was 14 years old, with everyone else around me not knowing what the hell they wanted to do when they left school. And me going, Well, I'm going to go to college, and I'm going to go and do X, Y, and Zed. So I kind of knew from a very young age that I wanted to be in the fitness industry, which I completely, you know, thank Lynda for being my mom and dragging me to those places. But also it gave me an aim very early on of what I wanted to do. Now, believe it or not, I went into a phase of wanting to do hydrotherapy when I was about 16/17, when I realized that I loved the water more than I loved the land. And we went to the ATRI Convention at the time. And something in one of those lectures made me kind of re-jiggle my thought process of what I wanted to do as a job. But going there was immense because it really put a lot of ideas into my head about what I wanted to do. And I realized that I still wanted to be within the medical profession. I still wanted to be in the fitness profession. And so I then went on my own journey whilst Lynda was going off and doing her own thing, I went off and did my own thing. And so I did my land instructors, my personal trainers, my GP referral. And we would then every so often regroup and I would always be referred to as you know Lynda's daughter. That I, you know, I am absolutely proud of because look how far she's come and look what she's done. It's amazing. But I also had to find my own feet, I had to find my own voice. And and so I ended up being land fitness and water fitness, but still teaching my classes, building up my classes, building up my knowledge, but we kind of knew that at some stage together is where we needed to be. And that's where we are now with A.R.E.A. AJ: Yeah. Jenni Lynn: Wow. So as the mother daughter combination, the duo, how has that relationship influenced your teaching and your business? Haylley: I would say a lot. From my perspective. Because we banter of each other or with ideas. But we also, we will also be honest with each other. And if I'm going to get anyone to critique my work it's is her first because she'll be there and she'll be like, No, that doesn't work. And, and then, you know, vice versa with her sending me stuff. She's like, what do you think? Do you think this will work? Though some of the stuff she puts in nowadays is a bit over my head. I then try and catch up and yeah, we work really well together. There was a convention I remember is going to and we had to present but we were put out on the spot to present and Lynda was up front and I had to like do the work with her. And I and I can remember someone saying to me, you know you two work really well together. I had no idea what moves she was doing next. But because we're so in tune with each other, I was able to literally mimic and do the exact same moves milliseconds after she did them. And and we pulled it off. Yeah. Do you remember that one? Lynda: I do. I do. I was also gonna say that you're always my guinea pig. You're going around and manipulated and you know, tried things out. So I always get an honest opinion and it's always spot on. Jenni Lynn: You have a perfect model per se as well because when I see these pictures and you know, Lynda's in her moment and in her element of doing you know, the therapy in the water and then you see just Haylley relaxed and like loading the water and like so like stretchy. I know you're bendy flexi and you have that hypermobility, but it just pictures that you get. And it looks like from what we've seen online, it's just, it looks great. Everything looks like it's coming together so beautifully. Haylley: Yeah, that technique is a beautiful technique. So yeah, it's a great one to photograph. But I think the fact that I've been the guinea pig for so long, and she goes, I've just discovered something come to the pool. And I'm like, half in my head going, Oh, my God, what now? AJ: Well, so your your co-founders of A.R.E.A, the Aquatic Rehabilitation Exercise Academy? Why don't you talk to us a little bit about where the idea began and where you're taking it now? Lynda: Okay, well, it's something that I've been sort of like brewing on and trying to sort of clear in my head, get definite sort of guidelines of what I wanted. But the one thing I think with being at university so much, and I also teach at the university, is that I suppose now ingrained in me is that if there isn't research to back it up, we shouldn't be using it. So I'm very much you know, if we're going to go out and educate people, it's got to come from a place of science. And it's got to come from a place of fact. The physiology of immersion, you know, that we all know, that's been sort of proven and everything. So that comes from a good place. So we all know that, we all understand it. So this is partly why I wanted everything to have the the backing behind it and the evidence of the science and everything. So when I was Haylley's age, when I was younger, I liked working with the elites as well. I liked all the fitness side. I went and I selected at some of the football teams in the UK on aquatic fitness. I went and did that until I started getting a little bit older started going a bit more down the rehab route. And as I've got older, obviously, it's taken me a lot further down that route. So I came from an area, you know, the degree was sports rehabilitation and injury prevention. I come from a place of sport and from the elite. And now I've come into more working at the hospital with the orthopedic conditions. The hospital specializes in spinal surgeries. So I get to see a lot of people with spinal injuries. So of course, that's not really the sporting world. But I just love the fact of trying to marry the two together, because over here it's very much you know, oh, you're not a physiotherapist, we can't do that, you can't do this. But I thought, well, we've got so much knowledge on the sort of fitness side of things that don't are that and the amount of times you'll see people who've come purely down the therapy route, that actually don't understand the water. But understanding the water, understanding what happens to the human body in the water, I think then makes for very good sort of treatments as well. So I mean, that was that was where the initial sort of part of things came through. And of course, with Haylley with her youth, and her fitness and her strength, she can carry on, carrying the sort of like flag for the fitness side of things. But also, she's become such a specialist in pre and postnatal in the pelvic floor. And of course, bridges both sides. That bridges therapy, and it bridges, you know, the fitness side, because one of my sayings is you only know what a pelvic floor is when it was. You know, we're not taught in school. I mean, it's only when you've got issues, the people suddenly start saying, Well, you know, you need to look after your pelvic floor, and haven't you been doing this you know, what the hell is that? So, you know, so I think it's, it's just this marrying of everything together, which I think is so important, and it's it's how the industry I believe needs to go. AJ: Yeah. Lynda: And this thing with COVID...You know, I think the fitness industry absolutely sits side by side with the medical industry with this pandemic. Because people when they come out of lockdown, and we've actually had a program on telly that's been talking about, you know, what's happening with people coming out of a lockdown and lack of fitness and the comorbidities that they they got through just four months. So I think the fitness industry actually should be sitting side by side with the medical industry, because the world needs us desperately. AJ: There's actual scientific, factually-based research behind aquatic fitness. And because your Academy highlights and shares that, I think that's so important, and I hope that, you know, you can inspire worldwide that desire to learn more and to educate and share that knowledge. Because you're absolutely right, the medical and fitness industry need to merge better and work together. And not just for rehabilitation because of post injury or you know, post surgery, but prior to as well as a prevention, as a preventive measure. Haylley: And pre events as well. If someone has a sports event, like a marathon, you know, we've got the London Marathon here. And it'd be amazing to get some of those runners running in the pool before they started running on land or even doing some of their training in the pool and running before. So there's a lot that I think could marry up very well. But I would hope that people take a bit more respect for the water. But yeah, we're still in that battle. Jenni Lynn: I think you've already touched on it as we've been talking about A.R.E.A., but there's a focus of three different pillars, the Aqua Stretch, the Aquanatal and Aqua Therapy, are those like the three pillars right now of A.R.E.A.? Lynda: Yeah. Haylley: So right now we have them. We also have an introduction to aquatic therapy is going to be our next big release. But what we also have been doing over lockdown is I have been rewriting, and I mean, I have put so much time into the Aquanatal course to make it an online course. So it's going to becoming an online program. And the follow on from there would be all the pelvic care work. And Lynda's doing a similar setup with the introduction to aquatic therapy. And there will be add-ons that will come on from that as well. So we've been busy writing up this education, preparing it ready for this big launch. Jenni Lynn: You're being productive during this time. That's for sure. I know from the interview that you and I had, I was beyond impressed to hear all this stuff. Because I know we talked for quite a while and all the stuff that you've been working on. But it was fantastic. Well, and I've told other instructors this because I've had, you know, a lot of different mothers in my pool, and I've trained women, both prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and after. And, you know, there's only so much research out there, but I, as you know, come to you and I ask you these questions and I'm like, okay, before I work with this woman, these, these are the things, what should I do? And you just have, I mean, your messages back are just like a chapter. It's amazing, because then I sit there and I'll print that out and actually like go through and read it and highlight it and like I can help so many different women from that, you know, from that information. It's not just specific on one person, you're like, Okay, if it's this scenario, approach it here. If it's this scenario, and I'm like, I cannot wait to take this online program. It's gonna be awesome. Haylley: Yeah, no, I'm really excited about it and it's going to be separated into two. You're going to have a prenatal section and a postnatal section. So they're two separate courses and and while I don't want to give too much away, but there is so much content there that Lynda still hasn't finished giving it the okay. Lynda: I'm nearly there. Haylley: Yeah. So and to be honest, I'm still adding little tidbits here and there and like I want it to be ready. So I want it to be ready. But I'm also excited about what I'm able to deliver afterwards. So I believe in the fact that the pelvic floor is a really under estimated muscle. I also look at the pelvis and how the pelvis is. So I actually have a add on after you've done the pre and post natal or if you wanted to just do the the pelvis work separately and I've got a workshop that's called Pool Floor to Pelvic Floor. And it connects the fact that you know one in three women - and I can't remember the statistics off the top of my head right now, but men, I want to say one in 10, but don't quote me on that, - I think it's one in three women and one in ten men suffer with pelvic floor dysfunction in one way or another. And pelvic floor dysfunction doesn't just mean the pelvic floor. There is so much other stuff going on. And the chain that responds throughout the entire body can affect even all the way up to the jaw. So I want to be able to help these people who, in the water, it's not noticeable, whether they're having a little, you know, sneezy peasy, type moment... But, they go, and they go out the water. And they go, and, you know, go meet up with their friends, and they laugh too much. And that's when they have a little accident. But the work that I do with my classes, my therapy classes, my general classes, and I do specific pelvic floor sections within my class as well. Not all the time. But if I'm, especially if I'm doing my therapy class, I do every single session, my therapy class have it. And one of my ladies said to me, I remember it been like two months, she said to me, I want you to know that I went on a trampoline. And I done, I don't know, four minutes but I was out of breath, so I came off. And I said, if you can do four minutes because we've been working on your pelvic floor, I am absolutely thrilled. Next week, you can do five minutes. But you know that's an amazing improvement. And yeah, the the kind of, I'm not here to, you know, make people do it. I want to help people to understand why they should do it. And because when people understand why they should do it, they're more likely to do it. If you just go and get told by the nurse, Oh, you've got to do your pelvic floor muscles. They're like, I did a bit. And then I forgot, like the amount of postnatal mums that say, yeah, I'm too busy to do my pelvic floor work. I'm like, No, this is really important. This is really important. Let me explain to you why this is really important. And then the aging process and the menopause process of the body, you know, that that then has an effect on that older generation. And that older generation is the majority of our daytime aqua classes. So, you know, if you could take into account that the body starts aging, the aging process, and then you've got the menopause and the way that the aging process then obviously is intensified, they come to the classes in the daytime, because that's when they're, you know, more suited suited to come, whether it be the 55 plus class or whatever. And they are ideal to help support them and stop them from becoming those incontinence issues or anything like that. And I hate the fact that we have all these adverts for special underwear for a lady like we've got 10 ladies, and we've got was Always and they've now got them so much so, but they've got they you know, they make them pretty with little flowers on them. And they say, Oh, I feel so comfortable in my sexy tenor ladies, but you know, they're not sexy, and they're not sexy, and they shouldn't be normalized, because we need to work on strengthening and helping and getting this function, you know, to work rather than just relying on a pad in your panties. Jenni Lynn: I'm so happy you said that. Because I've been watching these commercials for these new lines of underwear and undergarments for women. And although I understand there's probably special circumstances or a surgery or something in which maybe that's necessary for a brief period of time, but to that as a quote unquote, band-aid for something that you could easily and very quickly, you know, take care of with exercises and understanding your body and understanding the pelvic floor. Like they're very easy fixes, but it's just this mentality of I just don't have the time. Haylley: Yeah, yeah, I mean, those companies are making millions. And I understand when you get to an age of maybe, you know, 90, where the body actually can't function and the body is actually switching off. Because that's what I suppose in the older days used to happen. It just, you know, it was more for that. But now they've made them sexy, and they've advertised for the postnatal lady and they're becoming more normal and I would rather than get help. So I've spoken about it before, but I had abdominal surgery, July last year, and I woke up from surgery, I know what I'm doing. So I woke up from surgery and within an hour, I was doing breathing exercises to start waking up and start getting those muscles in my abdominals to start switching on again. And I'm still with stitches and all the rest of it. But I got given a leaflet. Now, obviously, we've got the NHS in England, and it's amazing, the NHS is amazing. And we have the heroes to thank massively during this COVID scenario, but the leaflet that I got given from the NHS, about how to work my abdominals and my pelvic floor was so poor in what its information gave. It gave a few really key and up to date points. But it gave very small amount of exercise, you know, a really small amount of exercises to do. And I thought, how many women you know, get given that on a day to day basis, having surgery whether it be abdominal, whether it be have a baby, but it's the same thing, because it's the gynecological leaflet, okay, so whether you've had a baby, whether you've had a C section, and etc, etc. And the information on there is so small and poor. So that's, that's what they get. They get that. What what woman who's just had a baby is going to sit there, read it, and then go, Oh, yeah, my date on day to day basis, I need to do that. Not very many. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. Not at all. AJ: No, it comes with the education, as you said, and kind of spreading that awareness, but also then working with the medical industry, perhaps, you know, putting together your own pamphlet that can go home with people post surgery. Some of the other issues that you guys deal with regularly. And Lynda, this might be a question for you. Issues in the tissues. Like lockdown bodies? Why don't we talk a little bit about that. Lynda: So yeah, I've become absolutely obsessed, I think is the right word, with fascia. And the connective tissue, especially since sort of doing the Aqua Stretch stuff and everything. And so we've been on lots of courses, both Haylley and I independently and together because of course, as you've realized that everything I do, poor Haylley gets dragged along and involved as well. So it's like, this is what you need to learn, this is what you need to know, we need to understand about fascia. So when when we went back into the pool, it was sort of like feeling these people, and their hips were locked, they just weren't moving, they needed freeing up so much. And you could just sort of, I don't know, the hip flexors were locked. They needed to move, they needed to be able to move around, and it's just getting them to get in that water and be like seaweed really. Allow the bodies to sort of unravel from that immobility, or just walking. We're moving beings... Haylley: And melt, melting into the water is a really nice image. Lynda: Yeah. Haylley: Allowing the body to just be relaxed. Lynda: I mean, this is one of the things I always say to my clients is when you go and you get a tin out of the cupboard, you know, most of the food is stored on the top cupboards not on the ones underneath the sink, they're generally in the top cabinets above the sinks. And you go to get a tin out but you don't stand absolutely in front of that cupboard, put both hands around that tin, bring it down in both hands and squat beautifully while you place it on the worktop. That doesn't happen. You know, what we do is we reach up with one hand, you know, the other leg lifts off the floor. So we go in this complete diagonal. And this goes along with the anatomy trains and the anatomy lines and the fascia lines of the connectivity throughout the whole body. So I just found that sort of with people that they came back from lockdown, they've been watching so much telly. I mean even myself, you know before lockdown, I wouldn't get home from work till about nine o'clock at night. But I found that we were sitting down for dinner at six o'clock in the evening. And then basically didn't get up until bedtime. You know, we then sort of like have our dinners and then go and sit on the sofa. Watch the telly. So we were just in that seated position in that sort of locked down, locked up body position. When you get to the pool, you take away that gravity that we've all been sort of oppressed by, especially as water people. And sort of, you know, everything just was rigid, everything was tight, everything was stiff, no matter how much people had been sort of moving on the land, unless they were sort of imitating worm or something like that. They wouldn't have been sort of moving around in those sort of same planes and all those different movements that the human body needs. And that's the way that we work. We're basically a symmetrical in movement. So I think, you know, lockdown bodies was a good way to describe. Everybody was tight. Everybody needed that loosening, everybody needed that...I suppose that feeling of freedom, because we've all felt like a form of prison. Haylley: As I say, it's the COVID coaster, where everyone's talking about it being a bit of a roller coaster during COVID. One day happy and you're making cupcakes and gardening and the next day, you just want to cry and sit on the sofa and do nothing. Jenni Lynn: Mm hmm. AJ: That's true. I mean, we've all been locked down. And it's no wonder that our bodies are reacting to it. Jenni Lynn: We're locked down and it's locked up. AJ: Yeah. Well, on that note, I guess what would be a piece of advice for each of you would give to someone who's listening to this right now, maybe, get up and walk around? But what would be a piece of advice that you'd give to someone who may not be able to come to one of your classes per se, but something they can do at home right now to improve themselves? Lynda: I think for me, it would be, you know, think and be like a child, it's definitely move around. But you know, observe how young children move. Even if you stand in your sitting room and swing your arms around, around your waist, you know, from sort of side to side, like your propeller or something and, you know, make windmills and things and sort of pretend you're using a hula hoop. It's move, you know, ankle circles. We're rotational beings, we need that rotational movement. Haylley: I always say to my customers as well, you want your ankles to be as flexible as when you were 14. So you want that movement, you want that freedom within those joints, because when those joints start stiffening up, that's when the body aches more in other areas. And the most, you know, freeing movement, as Lynda was saying is, you know, children. They just let themselves go. Lynda: Mm hmm. Yeah. And scream. Haylley: Yes. Jenni Lynn: I love it. I love it. It's so funny you said that, Lynda, because my vocal coach or I should say our vocal coach, Chris and I both go to a vocal teacher. And she talks about being like a child with your voice. When you hear children, they are just making different sounds and just the freedom of not just, you know, the voice, but the movement in their bodies and the limberness and there's a reason it's called Child's Pose in yoga. And things like that. You know, it's a good comparison to make for the body. Lynda: Absolutely. Haylley: Yeah. I think a lot of people as well as they age, they kind of go a bit more, I don't want to say stiff in their actions, but they don't allow themselves to just let go. Jenni Lynn: Mm hmm. Lynda: It's that responsible grown business, isn't it? Haylley: Yeah. Lynda: We've become that responsible grown up and, you know, act your age type thing. AJ: Yeah, well, sure. I remember being told my grandmother used to say to me all the time, sit up straight, and stop fidgeting. Stop moving, just sit still, sit still. And then it's like, okay, I did that and now my legs, my back. Everything is messed up. Thanks Grandma! Haylley: Yeah. Lynda: Well, just thinking about what Haylley said actually about the mobility in the ankles. I mean, it's so true about that as well. Because if your ankles, if you can't, sort of like flex and extend the ankle, especially when you're walking, then the movement...because we have a set pattern on the set size step that we take, habitually, you know, once we become an adult, it doesn't really change. That length of stride. But if your ankles become locked and they become less mobile, you'll still want to take that same size step but what will happen is the pelvis will tilt to allow that step to happen if it won't happen in the ankles. And of course, if your pelvis tills, then you're going to be sort of compressing the lumbar spine, and then you're going to end up with lower back pain. So it's going to just sort of ricochet right the way up the body. So the more we can stay mobile, the more we can keep those joints sort of like fluid and moving the better chance we have of having a sort of more pain free older age. Haylley: Yes. Jenni Lynn: See, this is why I just I love getting this, almost like just this confirmation of the things that I've been doing with some of my aging, or as I call them, my active agers. Because I really, for myself, as a trainer, I think I've just started to do from the ground up, starting with the feet, the ankles, the knees, the hips, the pelvis, you know, going up the chain, because I've learned from the extensive foot problems I have, I have been on both sides, and it very much compromises the way I want to shift my weight. But I also know exactly like, I don't know what the way Lynda knows it, but or the way that Haylley knows it. But I understand that, you know, if my foot can't move a certain way, then that makes my ankle move a different way, then my knee shifts, then the hip and the pelvis and this whole...And you can feel it if you pay attention. You can Haylley: Guess what after all that, that affects your pelvis, which also affects your pelvic floor. Jenni Lynn: See, we have to stay on this, we have to stay on the mobility and keeping ourselves moving. Oh my gosh. From this point, I guess I know there's so much going on and you're building so much amazing content, where do each of you I guess, and collectively see yourself taking your career within aquatic fitness? It sounds like it's just forever and you know, this is a lifetime of a commitment. Lynda: It is, actually. It is definitely for me. I want to leave a legacy, My father was a scientist as well. So I've come from that sort of background, and I am a firm believer that you can't take it with you. You know, what is the point of me doing all this education, learning all this stuff, if I've got nobody to leave it to? So you know, Haylley will get it and you know, the courses and everything like that. So for me personally, it's to leave everything in a good situation, that future generations, future instructors can learn and can sort of have a good sort of baseline of where they want to take their careers as well. Because if I just if I take it in the box with me, then it's it's been a waste. So I think that's my thing. Jenni Lynn: I think you've already done a pretty good job. You have definitely already, not that you've left or anything but you have left a legacy is because you've built and created and done so much. And you haven't stopped. Haylley: I was going to say, she only just started really. Jenni Lynn: Exactly, exactly. It's amazing. Lynda: I cannot wait. The PhD thing is very exciting. I'm so, so excited on all of that. Haylley: Guess who's gonna be the dummy? Lynda: Well, I wouldn't call you a dummy. But you know, call yourself what you like. We've already done some of that, unfortunately, with just in the beginning of some really, really exciting research on fascia. Hopefully, will be launched next year. I'll make sure that, you know, Haylley lets you guys know about it. And Haylley and I were in the pool, and sort of scanning and looking at the body and everything. And what we discovered was very, very exciting. That's really a nasty tease, isn't it? Haylley: So yeah, so Lynda has this scanner, and we're scanning what's going on in the body whilst I'm in the swimming pool. And one of the things that happened was that she basically wrote all over my body and my legs in pen, but first of all the pen didn't work. So then she got a sharpie. So I had permanent marker on my legs, like these big squares all over my legs, thinking oh my god, how am I going to explain this one to my husband? Because obviously I just leave him going I'm going to meet my mom at the pole and he's like, Okay, see you later. And then I'm come back with all these squares all over my legs. But because of where we have to position them and the way that we have to do it, the water thank god rubbed the lines off. Jenni Lynn: That's like an artwork piece right there. Haylley: Right squares everywhere. Yeah. Lynda: You're always getting drawn on actually cuz when you came to university with me, you got drawn all over as well, didn't you Haylley: Yeah. Jenni Lynn: I mean, guinea pig. Haylley: Honestly. AJ: That's so cute. Lynda: Everybody needs a pet. AJ: Well, as we're rounding down here I would love to know because you guys are such great educators, and motivators, what advice you would give to people, either instructors who are currently teaching or people who want to become instructors, maybe even a tutor for A.R.E.A. What advice would you give to them? [load more]

Episode 10: DeJuan Lewis After trying out a S'WET class for himself, skeptical he would break a sweat let alone love the workout, NYC based fitness instructor DeJuan Lewis went on to become AEA certified, and started teaching his own aquatic fitness classes shortly after. "Being a student and being a teacher are two very different things. But I will say that I do feel as though being a student first for as long as I was has helped me tremendously as a teacher," DeJuan told us. "I struggled for a long time in that water...And I had a lot to persevere, a lot to overcome. I do feel as though it gave me a level of empathy with students that would come in at a similar place." As you'll hear in the below episode, DeJuan credits his experiences as an actor, musician, and behavioral coach to strengthening his skills as an instructor. Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is DeJuan Lewis. After trying out a class for himself skeptical he would break a sweat let alone love the workout. DeJuan became certified and started teaching Aqua fitness shortly after DeJuan credits his experiences as an actor, musician and behavioral coach just strengthening his skills as an instructor from the upper west side of NYC DeJuan. Welcome to alcoholics bootcamp. DeJuan: Thank you, Jenni. Thanks for having me. AJ: Hey, DeJuan. How are you doing? DeJuan: Hey, I'm good. AJ, how are you, buddy? AJ: I am doing well. Jenni Lynn: Yes, we're all here. Finally. We made this one happen. AJ: So DeJuan, where are you actually calling from? DeJuan: I'm calling from New York City. I am remote. In my apartment. (laughing) Jenni: (laughing) Like everyone. DeJuan: Like all of us at this during this crazy time that we're all in? AJ: Yeah. It really has been crazy. I miss New York. I miss you guys. DeJuan: Yeah, we miss you too Buddy. I mean, New York is on the upswing right now. I feel...hopefully Fingers crossed. Jenni: Yes. Hopefully. High High Hopes. DeJuan: Yeah. AJ: Have you been affected by the pandemic, and in any way personally, like, health wise or job wise? DeJuan: I mean, I think all of us have been affected in one way or another. I mean, thankfully, I have been able to stay relatively healthy during this time. Of course, the gyms were closed. So I wasn't able to be teaching any classes or anything like that. But I was able to find some things that kind of kept me going. Quite a bit. I mean, because I think that that was a really important thing for everyone during this time, right? I mean, to find things that can keep you motivated, that can keep you from feeling down, that can keep you from getting depressed, stressed. I mean, all the things that so many of us are dealing with at this at this time, understandably, right. I think a lot of it is about framing it. For me, that's how it's been, right, like framing this time and looking at it as an opportunity more so than an obstacle. Jenni: That's a very healthy way to look at it. DeJuan: You know, just like I mean, you think about it, right? When we're, when we're going, go go, especially those of us that are here in New York, like New York has a very, go go go pace to it. And very often, we find ourselves talking about how, Oh, I wish I had more time to do this, or Oh, I wish I had more time to do that. So for me, I was just taking it as an opportunity to do some of the things that I hadn't been able to do because my schedule was so rigorous at the time. So I was able to focus more on creating music, I was able to focus more on even just reconnecting with family members and friends from back home. Jenni: It sounds like you're keeping yourself busy with quite a few things. DeJuan: Yeah. I mean, I think it's necessary, right? Like, I mean, we have the opportunity now to set our own schedules, which is something that we've been wanting, so many of us have been wanting so yes. So structure and trying to be disciplined about, about staying committed to those things is important for me just for my own headspace. AJ: Yeah, I love that. I mean, I also I really love your quote that this is taking this as an opportunity, not an obstacle. DeJuan: Right. I think it's, you know, I think it's challenging to do that. But I think it's important for all of us to acknowledge that we're all in this together, right? Like we're all dealing with some level of struggle at this particular time. AJ: Yep. You know, in having recorded several episodes with our guests, I'm gonna make a very bold statement. A lot of these people a lot of aquatic instructors and people who are involved in aquatics have such a positive approach to this whole thing, unlike a lot of other people who I talk to on a daily basis, who are just upset and dragging and like, when is this over and blah, blah, blah. And I'm going to go out on a limb and I'm going to say it's because aquatic people are used to working against resistance. DeJuan: Yeah. AJ: They are used to having to push and pull and feel that resistance and use what's pushing against them as a tool as something that betters themselves. aquatic instructors use resistance to improve the lives of others. And I think that this pandemic has proven to me that aquatic instructors and people who take aquatic classes and who work in the aquatic realm, are some of the best prepared to deal with resistance. Jenni: Yeah, like that's it. DeJuan: Yeah! That's very cool. AJ: So how did you and Jenni Lynn meet? DeJuan: So I've known her now husband, Chris, for over 10 years, Chris and I were working at a performing arts rehearsal studio in Midtown. And, and we became like, really good friends pretty much right off the bat. And then I met Jenni. And they were because they were dating at the time. And then Jenni actually started training me like being a physical trainer for me. Jenni: Oh, my gosh, I forgot about that. (Laughing) DeJuan: Ha! Yeah, that was quite a ride. (Laughing) Jenni: I'll never forget the first session. DeJuan didn't even get off the floor. I did an entire floor routine for him and he was a sweaty mess on the floor. And I was like….we have some work to do, Lewis! DeJuan: It was crazy. Because, you know, I've always been, like, athletic. And I've always been like, you know, I'm in pretty good shape. But working with Jenni was a whole different thing. I was just like, What is going on? But it was great. Because I mean, it really did challenge me in like, such a different way. You know, because when I was in high school in college, like, you know, I wrestled and played football, like all those things, you know, so, but then, you know, she's having me do things that really challenged my stability or my balance, flexibility, things that we especially as men tend to neglect, because we're just looking for we're just looking for strength. Jenni: Yea. (laughing) How much weight can I push. DeJuan: Right? Totally. Or how fast can I be? And how much weight can I push? So it challenged me in a different way. So it was something that I was really, that was really into. And pretty much from that point on, like Jenni was kind of like my like, I know, she was a guru for me, in many ways, because she would talk to me, she would talk to me about all these different things with the body, and different things in relation to nutrition, and things like that. So I was just like, oh, Jenni, what about this? What about this, Jenni? How about this? How about that? And she told me something in my face, which is start to like, Oh, my God, like, everything I'm doing is wrong. Jenni: I mean, it's funny, because he actually did. I mean, on a weekly basis, definitely asked me like, so. What's a better option? Should I eat this? Or should I eat? Do you recommend this? Should I work out with this? Should I use peanut butter? It's like, we're I'm like, Well, I'm happy you asking? I'm happier. Like, you know, looking for the answers. That's the first thing that's a good thing. It was just so it was really, really sweet. Because I was like, Oh, you someone thinks I'm smart. And like it was, it was awesome. Because I appreciated the being asked. AJ: Yeah, well, it was why, remember, Jenni, one of the ideas for a name of the show was going to be Jenni Says. Jenni: Oh, that's right. AJ: Yeah, because I did the exact same thing DeJuan. After meeting Jenni, I'd come home. And I'd be like, well, Jenni says that this decision, or Oh, Jenni says, I should be eating peanut butter. But Jenni says, I'm not doing my setups correctly. And Jenni seys…. and then at some point. I remember people being like, who is Jenni? And how do you get her to stop talking? Jenni: Right? Exactly. Tell her to do like a blog every week if she has so much to say just get it out. That's so funny! Was your first water class with me at 56th street or was it Yorkshire? DeJuan: No, it was actually 76th Street. Jenni: Okay. Because I do have a vivid memory of you at 56th street right in the front row standing in front of me. And it was just your mouth that was out of the water…...we were doing a suspended cross country. Everything of DeJuan's body was submerged, but his mouth and his head were tilted back and he's looking up just giving it everything! It was so gratifying for me as an instructor to watch a man struggle in the water. I'm not gonna lie. But he got super determined to get better at it. I definitely appreciated that. DeJuan: Oh my God! I was so outside of my comfort zone, I tell you. So outside of it. I mean, I hadn't, you know, growing up, I grew up in the city, right? So I'm not I'm not growing up where there's like, access to pools and things like that, you know, so, being in a pool was not something that I had really become accustomed to, or that I was really acclimated to. Right. AJ: Well, it's clear from just talking to you that even though you said that you're out of your comfort zone, you seem to do best there. DeJuan: I just wanted it. I just wanted to be good at it. I just really want it to be good at, you know, like, I don't like to be involved in things and then be like, Oh, this is too hard. I can't do it. So I'm not going to do it anymore. Yeah, I'd rather like Alright, well, I'll flail around and look crazy, for as long as I need to. But I know that if I stick with it, I'll eventually get even just a little bit better with it. And that was the case with water. AJ: Yeah, obviously, I have been a student in Jenni's classes. For years, I've been a student with Chris, and Chris's classes. And I think I've been instructed by you, at some point, which I really do want to want to talk about is how you then took the class and decided, you know, I want to teach this, like, how did that happen for you? DeJuan: It wasn't I it wasn't something that I thought to do. Actually, um, I was very much okay with just taking class. Very much just okay with that. But Jenni was the one who really started to kind of put a bug in my ear in that regard. Yeah, she would tell me that she saw how much I had improved. You know, like we said, I mean, you heard her story talking about how I started, you know, I could barely, even, you know, stay afloat, let alone do anything that was, that was even more challenging than that. So, um, you know, she would tell me about how she saw how much I had improved. And she felt as though I would make a good instructor and, you know, coming from her, that means a lot, because I hold her in very high regard because of the level of expertise that she has and has continued to prove. Yep. I'm over all these years. You know, so her telling me that I'm like, well maybe this is something that I should look into perhaps something that I should consider. And I fought it for a while. You know, it wasn't, it wasn't something I was like, Okay. Yeah, no, definitely. I was quite resistant to the idea of it for quite a while. But then, you know, and I honestly, I can't even tell you what it was that caused it to flip. I just think at one point, she had come to me again about it. And then now Chris had been teaching and he was kind of teaming up against me in that way. Jenni: We called it a motivational coach. (laughing) DeJuan: Yeah, yeah. (laughing) AJ: I'm gonna tell you why. When Jenni and Chris aren't available, their students sometimes disappear as well, because they don't want to be taught by someone who can't give them the same intensity in the same demanding workout that Jenni and Chris both have offered. And I think what Jenni and Chris both said is, look, when we're at a town, and we're traveling for work, or whatever, we need people who can sub in who know what we're doing, who can do it as well. And who will keep the brand and the name of what it is that we're doing. alive. And well. And I think, personally, I think beyond the fact that obviously, yes, she saw that you were going to be a great instructor. That you would be the type of instructor that would continue to push people and that would not let down, you know, new students who are coming in and who may never return again because of having a bad experience. That's my guess. DeJuan: Sure, exactly. Jenni: Exactly. Exactly. That was a big, I mean, that was a big part of it. Because also, you know, he was familiar with our structure of teaching and how we taught and he enjoyed it. And, you know, not just speaking from experience in the class, but then you were also getting trained kind of one on one with Chris and myself at times, and just kind of, we would try to help you out to get you prepared to be on deck. And I think you were in a really good position as an instructor to kind of get both the education and hands on training before, you know taking that big leap and being solo on deck so to speak. DeJuan: Right. Right. AJ: Now you got your AEA certification around that time? DeJuan: Yes, yes I did. AJ: Correct me if I'm wrong, but did we study together? DeJuan: We sure did. Yeah, we absolutely did, buddy. AJ: I thought I remember being in your class. This was when the AEA was still doing in person, the practical exam, but we took that precursor, and did all that stuff with you. And I remember being in the classroom with you, and just how much fun we had, because it was also one of those things that was like we knew the secret about, once we got the certification, and once once we were, you know, had that gold standard, stamped on our resumes, that we could pretty much go anywhere and and start to do this as as not just something that we're passionate about, but actually follow through as a career. DeJuan: Absolutely, absolutely. Jenni: Now that you've been a student, and a teacher, do you view anything differently? As far as you know, is it harder than it looks? You know, do you find the difference between being a male versus a female instructor? Like, I'm very curious now that you've been on both sides? How do you view things? DeJuan: Yeah, well, being a student and being a teacher, two very different things. But I will say that I do feel as though being a student first for as long as I was, has helped me tremendously as a teacher. And one way is that, you know, as we said, I struggled for a long time, in that water, you know, I struggled for a long time. And I had a lot to persevere, right, I had a lot to overcome, I had a lot to deal with in that regard. So I do feel as though it gave me a level of empathy with, with students that would come in, in a similar place. Right. And I think that also too, I was able to be an example for them, you know, like, when they would talk to me, after class, and they'd go, Wow, that was really great. But that was really hard. And I saw how much they were struggling, I could tell them how, how I started, you know, the fact that I started off and I was flailing around, and I was drowning every second, you know, and I, and I made light of it. But I think for many of them, it helped them to feel like oh, wow, really? And now you're teaching this? Yep. You know, like, so wait, you're telling me that I could be starting in this place. But I could get to a point where, you know, and they would go, well, you're obviously very much in shape. You're very fit. And you're teaching this, like, I could do that, too. So it was like, absolutely, you know, so in that regard, I feel as though being a student first helped me tremendously. Now, being a teacher, one of the things that I really loved about being a teacher is having people come up to me afterwards and go, Wow, like, I didn't think that I'd be able to do that. Or I've had students where they say, you know, this or that has happened to me, whether it be like they suffered a really traumatic injury, or, you know, they're really dealing with something physically. And this is the first thing that they've actually been able to do that they feel as though Wow, maybe I can get my body back. Or maybe I can get back to some semblance of who I was, you know, before this happened to me, and to be able to be a cheerleader for them in that regard, you know, and to be able to, to encourage them and motivate them and inspire them and say to them, hey, listen, like, you know, just don't give up. You know, I had this one woman at the JCC the Jewish community center, who had just had a really bad hip injury. And she hadn't been able to be in the water for, or do anything, for a long time. A long time. She hadn't been in class with Chris or Jenni, at that point. So she was really, really new to the format. And, you know, we were doing the class and this and that and, and at one point in the class, she looked at me and asked me to come over because I saw that she was struggling quite a bit. And she's like, you know, I don't I don't feel so I could do this. And I said to her, you know what, Listen, just don't leave. I go, even if you know, because if we're doing big scissor kicks and things like that forward scissor kicks I go, if you can just move your leg just a little bit each time you come, that's good enough for me. She goes, that doesn't bother you at all. I go, No, I go, I just don't want to see you quit, because I know how important it is. to stick with this. She goes, and from that point on, like, she and I were, we're buddy, buddy. You know, like, she would come to the class excited to see me because she knew that she had a support system. She knew she had someone who really believed in her who was willing to like, be patient with her. Right. Because I think that's what happens a lot of the time, like, people get discouraged, because they may have an instructor or, or have had an instructor that's like, Oh, you should be moving faster, or you should be doing more, you shouldn't be further along than you are like, that's not what people need. In those moments. AJ: Or the opposite, where you have instructors who are just not paying attention to form or correcting form, and they're just flailing around, and they're not actually getting to see any of the benefits of doing it correctly. DeJuan: That's right. No, absolutely. Jenni: I was always excited to come back, you know, knowing that you were covering the classes, because I knew everyone would be happy they were taking care of you know, you were paying attention. You know, you have the skill set of what in my mind makes a qualified instructor besides the education, which is number one, you have the empathy, as you talked about, and you also have that perseverance of mind to really help coach and motivate people no matter what level they're coming from, or where they're at. DeJuan: Right. AJ: And DeJuan, what would you tell men specifically, you know, aquatic fitness, obviously has has, you know, a reputation as a as being something that a lot of women in particular do, and not a lot of men either take the class or teach the class, but what would you say to men out there like yourself, what are they missing? DeJuan: Get over yourself. That's what I’d say, really, get over yourself. Jenni: I love it. DeJuan: Because the truth of the matter. I mean, I'm reading this book right now by this guy named David Goggins. He was a, he was a navy seal. And I'm reading his story now. And he talks about going through hell week as a navy seal. Which, for anybody who doesn't know, I mean, it's like, Navy SEAL training is like, hands down the most difficult military training that exists in the world. Right. And so you know, he's talking about everything, he's had to go through everything during Hell Week, all the all the evolutions that they go through, and the one thing that that was killing him, that he was certain he was not going to pass, were the water evolutions, all the things that they had to do in the water. For all the reasons that we've spoken about, right, water is the great equalizer. Jenni: Yeah. DeJuan: No matter how strong you are, no matter how many pull ups you can do, no matter how many push ups, sit ups, how many miles you can run, when you get into that water, it's going to challenge you on a completely different level. So for any regular guy who's just like all like that's, you know, that's stuff that for old women or stuff that only girls do. Ah, again, do it, and then see if you have the same level of bravado. Jenni: Yeah, it's true. And I would also reiterate, make sure that you're taking a class from someone who's teaching a format in which could possibly, you know, potentially challenge you. I don't, you know, I don't think if you're going to go into an Ahi Chi, or yoga based water class, you know, they might not walk out with the same perspective. DeJuan: But you're taking something called an aqua boot camp, or something like that, you know, go for those things. Yeah, I would say go for those go after those challenges. AJ: Yeah. Jenni: Right. I mean, it's challenging, I can say. So I'm kind of curious what your perspective is DeJuan now that you have been teaching because I know when I do get men in the class, sometimes I have men that come up, and it's kind of like, biting or spitting at the chef before you eat at the restaurant where you're like, is this class going to be hard? And you just kind of sit there and you're like, there are so many things that I could choose to say, this moment. But I'm just going to be very encouraging and positive and say, it is a very challenging, great total body workout, please get in. You know, try it. If you don't like it. I won't be offended if you leave. And that's kind of my go to saying with it. But what I do tend to notice, and this is only with a couple men, 99% of the men stay but there is that one. percent of men who even when I am very polite, and professional and giving them corrections or trying to encourage them, they have a different stance taking correction and things of that are direction from a woman. And I've had a few leave, because they got really frustrated, and they couldn't do it. And no matter what I tried to correct them with or even using equipment, they just got so frustrated and would just storm off. And there's nothing you know, I can do about that. But I don't know that you have you had that in your career, have you had a male or a female student, you know, kind of bark at you or, you know, like, what has been your experience as an aquatic teacher thus far, you know, DeJuan: I had many years where, you know, hearing you talk to me about the different experiences that you've had, you know, not only being a student of yours, but just us being friends, I was always, you know, you are always talking about the different things that you you would experience at the pool from both men and women. And I always found it to be just like, Wow, it's so interesting that, you know, people have these perspectives or that people have these ways of dealing with situations. I'm just like, what is what's the problem, but I did notice once I started teaching, that people really do treat me or treat men differently than they treat women. And it's just, you know, and that's true for men and women, the men and women treat me and treat men differently than women. Jenni: Right DeJuan: And, you know, so I can say, like, I haven't really had to deal with a lot of those challenges that you've had to deal with. Jenni: But I think it's also nice to hear from a male perspective. DeJuan: Yeah. AJ: So for those who've listened all season long, you'll probably know that the next question is one of Jenni's all time favorite questions to ask. And I beat her to it. So DeJuan, my question to you is, what is your favorite format to teach? And what type of classes or format Do you like to take yourself? DeJuan: I mean, for me anything that's high intensity, where we're incorporating, like kickboxing, or doing anything, we're like, jumping out of the pool, or pushing off the wall, or anything that's like, yeah, you know, those types of things? I love the most. Yeah. You know, like, that's like the, that's like the Yeah, like the word training. kind of thing for me mode. Yeah. You know, that's, that's what I like, that's what I love to do the most. And because those are the things that I'd love to do the most, those are the things that I like to teach the most, because I love seeing people get jacked up like that. You know, I love it. I love seeing people like, Oh, yeah, or like, or I love seeing people when they're on the cusp of quitting. But they find that little thing within them, whatever it is, they find that little something to just finish it off. And you can always see it when I say like, you know, especially if we're doing something that's timed. You know, if I say 15 seconds, you can just see they're like, okay, there's an end in sight, I can find, I can find that extra motivation within myself and push myself so I can end this knowing that I didn't give in. And I even say that, you know, I'm like, don't I always say finish strong to them. Like I'm yelling that to them. Finish strong. Finish strong because at the end of it, you're going to know if you gave in or not. You're going to know if you gave it all or not. That last 30 seconds is going to be what haunts you. Hmm, that's good. That's what it's gonna be. You know, so I love when I see people that are dying, but they're like, you know, I have to find the will to finish strong so I can feel proud of myself. And I love seeing that. So I would say that those are the format's that. I enjoy taking and teaching. AJ: That's great. That's great. Dude. Do you have a favorite piece of equipment? DeJuan: I love the drag bells. Jenni: Oh, the Aqualogix Drag Bells. DeJuan: Yeah, I love those. I also love the gloves because you feel like you're like Iron Man. Jenni: Oh, the Aqquatix. Yeah, Aqquatix Combat Gloves. DeJuan: Yeah, I love those. Yeah, those are the things I love the most. AJ: That’s great! Jenni: Yeah, he's really good at the kickboxing combinations I have to say because there's moments when I do a One minute free for all. And people can choose whatever they want. They can go anywhere in the pool, any piece of equipment, just don't hurt your neighbor. You know, it's not push offs, and it's not hammer drops who grab those gloves. And I would see these combinations come out and I'm like, trying to memorize them being like, Okay, I'm gonna use it was it was great because I got so much material. DeJuan: So fun. So fun. Yeah. Jenni: I'm curious what you think the aquatic fitness future looks like? DeJuan: Well, I think it's going to go in a much younger direction. I mean, I know that traditionally, Aqua fitness has been seen as something for the older crowd. But especially with the format that you're teaching, and that you're developing, I feel as though it's something that could very much appeal to younger people, even people that are already in really great shape. Right? It's just another option for them or an addition for them. But I see it going in that direction. I see it going and appealing to more men, for sure. I see it appealing to younger crowds, I see it becoming something that is seen as a high intensity, low impact as you market it. You know, that high intensity, low impact. That's a huge feature of S’WET. Because you know, the fact that you know, you're going to get a very high intensity workout that's going to challenge you and that's going to really push you to the brink. But also know that you're not going to injure yourself and destroy yourself at the same time. Like that's, I mean, it's a win win. Jenni: Yeah. key factor. Yeah, right there to a total and complete arco. AJ: I love it. I think that's really great advice. And a really great note to end this episode on to one. DeJuan, We just want to thank you so much for spending the time with us today. DeJuan: No, absolutely. Thank you guys. I mean, this has been great. Jenni: Thank you so much for bringing your words of wisdom because it's really cool to hear you talk in this context. DeJuan: Thank you guys I appreciate

Episode 9: Sharlie Peterson Sharlie Peterson is the creator of Shockwave Aqua Fitness in Topeka, Kansas. She has been an aquatic fitness instructor since 2017 and is currently teaching at Shawnee County Parks & Rec and GreatLIFE Fitness Facilities, where she also serves as the Group Fitness Coordinator. After being diagnosed with a rare stomach disease, Sharlie turned to aqua fitness and lost tremendous weight, but also gained incredible clarity to battle issues with self-esteem and depression. As you'll hear in the below episode, Sharlie found hope and inspiration in her own journey with aquatic fitness. Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is Sharlie Peterson. She is the creator and master trainer of Shockwave Aqua Fitness in Topeka, Kansas. Sharlie has been an aquatic fitness instructor since 2017, and is currently teaching and training at Shawnee County Parks and Rec and Great Life Fitness facilities, where she is also serving as the group fitness coordinator. I'm really looking forward to this interview because Sharlie and I share the same passion and mission for the aqua fitness industry - to build an army of wave warriors working to change the perception of what water fitness can do for us all. Just one class at a time. Sharlie, welcome to the program. Sharlie: Thank you. I'm so excited to finally be talking to you. Jenni Lynn: It's happening, we made it happen! AJ: Hi, Sharlie! Jenni Lynn: I've been looking forward to this because we follow you on social media and everything you post is always so engaging. So I'm looking forward to our conversation today. Sharlie: Me too. I can't wait. AJ: So why don't we start with where you are? Where are you actually calling from? And how are things going with the current pandemic that we're all up against? Sharlie: So I am in Topeka, Kansas. I moved here from Wichita, Kansas, about a year and a half ago. Now we have actually been fortunate with the summer classes during the pandemic, to be able to have them at a regular capacity because the outdoor pool is huge. And you can spread out. It can fit about 80 people comfortably for a class while still maintaining social distance. So I've been one of the few unfortunate instructors that have still been able to teach. And the way that the outdoor pools are run right now with COVID is that you can have 50% building capacity, which for our north pool, which is where I mainly taught at, that's over 1000 people still. So yeah, and now I'm transitioning into the indoor pools where it's a little bit more intimate, which is a little bit more of a challenge, because it's a smaller pool. But I've just started telling everyone like if you do not feel comfortable being more confined and next to people, I completely get it. But I give them a deep water option too, because the indoor pools have a deep end. And so now a lot of my people are discovering that you can get a deep water workout and still get an incredible workout, which is awesome. Jenni Lynn: Yeah you can, with belt on. And you have 360 degrees of resistance. Oh, boy. Sharlie: Yeah. Oh, I know. And a few of them are even actually doing it completely suspended without the belts. And I'm like, dude, more power to you. That is awesome. Jenni Lynn: Sounds dangerous. Hopefully their form is somewhat on! Sharlie: That's what I'm working on. I'm working on it. Yeah, that's difficult. Jenni Lynn: I know. I completely understand. All of us have experienced the ones that are like, it's harder without the belt. And I'm just like, BooBoo, it just doesn't look right. But you can struggle...you can just keep struggling because at least you're working. Sharlie: Right. And my favorite is when they don't have the belt and then we do a move with our arms are somewhat out of the water and I just watch them sink. Like come back up. Come on. Jenni Lynn: Guilty pleasure of a water instructor. You're like, how long can they go down for? Before I have to say something? Sharlie: Exactly. That's happening. Jenni Lynn: But it sounds like I mean, what's really cool about this is that you're actually exposing people you know. I'm trying to take a positive spin on the pandemic here, but you're you're almost forced to expose people to something that they haven't tried before. Using the deep end and spacing, you know, spacing out for social distancing. You're getting to educate people about more things aquatic. Sharlie: Yes, and you know, not only the deep end as well but we will keep a few lap lanes in. And for the people that are really uncomfortable right now, because you do have those, and it's perfectly fine, I get it. But I will tell a lot of the people that are really unsure about being that confined, if you want to go on the other side of one of the lap lanes, that's perfectly fine as well. And that kind of eases them right away, knowing that they kind of have their own little space back there, and they're still able to work out. Yeah. So it's been kind of a challenge, but also really rewarding on finding new ways that people can work out in the water. Because, you know, like a lot of the land classes here right now, they're just not thriving, unfortunately. So I'm very glad that, you know, thinking of new ways that we can spread people out in the water and still have the fun and effective class time, which is great. Jenni Lynn: That is really cool. You said it well, you are part of the fortunate few that get to do, you know, this both out and indoor, which is absolutely amazing. So, speaking of, I know you obviously have your presence on social media with aquatic fitness. But what is your background? How did you find yourself becoming involved with aquatic fitness? Sharlie: I owe all of that actually to my mom. She has been teaching, oh, gosh, since either 2012 or 2013. She started teaching after she started taking aquatic classes for her own health. And they needed more instructors. And she was just kind of thrown into it. But she developed her own programs. And she kept asking me to come and I was like, I hate saying this, but I had that stereotype in my mind of well, it's for old people. I think I'm good. Yeah. But then, you know, in 2016, she finally got me to try a class. And that's when I was in a really bad headspace myself, because of the stomach disease I have it was leading to really dark depression and an eating disorder. And the minute that I got in the water and tried the class and discovered that it was a super powerful workout, I automatically fell in love with it. And so my mom is a big advocate for it. She kind of saved my life in more ways than one because she got me active again. And she showed me what the water could do. And then from there, it was almost something immediately that I knew that I wanted to teach. And so, you know, four months later, after taking the classes, the group coordinator at the time at the facility where I was at, she said, Hey, I think you have the personality to teach. Do you want to teach? I was like, yeah, that's awesome. So it's been a journey. And I just, I have my mom to thank for it 100% Jenni Lynn: Wow. AJ: I love that. Jenni Lynn: Touching on that, I know you've posted a little bit about your incredible physical transformation. I'm curious if you wouldn't mind sharing your journey of how, you know, you've kind of come through these medical stomach issues and kind of having such incredible results, and seeing the incredible process you've gone through. Sharlie: Sure. So back in, I believe it was 2013 as well, I was diagnosed with a stomach disease. It's called gastroparesis. It's basically where your stomach muscles do not work and you do not digest food on your own very well. And I am the 4% with an already rare stomach disease that actually gains weight from it rather than loses. So I gained weight very rapidly. And that led to depression because it's not quite a boost to your self esteem. And I also unfortunately developed an eating addiction to food and so that on top of gaining weight with a stomach disease was really really rough. And then you know my mom in 2016, she finally said, you've got to do something because I know that your stomach disease is weighing you down but you can also help yourself. And so I started. Once I started off with fitness and getting fit again it's kind of been a yo yo thing with me because I can flare up overnight and gain six pounds overnight if I have a gastroenteritis flare up. Jenni Lynn: My gosh. Sharlie: Yeah, it's super fun. But when COVID first started while a lot of people ended up gaining weight during that period, my mom and I actually started getting active together and going on walks and I was shooting videos for my water people. Stuff that they can do on land that was gentle on their joints. And I've kept that up and I've kept up better eating habits. I mean, I stumbled here and there, but since March I think all in all right now I've lost 49 pounds. AJ: Wow. Sharlie: Yeah, that's with a stomach disease still fighting against me. But, I mean, yeah, being active, and you know, changing your eating habits, because that's the more important part actually. It really, really saved my life along with the aquatic portion. So that's why I always tell people that, you know, getting into aqua fitness has literally saved my life in more ways than one. Because I'm happier, I'm not just laying in bed all day, sad. So yeah, it's been quite a journey. Jenni Lynn: That is, I mean, that's unbelievable. I really did not know much about this disease. And hearing you talk about it, I'm just curious how many other people are, you know, suffering in silence, so to speak, you know, with this sort of condition or similar types of conditions? Sharlie: Mm hmm. Right. And I actually have two people that take my class where I was, at the end of one of my classes this summer, I told them a little bit about it, because I do get the questions from people and they don't mean anything by it. But they're like, you know, you're go-go-go, why aren't you a stick fixture basically? And so I told them about my journey, and it made a few of them come forward and say, Hey, I actually have this too, or I have something like it such as Crohn's disease, or whatever. And you're making me feel better about myself and showing me that I can do this. So it's so gratifying. And I didn't want to open up for a while just because I was embarrassed and everything, but I'm finding the more that I share, the more inspires even that one person to get up and keep going. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. AJ: It does. And you also touched on a very important topic that we sometimes overlook very easily, which is mental health. You know, your physical health, your weight, all of that is is something that you actively work towards and fight against. But your mental health, you mentioned depression, not wanting to get out of bed, not wanting to do anything. And you know, that was my experience. I was working 80-hour weeks, eating three meals a day at my desk, you know, and when I worked in New York City at a law firm, I barely saw sunlight, and I was depressed, like, you know, I didn't feel sad, but my body was depressed, and I gained weight. And I'm short in stature. And all of my weight goes right to my stomach. And it was just something that I, once I experienced it for the first time I was like, resistant, more resistant than anything else, because I hate working out and I hate the gym. So when Jenni would be like, you should come to the gym and workout with me. And I'd be like, No, thank you, and No, thank you. Like, you should try the water. And I'm like, Okay, I will do one class to get you off my back. One class, one class, you know, once a week became two classes a week then became three classes a week. And by the end of a couple of months, I'd say by the end of the year, I lost a ton of weight. But beyond the actual weight loss and strength gaining that I got was that mental lift that like, Oh my god, I feel connected to an element. And I think that's what it is. It's like when you're out in nature, you're walking, you know, you mentioned your nature walks, you're connecting with nature, you're connecting with the elements of the earth, and water is a primary element. And so when we're in it, I think it really does do something to our mental health and in a good way. Sharlie: 100% and that's like, the quote that I always tell people is I when I was depressed, I didn't like the darkness. But I was comfortable there. It became comfortable. And you don't even realize it until you start to get yourself out a lot of times, so and I'm so glad I'm not comfortable anymore. And that's, that's awesome for you too. AJ: Aww. So correct me if I'm wrong, you and Jenni have never met personally? Jenni Lynn: No, not yet. It was supposed to happen this year. AJ: I know. IAFC? Was it in Daytona that we were all supposed to meet up? Sharlie: Yep. And I had actually on top of the conference, I had actually signed up for one of her special workshops. So so excited. AJ: Oh, shoot. Jenni Lynn: Oh, the HydroRevolution? Sharlie: Yes. Jenni Lynn: I love that. Oh my gosh, Katrien and I had such a great time and Chris working on that program. AJ: Yeah, that was great. So how did you actually remember connecting with Jenni? How did you find out about, you know, Jenni Lynn Fitness or S'WET? Sharlie: Um, I totally stalked her. So I started probably in 2018, I came across the fit motivation, videos, just a small little clip ones that are on YouTube. Hmm. And I noticed that Jenny Lynn was featured for, you know, sweat and I her stuck out to me so much, because it was more of a challenge to me and stuff that I was looking at incorporating into my own workouts. And so I started watching those and taking notes. And then I found her page on Instagram. And I, I literally, when I say I stopped her, I just went back through all the posts, and I was so intrigued and amazed at all the equipment she used. And so and I finally sent her I followed her and then I remember she followed me back and I literally had a fan girl moment. To the point I posted it on my Facebook, I was like, Jenny Lynn followed me. And when I finally got up the bravery to I think add you as a friend on Facebook. And then we just started kind of talking back and forth. You've been nice enough to give me advice over things when I need it. Because I'm still very new to this. Jenni Lynn: I mean, but I have to say like your go get them attitude is so infectious. And I absolutely love it. Especially once I was like who is this? Sharlie? Oh, she's really liking my stuff. Okay, so I just started been stalking you and following you. I was like, Who is she? I need to know more about this girl. And I was seeing your stuff on Instagram and Facebook. I was like, Oh no, she's not playing around. Like she's making waves like these are warriors. And it was super cool to connect. Because I know I sought out a lot of mentors and people in the industry and I just I love having that feeling. But also just seeing your style and flair on it because everyone takes away something from other people. Yeah. And it's it's amazing to have that connection. And I also Oh, that's right, I remember as I'm sitting here at my desk, staring at it the the wooden plaques that you I don't know if you create or help create with the Isn't it like you hook it up with like electricity, and then it burns? Yeah, well, I don't even know. But I was like fascinated with it. Once I saw these art pieces coming to life on your website, and I was just like, this girl does so many different things. Sharlie: So fascinated by it. But you I mean, you'll have to explain it to our listeners because I am not doing it justice because you create these beautiful plaques it was lightning woodburning where you take the generator out of a microwave, and you hook it up to some wires, and kind of like you hook up a car battery almost. And you put baking soda down on the wood. And as soon as you hit the gas on those wires, it creates this beautiful lightning Woodburn and you can kind of direct it where you want the burn to go. You can make them deep burns. And right now we're actually getting into experimenting with this is where I come in where I add color to the burns and I helped design logos like I made you the sweat bootcamp logo. Jenni Lynn: Oh my gosh, it's my all time favorite. And I know you saw pictures of me just like hugging it. It's this beautiful round plaque that says sweat by jennylyn fitness and it has the birthmarks there's blue in it. The teardrop is blue. It's just I love it so much. It brings me so much inspiration. I can't thank you enough. And him enough for creating it. It's Oh, my favorite. It hangs it hangs above her desk at home. Yes. And for anyone who's listening who's like, why are we talking about wooden Aqua? This pandemic has forced people to like throw themselves into their hobbies. And I have to say this was something that I was like, wow, this is something it's so cool. First of all, it's cool to watch. It's cool to see how it came together. But then when you see the end product, you're like, Oh my god, this is this is something really inspirational and you know, focused. Sharlie: Yeah, it just took off. It's become one of our favorite things to do. And so now you know, we have people that saw Jenny's plaque. I've already had messages from people on that as well. Like, can you do this for me and we're happy to like we love doing it. So I mean, if there's any other mermaids out there that want something for their business or whatever, you know, we're happy to work with you and get something done just because it makes us happy being able to burn stuff. Jenni Lynn: I love fire so much. I mean, I love water more than anything but I have to say fire and water go really well together. I mean it's kind Sharlie: Like he was talking about, it's another one of those elements. So there you go, exactly. Jenni Lynn: We're gonna share a photo of the final product, obviously, on your blog, so that people can can visually understand what what we're talking about. Okay, it's so cool. It's so cool. Sharlie: Next time, I want to make you another one, because after I gave you that one, I actually discovered glitter. So one of these times, I'm going to have to make you something with glitter in it, because I've gone crazy with glitter. Jenni Lynn: I can never be enough glitter, there can never be enough glitter. But move moving back to the waves we were just creating. Besides that would work. And we will put links for our listeners of how to like contact you and him to get the information regarding nap. But tell us a little bit more about your current brand in your business, you know, kind of what your hopes and dreams are for it, were you were you taking Shockwave? Sharlie: Okay, so I created Shockwave Aqua fitness because I've noticed the places that I've taught in Kansas so far when I come across other instructors, they're just doing a basic workout routine with their class where they're reading down a list of exercises. And it's the same class every time. And it's simply because they don't know that places, you know, such as the AEA and other training facilities and such are out there for them. So and what a lot of people don't know about me is when I was certified, the way that I got certified, was an in house certification training at the gym I worked at. And she sat me down for I think an hour and went over this training manual with me that basically just taught you the principles of water. And that was it, it was okay, here you go. So I was literally put out kind of in the deep end to sink or swim. And the more that I've talked to instructors around here, they're telling me the same thing. So I came up with Shockwave after I developed strong and effective hit workouts and boot camp workouts and a class that I call h2o go which is nonstop cardio and strength training. And so I want people to be able to get a basic understanding of these three different formats. And you know, I'm nowhere on a level of a or anything like that I just this is more of for people just starting out, or that just want to learn a little bit more, it teaches you about that. And eventually, I would like to expand this so that I can get this accredited, which I'm working on right now. Good. I actually have two instructors that now work for Shockwave and are helping me with this. And we're just trying to develop a really strong program that we can share with Kansas and eventually throughout the Midwest as well. That is the overall goal is to get this program like off the ground and get really strong and effective instructors behind it. Jenni Lynn: Awesome.I love that. AJ: Yeah, that's great. Sharlie: Thanks. Because I just really don't want people like it really was a rough start for me. Because the first class I ever had, it was it's my class called Aqua jam, which I still teach. But it started out just this basic like water dance class because my brain choreographs moves to the beat of the music just naturally. And so I did that. But the feedback I was getting, they're like, well, it's fun, but it's easy. And so that is actually at the time where, you know, I went online and started discovering your videos and other videos because I had to teach myself how to make more effective classes. And I, I don't want new instructors to be shoved into something that they don't understand. I want them to be confident in what they're teaching. And it's not just teaching it's you know, how to build your brand and yourself as an instructor. And so that's what I want to do. I just want to help other instructors. Jenni Lynn: That's great. I mean, it's all it's all a journey of helping others. That's how we become better. AJ: Yeah, we're all in this together. You know, and something that you said is actually interesting. We've we've noticed as we've been talking with guests all over the world, really, that a lot of people kind of found themselves thrown in to Aqua fitness, and and kind of had to start with with little to no education. And then slowly, you know, obviously train and learn. And it seems to me that like obviously, with the AIA being the gold standard for the certification process, it's it's something where, you know, you you go through the process And you learn all the principles and whatnot. And then you can take your learning in all these different certification programs and broaden and create your own brand, which is really where, you know, I think a lot of water instructors are heading right now it's the future for aquatic fitness is for these people to take everything that they've learned from various certification programs and build intense workouts, build different types of workouts for different types of populations, and not just offer the standard, you know, old school water workouts that that, you know, just are not in demand the same way they they were 1520 years ago. Sharlie: Exactly. And you know, the classes are changing too, because, you know, I've heard on the podcast and several other places where, unfortunately, the stereotype rock with fitness is you can come and socialize. And it's socializing while you're kind of getting a workout. And I'm thankful that in my classes and that in other instructors classes that I'm helping with, you know, they're they're combating that talking by making them actually focus on the workout and having them discover that, wow, I can really get a true workout in if I shut my mouth. So. So yeah, that's been really cool to see as well. AJ: Yeah. And God, Jenni, that's like, what was Katy? Katy Coffey, we had her on on an episode. And she shared she has two rules that she tells people, Jenni, do you remember what they were? Jenni: Well, I thought I think the thing The first one is, your feet need to move faster than your mouth? Yep. And then your hair will get wet and your hair right. That's right, your hair will get wet. That's right. Sharlie: Yeah. Jenni Lynn: That's so funny. You just said that AJ because Ashley actually put her on the spot at one of our ABA virtual workshops. It was like Katy, remind us what your rule is about talking. Right there she was on it. It was it was really funny, but it's true. And you know what you learn that through taking certification programs like sweat, the sweat cert, like we're gonna teach people like, guess what? You want to stop the talking in your classes, here's how you do it, you make them use their their lung capacity for something else other than chitchat. Sharlie: The funny thing is that this summer, what I started telling people is, um, like, it's called Aqua fitness, not mouth fitness, now, and now they want my people like their t shirts. And now they want that on a shirt. So I'm like, hey, if it'll help people not talk? Cool. There you go. Jenni Lynn: It's so true. And just for the record, you know, obviously, there is something very beneficial to the socialization that comes with Aqua fitness. And I, I don't mean to demean those who, you know, come to it for, for that element and that element alone. But there are also people who show up to work out to really treat this like you would any high intensity interval training, and you need to be able to offer that as well. So I'm very curious with Shockwave and everything you have coming to fruition, so to speak, what Where do you see yourself in the future about you maybe even 510 years from now, what is your goal? Sharlie: I'm basically just expanding not only, you know, not only taking Shockwave further and further out, but expanding on what I know, you know, once COVID is over, I'm dying to learn in person from other instructors, so that I can just continue to build and learn new things. I discovered that teaching and training, aquatic fitness is something that I want to do for the rest of my life. One goal I actually have for myself, is to actually at some point be featured on fit motivation. Yes, good goal. Yeah, I would love to do that. And just to get more exposure to the programs that we do with Shockwave, and, you know, just reach more people with it. I just want to keep going, keep learning, and doing all I can to be a part of this community and making it you know, absolutely amazing. So that's, that's pretty much my goal right now is just to keep moving forward and to keep learning. Jenni Lynn: I love it that those are great goals to have. Sharlie: Sure. Jenni Lynn: And so, on that note, what is one piece of advice that you would give someone who maybe wants to follow in your footsteps either getting involved in group and aquatic fitness or even like the business side, you know, whether it's land or water, what's some advice that you would give, give someone Sharlie: I you know, I would just say, do your research, if this is something that you want to get into, don't just say, you know, okay, I've been Got this, do the research on the field exactly of what you want to go in, make sure that it's absolutely something that you want to go into. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. I know a lot of people think that, you know, receiving help is like a handout and you're too embarrassed to do it. But I wouldn't be at the level that I'm at right now, if I wouldn't have, you know, reached out to people, like you and to Katie, and, you know, even my mom asking for advice, and, you know, continuing to learn. So I would just say, go into it open, willing to learn, and be willing to accept, you know, criticism if it's needed, because it's good criticism, it's feedback. So just, you know, stay positive in it. Make as many contacts as you can learn about it as much as you can. And definitely, like, you know, we've talked through the AEA, I even I even tell my Shockwave people a is the standard look into them, reach out to them get started with them and then you know, you will grow and learn and continue to learn along the way for sure. Jenni Lynn: Absolutely. AJ: I love that. That's a very beautiful note for us to to wrap up on because I do think continuing the education is key, and 100% Yeah, so why don't you share a little bit about where people can find you. Sharlie: I'm probably the most active on Facebook. I have a Facebook page it's if you just search for Shockwave Aqua Fitness with Sharlie I had that should pop up for you right away. I post daily on there. And then I also have a website www.ShockwaveAquaFitness.com. And that has my class schedules on it about Shockwave and it also has info and registration for the certifications that we have through Shockwave. And then I'm also on Instagram. It is ShockwaveFit with Sharlie. So yeah, that's everywhere. I am in the social media area. Jenni Lynn: Excellent. And there are lots of great posts including the the woodworking posts that we were talking about earlier in the episode. So we encourage you guys please go. Go find Sharlie. Reach out to her for inspiration and motivation and keep educating and keep keep making waves. Sharlie: Just keep swimming. Just kidding. Jenni Lynn: I love it. We're finally thank you so much for joining us today. This was such a great interview. Sharlie: It's been a blast.

Episode 8: Craig Yaniglos As the Chief Financial Officer for the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Public School District in Northeast Ohio, Craig Yaniglos knows as thing or two about balancing a budget. He is also the former Aquatic Director for the Hubbard Community Pool, and told us he understands that most aquatic facilities often get the short end of the stick when it comes to financial assistance. But under his watch, Yaniglos says the Hubbard Pool was run like a business, and for the first time in it's 40-years of existence, they were able to profit from the use of their pool! How? By investing in specialized programming and equipment. As you'll hear in the below episode, Craig has a long history in aquatics, both as a student, instructor, director and CFO. We cover some creative tips for aquatic fitness facilities struggling with their budgets to help raise money and awareness for their communities. We also discuss how investing in specialized programming and equipment can draw new participants and memberships to a facility. Name Drops: Adrienne Poullas, AEA, Ashley Bishop, Aqualogix, Aquastrength, Aquapole, Aqua Stand Up, Fitmotivation, Hubbard Community Pool, Hydrorider, IAFC, Ian Levia, Joao Santos, Lori Sherlock, Mark Grevelding, Pedro Santos Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is Craig Yaniglos. Craig is the Chief Financial Officer for a public school district in Northeast Ohio, as well as an Aquatic Training Specialist for the AEA. He holds many other certifications such as Aqua Stand Up, HydroRevolution, aqua cycling and ACE group exercise. He is also a CEC provider for the AEA and a Master Trainer for Aquapole. Craig, welcome to Alcoholics Bootcamp! Craig: Thanks. I'm super excited to be here. AJ: Hi Craig! How you doing? Craig: Hi, AJ, I'm doing good. AJ: Good. Jenni Lynn: I get so excited. Just because more I mean, not just that I'm interviewing you. But also when I finished the introduction, and I've like gotten it on one take. It's just like this is gonna be the best episode ever. Craig: This is gonna be the best episode ever. Move over Mark Grevelding! AJ: Ohhh! It's a throw down. It's gonna be the Choreography King versus the Choreography Prince? Craig: That's right! Jenni Lynn: I feel like we need like Game of Thrones music going on right now or something? Craig: I think we should. We can edit that in, right? AJ: Yeah...I don't know if we can afford it. We'll get like the, I don't know, the "B-rated" version. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, exactly. AJ: So Craig, where are you calling in from right now? Craig: Well, like Jenni Lynn introduced, Northeast Ohio. So specifically Macedonia, not the country, of course. But you know, Ohio. So I recently moved during COVID. So that was really exciting. But that's where I'm calling from. AJ: Overall, how have things been where you are during this pandemic? Craig: Well, it's definitely been kind of interesting. So just huge life changes were happening. And you know, couldn't predict that. I didn't realize I would be signing on to a new job in a district four times the size of what I was coming from, and have a pandemic hit a month later. And basically build a house and move into that house exactly as the state of Ohio was completely shutting down was a little bit overwhelming, to say the least. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Craig: It was it was pretty intense. And it was just a really long process. It's a complicated district in terms of its finances and things like that. So getting acclimated to that was hard enough, and then you throw on top of it, you know, the pandemic piece where people are working from home...It just makes it harder to get to know people and to be able to answer questions. So that was probably the hardest part about you know, the day to day job, I guess that was happening. The worst part about this whole pandemic has actually been though that you know, all of the aqua fitness has stopped. And by moving I was leaving my home pool which Jenni Lynn was just at in December, right prior to this all happening, you know, so leaving that was a big part of me and that was pretty tough. So I got pretty emotional towards the end of it realizing that, you know, I had been a part of the Hubbard pool since I was eight years old, and so that was like crazy that this is the first time I've actually not been there. AJ: Wow. I can't imagine one of those many life changing moments happening during all of this, let alone all of them. New job, new home, new house, you know how to work being shifted and having to pivot to all of this digital and remote stuff and then not being able to be in your own home pool. It's a lot. Craig: Yeah, and I've struggled here because...I'm getting to that point where a lot of the pools in Ohio have opened they have not been opening up near like a full capacity schedule. So I'm trying to figure out where, you know, maybe locally, I can kind of get back involved on a local pool level. So we'll kind of see what I can bring to the table. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. And you know, on that note, tell us about your background. How did you find yourself becoming involved in aquatic fitness? You said you were a part of the Hubbard pool since you were eight. I mean, that's a long time. Craig: Yeah, so I've always loved the water. That's been my passion. I started off competitively swimming, and had worked at the Hubbard pool as an employee since I was 15. I was a lifeguard, I was a lifeguard instructor, I was a water safety instructor, I got into coaching. I graduated with my degree in business. And once I graduated, which was in 2004, I know that starts to date myself at this point. But when I graduated, I was looking for what I was going to do. And it actually just kind of happened that the school system and the pool that I had been basically raised in was going to be hiring an aquatic director. So that's kind of how I got my start. My whole focus was on horizontal fitness, because that's what I knew swimming. And I knew nothing about aqua fitness at all. Nothing about vertical fitness. It was basically an afterthought, and I broke every rule in the AEA manual, and I'm very open about it. I was an "in the water" teacher, teaching in the circle. I'm doing moves I had no idea what I was doing. Not teaching with music, then sort of teaching with music. It was awful. I was atrocious. That was 2004. In 2009 is when I went to my first IAFC and I remember I got down there and I arrived in the afternoon, it had already started. And I walked in, I checked into my hotel room, which was in Orlando, and I could hear the music bumping and I walked out to the pool deck. And I think it was actually, I want to say it was Ian Levia that was teaching, and I was like looking at this class. And I was like, "Holy crap, this is amazing. What on earth am I doing?!" I went back to my room after that first night, and I just started writing stuff down. I think self reflection is so important in everything that we do. So I went back to my room and I started writing everything down. I was like, "God, I suck. I've got to fix this." And so I made it a mission. But I've always been interested in teaching. And so I think it ended up becoming a natural fit that I went back to Hubbard and I basically brought AEA, or the beginnings of AEA to Hubbard without even being AEA certified. So I went and got my AEA certification that year, and just started teaching my instructors the very basics, and then it kind of just evolved from there. AJ: So Craig, you touched on this new position of yours that you're in as treasurer and CFO of the Brecksville Broadview Heights School District. Can you share a little bit about what your role has been there since you took over and the impact that this pandemic has had on on what you do on a daily basis? Craig: Sure. So the one thing that's interesting is that, I guess I didn't really talk about how I ended up getting out of aquatics. I was still in aquatics, and kind of still attached to the Hubbard pool even after I became a treasurer. But I do love working in schools in the school system. And so, you know, I had a friend of mine who basically was the treasurer at Hubbard at the time who kind of encouraged me to get my treasurer's license, because I had the business background. And she's like, "You've done such an amazing job with balancing the budget at the pool, making the pool money, doing all this creative programming and fixing so much that's never been fixed in it's 40 year history, you really need to become a treasurer and really affect a school system, an entire system, a bigger entity because of your skill set." And so I went for it. I was really heavily involved in aquatics, really deeply involved in both the aquatic fitness and coaching for a while, and then I finally took the leap to kind of become a treasurer and still be connected to the pool side. So I had an opportunity that basically happened in October where I got a phone call and said, "Hey, are you interested in this position?" And you know, I was kind of like honored I guess that people called me and were asking me because I was successful also at Brookfield where I was previously working. And so I was like, you know what, maybe this is the right moment. You know, it's an amazing opportunity. I always had been looking to get back to the bigger city, getting towards Cleveland, where I went to college, and just kind of went full steam ahead. Jenni Lynn: So you obviously touched on the amazing work that you were able to do at the Hubbard pool, but how can facilities without a large budget, what can they do to maintain and improve their aquatic programs? Craig: This is a great question. And I get asked this a lot. And sometimes I may, on occasion, go off on a little tangent while I'm traveling the country sometimes with AEA. And you know, people want to ask those questions. I think the big difference of why we were successful at Hubbard is because I was the director. I'm sure you see the same thing when you go around and travel, the aquatic director, or the group fitness manager isn't really AEA-certified. They're not involved in it very much. Or if they are, it's like the bare minimum. So they don't have the investment in it. And I also hear, if they're not invested, they're not going to invest in the programs. And so I guess two things: One, I think you have to do a proof of concept. And what I mean by that is you need to get some type of authorization to find something, some program that is unique. And whether it's a small purchase, I always use Aquastrength or Aqualogix as my example because plastic is cheap in comparison to the bikes and the trampolines and the Aquapoles. So you can do an investment of $1,000, you can get 10 sets roughly, of you know Aquastrength or Aqualogix products, and do a specialty class and up charge for that. That's going to generate revenue. And if you can pay off that equipment, and then start making the facility money, I feel like that proof of concept needs to happen. And people need to see something tangible like that. Now, for me, I did it backwards, because those products weren't available at the time. So my concept that I worked with my Treasurer at the school district with was actually the Hydrorider bikes. So I was like, "Look, I want to buy these seven bikes. I'm going to do classes of six. It's going to cost $8,000 because I got them at the After-IAFC special. Jenni Lynn: Nice! Craig: And I said, "It's going to cost like $8,000. And I have a plan of how I'm gonna pay that back and actually make money within 12 months." And she was like, "Go for it!" So that was my first premium class that we offered. And I was right. It was a new program, no one around had it and we were packed with classes, charged premium for it and people paid it. It started to generate money and revenue. And it's been a hit ever since. It's one of the top most popular classes that they still have. So that kind of led into all the other programs. So when people would come to the pool, everyone would be so jealous, because I mean, we did have it all. I mean you've seen it...We had the Aquapole, we had the boxing bag, we have the plastic... Jenni Lynn: All the toys! Craig: We've got the trampolines, we've got the bikes...I mean, we have everything and that's because we were making money on all of those. So I say start off small. And I also think that they need to reach out and really make that connection with the aquatic director or the group fitness manager or something. And I always tell them to use me as a resource. Call me, have them call me, whatever we can do because I think that's what's going to keep pools alive in this country. Jenni Lynn: Oh, yeah. AJ: Oh my god. Yes. You know this is exactly why we wanted to have you on this show to discuss these kinds of things. Because you know so much more from the business side of things. And we've talked about it on several episodes, the aquatic facilities and aquatic programming get the short end of the stick no matter what. In the world we're in right now, the pools which are some of the most expensive pieces of equipment in a facility are just not being used to make that facility money. And because of the misconceptions of aquatic fitness, because of the the lack of awareness of aquatic fitness and what is actually possible with new equipment and new programming, I think slowly we're going to get there. But having someone like you on staff has to be such an asset for that. Like you described, that proof of concept; that's brilliant. That's exactly how you can start to pull in the money and then invest in yourself and then have that pay off. Craig: Sure, and I think that we could utilize and maximize the pools at a higher level if we just program them correctly. People will pay for quality products but they treat it like it's a, "Here's your membership to this facility. However, you can use the pool if you want, it's great that you come. But all those classes are free, who cares?" And it's such a powerful tool. It is the best place for our aging population, you know, Silver Sneakers land classes and whatnot, great programs. But water is the best place for really everybody, but specifically people over the age of 50. They're starting to get arthritis and pains and joint pains and all kinds of issues sometimes as they age. And it's just always put on the back burner. So that kills me inside a little bit. So I at least always offer my services that if I can help in any way for people to talk to, I'd be happy to do that. Because they always say, "Well yeah, but they won't want to charge extra money for it." I always say if you build it, they will come. If you charge, and it would have to be a good program, though, too...You can't just buy plastic or buy equipment, and just be like, "Oh, here it is." It's got to be good, you know? Jenni Lynn: Absolutely. You got to have the education behind it to make sure that the participants are getting a quality service. Craig: Right. And it's got to be different. AJ: Yeah. So what are some other ways? Besides, you know, the facilities themselves working working to do that, are there ways that the community or followers of the aquatic fitness realm can work together with a facility to help raise money or raise awareness? Craig: Sure. One of the things that we did was we developed a pool committee. And so we used to do fundraisers just to show the involvement of how we could reach out to the community. One of the first things I did before I was even involved in aqua fitness was I wanted to invite the community into our space. And so I didn't want it to just be for people who had been to the pool, I wanted to invite new people. So we did this mass promotion that was like "free swimming at the Hubbard community pool." It was one day in the middle of July. And we ended up turning it into a fundraiser, which we called the "Summer Sizzla!" But every year, we would get like 350 people. We ran it for five hours, and we would get 350 people. And these are people that sometimes never ever had been to the pool before. And so that got them in the door. They could see all of what we offer. So they could see that we offer swim lessons, they could see that we offered competitive swimming, they could see that we offered aqua fitness, we'd give them flyers. And so we ended up developing a committee that worked, you know, in coordination with me as the director to put on some of those programs. And any money we raised, we pledged that all of that would go into the facility. So sometimes it was like suit dryers, sometimes it was new equipment like the Aquastrength products or the trampolines or whatever. And then the other thing that we use the money for was investing in instructors. Because as I went through the process, I was like, "You know, education is so important." So that committee also raised money to help send more instructors from the facility down to IAFC and get involved in AEA. Jenni Lynn: Wow. That's awesome. AJ: Yeah. And so important. We've talked about that on the show a lot. The education piece, and your choreography rival Mark Grevelding mentioned in his episode, that investing in your aquatic instructors and their education and their qualifications is how you improve and take aquatic fitness out of that, you know, short end of the stick world that it keeps getting. Craig: Yeah, absolutely. There's no requirements. And I'm sure when you compare it to different countries, we see it at the international level. In different countries, I mean, people to teach aqua fitness need like a bachelor's degrees and exercise physiology. And I always say, "Yep, and in the United States, you can just have a pulse to teach a class." You grab on for someone as a director, like I always did. When I first started, I was just grasping for people, because I'm like, I don't want to teach all of these classes. So you're trying to find warm bodies, you know, that might want to do it. Jenni Lynn: Oh my gosh, you just need a pulse. That is hysterical. So I mean, you're clearly very diverse within the aquatic fitness field. And you can really help educate on many different topics within our industry. So where do you see yourself taking your career, rr should I say careers plural? Because I feel like you could wear multiple hats. Craig: Yeah, no, I mean, I love being able to kind of do both. It's kind of exciting. I could easily retire from Brecksville Broadview Heights. So you know, I'm only counting down 20 more years. Jenni Lynn: There you go! Craig: So that part of me and the longer you stay in that job fortunately and unfortunately, like, I don't want to say that I would get bored with it, but you kind of get to the point where you do get things where you want it. And so it kind of runs itself, which is exciting. But it would also open me up to be able to have more time to kind of still always stay involved in the aquatic side of things. So, I mean, I love getting out and traveling and getting to see different people and going to different parts of the country and just sharing that, you know, we're all different. And that's one thing I loved about how the training specialists that we have, you know, everyone's different. They have their different strengths and weaknesses and stuff. I don't think any facility should only host one...I mean, at Hubbard, we always hosted multiple people. We've had you and Ashley Bishop. We've had Joao and Pedro Santos. We had Lori Sherlock. So it's always good to have a different type of training. And so I think that, you know, nothing's going to replace the live trainings once COVID is over. As much as I'm glad that the virtual stuff is working out -- and I'm actually going to do one of the virtual workshops in November -- but I'm really, really excited about getting back, out on the road, at least a little bit, and being able to travel because it's just exciting to get out of the office and do something physical and really kind of focus on the passion piece of it. And I don't know where else you could go, other than being a Training Specialist. So I mean, you can't go up any higher. Jenni Lynn: Right! But it's totally true. Having different types of specialists, you know, teaching at one time, I think is just so awesome. Because every single person has such a different style, flavor, attitude, concept, theory, and you just take away so much information, and especially for myself, who as we know, is very freestyle. When I take one of Craig's classes, I'm like, "I have work to do! I need to go listen to the beat, watch myself in the mirror, and practice, practice, practice." Craig: I know how much you love to be on the beat, but you are improving. And that's great. Jenni Lynn: Thank you. I appreciate that wholeheartedly. So I'm actually curious, I was just reading the next question that I have here and I'm actually very curious about this. But what does the future of aquatic fitness look like for you? Where are you taking it next? I know you have this amazing job and career going on but you're still an ATS and you know, doing a lot of work with the AEA. So I'm curious, what does your aquatic fitness future look like? Craig: I am excited in general for the future of aquatic fitness as a whole. And I think that, you know, I have seen some major improvements. I mean, I think you have too. You're starting to see a change. And I think that's a good thing, because it's such a vital place for people to be and I think it's starting to get more notoriety. Because of social media and whatnot, I think it's starting to make more news and social media news, I guess. It's just more out there. And so I start to see positive changes. I'm starting to see younger people get involved. And that's what's exciting. I was, in the beginning of this, very challenged with finding people that were young that wanted to be involved, because everyone just goes like, "Oh, you know, water aerobics is for old ladies who have their little flower swim caps on and they stand in a circle and chat the whole time." And I'm like, "Okay, well come take one of my classes okay?!" Jenni Lynn: Exactly! Craig: I think it's good that some people are starting to do that. And one of those I think, you know, Adrienne Poullas, for instance, who started teaching at our facility, is now running the Hubbard pool. She was one of the ones that I had to basically beg to get in the water and just to try it, and then she was like, "Oh, my God, this is such a great workout." And then she did it through her pregnancy and whatnot. And, it inspired her to start becoming involved and wanting to be an instructor. So, you know, I do think the other piece is that getting some of this specialty equipment like Hydroriders and an Aqua Stand Up and Aquastrength or Aqualogix, getting that that type of equipment has helped drive younger people to the pool than the hand buoys or noodles, because I think they unfortunately carry a bad connotation that's what old people use, even though they can be very effective tools. That equipment change and seeing the different types of equipment hit the market and start to take off more in the country is leading the charge of making the aquatic fitness industry a little more prevalent. As we kind of move forward, so I'd like to see that continue, obviously. Jenni Lynn: Oh, yeah, absolutely. And I think those are good things to note because as much as we would love change to happen, you know, very drastic and quickly in a short period of time, it does take decades. And I think we've been following a lot of mentors and leaders in this industry who have literally and figuratively made a lot of waves, and had to kind of break things up for us to get in there and the new people to kind of say, yes, we're still going to continue this, we're going to update things, bring them to today's society with the newest type of equipment, and also put it on social media, get it out there for people to actually see. Craig: Well, and the one thing too that I guess is really encouraging for the aquatic fitness industry is this: we're starting to see such a push for NordicTrack and Peloton and really taking this to this live streaming outlet. And I have concerns. I don't think it's going to happen overnight, but I have concerns that we're going to end up in a streaming world where gyms don't technically exist, or they might exist, but I think it's gonna be different. But the one piece about a pool is that I think there's room for growth in a pool, because most people don't just have pools in their backyard. And if they're in Ohio, they certainly are not using them in the winter. So I think that pools are more stable. Because I mean, I don't know, do you agree? Like you're starting to see so much streaming content that I'm like, "Are people gonna just start doing this at home?" Jenni Lynn: Yeah, I mean, the thing is I totally agree with that. And I think gyms are definitely going to look different going forward from this standpoint. I also know a lot of land instructors that make 10 times the amount of money doing it elsewhere instead of the gym, and so there's that financial kickback of it. But with that, I think there's going to be a lot of injuries, I think people are going to need to come to the pool eventually. Or it's just going to be a factor that the pool is that one thing that is offered, you know, as an exclusive piece of equipment, and that maybe facilities start basing more things around the pool, which would be like the best situation ever, but you know...people can dream! AJ: Well, you've given us so much. And you know, I know that we could probably spend an entire episode just talking about the financial side or the aquatic side. But I'm curious if you have a nugget of advice that you would offer to instructors who are out there just getting started, or students, or anyone who's maybe even interested in on the business side the financial side of of what it is that you do. What advice would you would you give them going forward? Craig: Don't give up, number one, but number two, don't be afraid to network and make some of those connections. I do remember getting started off, you know, and Jenni Lynn probably thinks the same thing, you go to your first IAFC and you look at some of these people like they're icons, and you're like, "Oh my god, I can't say anything!" But all of us are just regular human beings. And so don't be afraid to approach and have that conversation. I think that I even say this in the treasurer world, sometimes when you go to a workshop, some of the best information that you get out of that workshop is just the networking with a fellow colleague, and the conversations that you have with that person versus anything that happened at the workshop, right? So don't be afraid to network and reach out and have conversations. You know, imitation is perfectly fine, especially in this business. So find what you like, and don't be afraid to go after it and make a difference. I think that people that are doing water are probably almost even more passionate than people that do land. And so, you know, follow your passion and realize that you're helping a lot of people, because that's what kind of has kept me going in this industry. And why I don't mind working in my life, working with the senior population just as much as I do with young athletes, as well as you know, everyone else in between. So I guess that's the best advice I would probably offer. Jenni Lynn: Which is very good advice. AJ: That's great advice. This has been such a great episode. And I hope people do reach out to you with questions because not to put the pressure on you but if you can educate the community that's out there across the entire country, I think we could start to see these waves changing and improve what we all love, which is aqua. Craig: Yes. I certainly hope so. Jenni Lynn: Having facilities take it seriously and learning that the budget needs to be spread around the entire facility, not just land. Craig: Yeah, absolutely. And seriously too. I have not listened to all of the Aquaholics Bootcamps, but Jenni Lynn, I seriously thank you for all you're doing because you're really doing this full time. And that's amazing because not a lot of people can do this full time in this country because of how the aquatic industry is kind of treated. You know, there's all kinds of gaps in terms of pay when it comes to land versus water. And it's kind of crazy, but you're doing it, you're living the dream, and so we appreciate that. Jenni Lynn: Well, thank you. You're getting me all teary eyed. This is an emotional one! Craig: Air Hug! Jenni Lynn: I was just abuot to say, air hugs! AJ: I can't wait for us all to be together at the next IAFC. Jenni Lynn: Yes, next IAFC, for sure. But we definitely need to come back to the Cleveland area and host an event because that would be absolutely amazing. Craig: Absolutely. AJ: Craig, thank you so much for stopping by. This has been so great. So thank you so much. Jenni Lynn: Thank you. Thank you. Craig: Well, thank you for having me on. This was a wonderful, wonderful experience. And you know, I hope that we'll see each other soon and definitely stay safe.

Episode 7: Adrienne Poullas Adrienne Poullas is the Aquatic Coordinator of the Hubbard Community Pool in Hubbard, Ohio. Adrienne joined the Aquaholics Bootcamp to share her aquatic fitness journey from a student to instructor and now her dream job, as director of the facility. Sounds like a fast tracked story since her initial reaction to getting in the pool was “Heck No!”, but then cut to her taking her FIRST Aqua Stand Up class and she’s hooked. Taking 4-6 classes per week, Adrienne also explains how aqua fitness helped her lose 50 pounds after her second pregnancy and why she recommends the aquatic environment for all expectant mothers. After the birth of her second son, Adrienne's courage shined through as she dared to get back up on deck and teach her wave warriors again, even though she was still fighting through postpartum, working part time and motherhood. Talk about a little stress?! Yet she kept going, set goals for herself, but led with grace. Take a listen below to how this mermaid flexed her muscles and continued to make waves both in and out of the pool, while going after the life she wanted. Name Drops: AEA, Amy Landino, Ashley Bishop, Aqua Stand Up, Hubbard Community Pool, HydroRevolution, IAFC, Yoga with Adriene Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is Adrienne Poullas, Aquatic Coordinator of the Hubbard Community Pool. Adrienne is AEA and ACE Group Fitness Instructor certified and also holds certifications in WIM Platinum, HydroRevolution and Aqua Stand Up. As you will hear in the interview, she started at the pool as a student, then an instructor and now a director. Adrienne, welcome to the program. Adrienne: Thank you. I'm so excited. AJ: How you doing? Adrienne: I'm good. How are you? I missed you guys. Jenni Lynn: You know, this has been too long. This is getting ridiculous. Adrienne: It's been a bummer. AJ: Yeah. But you know what's been great? Since Jenni and I started this podcast, we've been actually able to connect with people who we used to see every year at IAFC, and several other places. And it's just been really great to reconnect in this new digital world we're in. Adrienne: Yeah, like it almost gives you more opportunities to connect, as opposed to like one time a year, you know, in Florida when we're all together. So that is really cool. AJ: Absolutely. So Adrienne, where are you calling from? Adrienne: I'm calling from Hubbard, Ohio. It's a small suburb of Youngstown, in between Youngstown and the Pennsylvania border. We're right on the edge there. AJ: Nice. Jenni Lynn: So I don't know why I'm even realizing that I don't know more about your background, because I think we met, what was it three or four years ago four? I have no concept of time anymore. Adrienne: I know. Right. What day is it? I think it was when I was pregnant with Roscoe so IAFC 2018. Maybe? Jenni Lynn: Wow. Okay. It seems like so much longer. But it that's a good thing. We've just it's like we've known each other so much in a short period of time. I'm curious, how did you yourself find yourself in aquatic fitness? Like, was it just going to the Hubbard pool? or were you were a swimmer? Adrienne: No, I know, I hated the water. I didn't like being wrinkled and pruny. It was something that wasn't on my list of favorite things. I straight up, like if we ever went somewhere that had a pool, like I get into cool off, but I wasn't hanging out in there. Like I don't, I don't like being wrinkly. So my husband actually got deployed in September of 2016. And I had an eight month old, my first. I had one little eight month old and I was working part time and 10 days before he left, we sold our house. And I had to move an entire 2400 square foot house with an eight month old and no husband, and nowhere to go. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Adrienne: And it was very stressful. And I ended up gaining about 30 pounds while he was gone. And it was only four months. So actually, mutual friends of ours, Craig and Patrick, ended up becoming my next door neighbors. And at the time, Craig was director of the Hubbard Pool. Jenni Lynn: Yes. Adrienne: Shortly after that Patrick took over as director and they had been trying to get me in the pool for I don't know how long and I kept pushing them away and push them away. Finally, I said okay, fine. I'll come and take one class. But I'm telling you, I'm not going to like it. And the first class I took was Aqua Stand Up, which here at the pool, it's probably our toughest class. And I loved it. And I bought a package that day and I never got back out and I ended up taking oh geez, four to six classes a week. I was here as a participant. I lost 50 pounds in about six months, which totally helps how much you love the water when you see how effective it is. Jenni Lynn: Yeah! Adrienne: You know, I was one one year postpartum when I started coming and I was bigger than I was when I was pregnant. So that was a huge plus for me was this works. This works better than running. This works better than gym time, for me personally. My body took to the water very well. So then I said Hydro Spin was my favorite, I said, I want to teach Hydro Spin. So they put me on the bikes. And I started teaching Hydro Spin. And I said, okay, I want to do all the things. I want to teach everything. I want to learn everything. This concept of how your body works in the water, and how beneficial it is to you was so fascinating to me. I just started learning everything I could. So I got AEA certified in 2018. 2019, I attended IAFC and got my GFI, my ACE GFI. And then March of 2020, well, I started teaching on deck, which was very scary for me, actually. I was always in the pool, you know, with the bike. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. Adrienne: So getting there and being on deck was it was a vulnerable thing for me, especially, because I didn't start till after the birth of my second son. So I wasn't in the shape I was when I started here and how people remembered me. And it was, it was a vulnerable thing for me to get up there and put myself out there and, you know, do it. And it took a while for them to really twist my arm and get me up there. But I did. And then as soon as I got comfortable enough, I knew that that was where I belonged. I might be the director now, but those days that I'm out there on deck like that is where my heart is, is out there teaching and instructing and being with my students like, that's where my first true love is. Jenni Lynn: Listen to those swimmers. Adrienne: They're celebrating something... AJ: They just opened every pool across the country! Jenni Lynn: You know, I saw the Facebook group that you're doing. And that was absolutely amazing. And now I've seen on your Instagram stories that you are doing yoga, is this kind of your way to keep yourself grounded? Almost like meditating for you during these times? Adrienne: Yeah, you know, like, I was a full time mom before this and take still being a full time mom and now taking on a full time job and a husband who drives 100 miles a day to work. And, you know, managing all of this has been...it's been a challenge, you know, trying to make sure that I'm still taking care of myself. I had to find something like yes, I'm here and I'm teaching and I'm getting my work out there. But sometimes that's work. And I needed something that was just for me. And so I used it as a way to just kind of like get me going in the morning and get me like focused for my day. And it has been so helpful. I'm going to I'm only doing a 30-day thing. But I'm going to I told Nick, I said I'm going to keep doing this, I'm going to find all I'm just going to keep doing it every morning. It's only 20 or 30 minutes, and it just, it starts my day on a totally different foot than I was starting before. Jenni Lynn: Good. AJ: I love that. Adrienne: But the yoga that I'm taking, I'm taking Yoga with Adriene on YouTube, I love her. She has given direction to me in yoga practice that I can now give to my students here that makes it easy to understand and accomplish. So instead of saying tighten your core, squeeze your abs, blah, blah, blah. I say tuck those lower ribs in or push your bellybutton through your spine. And that they can understand So it's helping me personally, mentally get focused. It's helping me in my job as well, and to help my students. It's been like a double whammy for me, you know, it's benefiting just me but I'm able to help others as well. AJ: Yeah, Jenni during this pandemic, you started a morning routine yourself following the advice of Amy Landino. And I think it's really important for people or instructors and people whose lives have been, you know, turned upside down and don't have the same work schedule that they used to, to find a routine that works for them. And if this is working for you yoga in the morning, there's no reason to stop even when pools reopen and you're back to work. Now, do you want to share Who do you follow online for inspiration? You mentioned Yoga with Adriene, I'm assuming that's a different Adrienne than yourself. Adrienne: We have I have two N's in my name and she only has one. So I do her yoga daily. She's really great. Honestly, this is not just because I am on your podcast, but Jenni has been invaluable to me since I started in aquatics. Um, actually, I think it was today it came up in my timehop my stickers you sent me last year. It came up that one year ago, I got my little care package for me with my little mermaids. And my little note and in the winter, when I was talking about you know, maybe starting my own brand before I got this job, I mean, you talked to me on the phone for so long, and it has been invaluable information that I get from you. So I appreciate that so much. And Ashley always has great content to, Ashley Bishop, she was on here a couple sessions ago, she's she always has awesome content. And it's so motivating, because she is the most organized person how Jenni Lynn: Oh my gosh... Adrienne: You want to be organized just being around her! AJ: So true. Jenni Lynn: So true. And I The thing that I love, and like I can hear what you're saying, I just love women supporting women. And it feels so good to meet other strong women like yourself and take each other's strengths to be like, okay, I can see, like you just said with Ashley, her organization skills, I lack in that 100% have my entire life. But like that was motivation. The people she referred me to his motivation. Meeting you and seeing you being a mother and working your tail off in the pool. Like, just seeing how hard you worked while being a full time mom was. I mean, it's mind blowing. Because, you know, there's just a lot of things that you're juggling. And as you even said, you were basically single mom as your husband's deployed and doing all of this stuff by yourself, you know, for your family. Adrienne: I appreciate that. Yeah, it's, but you know what, it comes down to like, what other choice do you have? If this is what you truly want to do in your life? And this is your dream? You there's no other choice then to just dig in and do it. And having people like you and Ashley, and Yoga with Adriene, who centers me in the morning to have that support system, even if, you know, Yoga with Adriene doesn't know who the crap I am. But, you know, that's part of my support system that I take on for myself, and to have those types of women, not just women, anybody in your life that does that, you got to lean into that. You lean into that support, and you use it to fuel your fire. And that is something that in this season of my life, especially with COVID, and the quarantine, I really leaned into that, because I didn't have another choice, and I want to do it. And that was what was my heart and my soul. And I knew that if I wanted to be the best pool director I could be and the best mom and the best fitness instructor and be there for myself and the best wife, I had to lean into all these different people that inspire and motivate me and draw that energy from them to fill me up. AJ: Yeah, right. I love that. That's great advice. Jenni Lynn: Very, very good advice. So a question I did want to ask you is what advice would you give to other expecting mothers or I guess mothers who have come out of pregnancy? Maybe they're struggling with losing the weight? Like what would you tell them as far as taking aquatic fitness, any advice or tips that you would extend? Adrienne: First of all, you got to be super easy on yourself. Hold yourself accountable but don't beat yourself up. Your body just did the most amazing thing that bodies can do, which was literally birth another human. It's never going to be the same. And that's okay. It's okay. I look different after Jordi and I look different after Rosco, in different ways your body just holds on to things differently, and just have to lead with grace. So as far as getting in the pool for me, during pregnancy, it was so relieving. And it takes so much pressure off of all those different places that just being pregnant, puts on your body. I mean, your back hurts, especially later on when you're getting bigger and bigger and bigger, you know, just a lot to carry. So even if you do nothing but get in and walk back and forth, just just getting in and using that buoyancy to take some of the pressure off of all of those parts of your body that are hurting, do it. But even just if you don't want to get in the pool, take a walk, just do anything. I've written an article for the AEA website about the benefits of working out during pregnancy. And even less than physically, mentally...I mean, naturally, when you work out your body makes endorphins. Endorphins make you happy and it could be a mood changer. The mental part can be so, so beneficial. And if you're a first time Mom, you have all those anxieties before you have that baby because you've never done this before, you know? So if you're nervous about labor, if you're nervous about the delivery, exercise. It doesn't have to be in the pool. Do I want you to get in the pool? Heck yes, that's my number is I want you to be but if you don't want to get in the pool or you can't get in a pool, go for a walk. Find something to move your body because recovering after that is going to be so much easier. I was out four days postpartum. AJ: Wow. Adrienne: I had worked the whole time I was pregnant, to prepare my body for that. AJ: Yeah. And do you believe that aquatic fitness is a safe, or I should say a safer place to work out for expectant mothers? Adrienne: From experience for me, I am short. I'm five one. So when I get pregnant, my belly has nowhere else to go but straight out front. At even six months pregnant, to run, that is awful. It feels awful. It hurts. It looks awful. It just I mean, some people do it. And you know, my sister in law, she ran until I think the day before she gave birth to one of my niece's. She doesn't have big bellies when she's pregnant. I do. But some people work for me personally. And what I would say is if anything hurts you at all ever, get in the water, because that natural buoyancy...if you're swollen, get in the water. That hydro-static pressure is going to help to push that fluid were born or out of your body completely. So I mean, I could go on and on and on about why getting in the water when you're pregnant is literally the greatest thing you could do. AJ: Mm hmm. Well, I don't mean to put you on the spot, you and Jenni. But what are some of the the actual physical changes that happen when you're in the water that would affect a person who's pregnant? Jenni Lynn: Well, I mean, as Adrian mentioned, hydro-static pressure. Not only does that get rid of extra, you know, fluids that your body is holding on to, but it lowers your natural heart rate. So you know, you're in a safer environment, in that respect, but also the fact that you're not going to fall, you know. Like on land, gravity, that your weight is already offset due to a belly or imbalances, your gait starts to widen, everything starts to shift. And so you're just naturally safer on so many different levels in water. AJ: Yeah, that makes sense. And then post post delivery, you mentioned Adrienne, that dealing with postpartum depression and other feelings that exercise and in particular water exercise and fitness was key to your recovery. Adrienne: Yeah, yeah, it totally was. I couldn't wait to get back in the pool and I had to wait six weeks. That's just that's just what it is. I didn't have to wait six weeks to exercise. But I had to wait six weeks to get back in that pool. And the day I went to my doctor's appointment and she said, you get back in the pool, I was here. Because I couldn't wait. And I really don't think I crawled completely out of my postpartum anxiety or depression until I got back in the water. I mean, the walking helped, but I don't think I fully like crawled out until I was back here. And I don't know if it's just because I love the water or because the water is so healing in all different aspects. But for me, I did not...I didn't crawl out completely until I got back in the pool. AJ: I love that. Jenni Lynn: Wow. AJ: Yeah, that's important. So where do you see yourself taking your career in aquatic fitness next? I mean, clearly you have your dream job right now. But you mentioned, you know, forming your own brand and working on your own material. Where do you see yourself taking it next? Adrienne: I still want to do those things. You know, I before I knew that this position was imminent possibility, which meant, you know, it was approaching a lot quicker than than I thought. I still would love to become a master trainer for AEA because like I said, my first love is up on that deck. It's instructing. It's learning like anything that has to do with aquatics. I would really love to focus on pre- and postnatal research. And I have reached out to to those that can help me with that. But like I said, my goals and you know, my five and 10 year plan and my list it still has, you know, AEA master trainer on it still has those things on there. It's just right now my focus is here and but my heart's in instructing and leading and I'd really like to get back to that eventually. But do I love being a director of a pool? Absolutely. I don't see myself leaving this position for a long time. We're tied to the school. Jordi is going to start kindergarten here like literally one door away from me next year. I love this as my full time gig, but I still would love to just really nurture that instructor part of me and that love I have for that and learning and you know, being knowledgeable because, you know, knowledge is power. Jenni Lynn: Hundred percent. AJ: Yep. Adrienne: And the more you know, the better you are at your job. And if you love your job, you want to be the best at it that you can. So I want to do all the things I want all the certificates. And I want to know all the stuff. AJ: That's amazing. And then of course, when our S'WET certificate launches, you will become a S'WET certified instructor. Adrienne: I already I'm first on the list. Jenni Lynn: Oh, I already told her, I said now that she's the director, I'm coming there, and we're gonna get a group going and it's gonna. Hubbard will carry the S'WET cert. Adrienne: I will be first on that list. I probably won't be the first, because I know everyone is so excited for that program to roll out. Jenni Lynn: Excitement all around. Adrienne: Well, and I know how hard you've been working - always, but especially since you've had the time. Yeah, you know, to really focus on it. So I'm so excited for you. Jenni Lynn: Oh, thank you. I was just I mean, again, so excited to meet another aquatic enthusiastic person because, you know, there's so many people that you meet within the industry that they start as a student, they get curious about it. And some of them stay students and they become our leaders and they, you know, pave the way to help us with management and things like that. But then there's people like yourself, who actually take it that step further. And they're like, yeah, I'm willing to teach and put myself up there and be vulnerable, like you said, and then now, having these opportunities fall into place, you've taken it to that next level, and you're helping other people become inspired and educated and showing them, these are the paths that I took, they could help you, and you have many other paths to take to because you know, there's so much versatility within this industry. Adrienne: Yeah, I tried to get as many people like that, that stereotype of water robots is for old people just absolutely kills me, because it's not true. Well, no. And then when people say how do you know your weight, and I'm like, I got in the pool, I did water aerobics, and they're like, what?! So I just I try to just feed that and not I could go on and on. Honestly, I could go on and on about all the benefits and why you should do it and how to get them in the pool. And, you know, I mean, you know, you know, I know, it's my life's goal to get people into water. Jenni Lynn: Exactly. But this is also where Katy Coffey said we have to change the stigma by changing the wording because there is so much power in words and it's not water aerobics, it's not aquatic aerobics, or whatever you want to call it, water fitness, aquatic fitness, you know, adding these words that really resonate with a different demographic, so to speak, because as we know, aerobics is a little dated. So we're changing it. Adrienne: Yeah, that was one of the first things I did when I started doing the schedule and stuff here was I changed everything that said water aerobics to aquatic fitness. AJ: Oh, I love it. Adrienne: I did it on our schedule on our calendar, on our website, I went right in and changed it immediately. And I don't say water aerobics instructor, you know, on our staff page. It says, aquatic fitness instructor because that's what they are. AJ: It's true. Many people have shared their opinions about the misconceptions with aquatic fitness. And you know, you mentioned just one of them again, that it's for old people. It's not. Certainly there's room for everyone in the pool and there are people who are less agile and not able to necessarily keep up with every format that's out there. But the water is for everyone. The other misconception that I think we don't talk about that often is how effective it can be. You lost how many pounds? Adrienne: 50? Five-Zero AJ: 50. I lost four-zero. 40 pounds. And it's not something and that's all I did. 3 days a week, you know, of course, I had Jenni as my instructor, so she certainly didn't you know, lesson her. Jenni Lynn: Oh I didn't hold back. AJ: You did not hold back. But she saw me, she knew how unhealthy and unhappy I was. And then lo and behold, you know, 40 pounds later and it's just something that I think people forget about. It's so easily forgotten and overlooked in the industry. And so that's why we're so happy to bring people like you and others on who are saying, you know, no, this is for everyone. It's effective. It works. It's safe. And there's so many other benefits that we could go on and on and on about... Jenni Lynn: So I do have another question being that you are a very versatile instructor and you teach many different types of formats. First question, what is your favorite format to teach? Second, what is your favorite format to take? Adrienne: I knew you were gonna do this to me...I think this is why we're so like, drawn to each other because like, my favorite to teach is, basically just like you. I love a bootcamp interval. Let me kick your butt for this amount of time and then I'll give you a little active recovery and then I'm going to go back to kicking your butt again. My favorite class to take. Oh, geez, that's hard. I do love anything HydroRevolution, anything with resistance equipment. But when we and I'm not just saying this, because it was you. But when we did the HydroRevolution training here, and we had the circuit. Oh, I love a circuit. Yes, I love a circuit. I love a bootcamp, I love something that's gonna challenge me because I am competitive. AJ: You know, in a lot of Jenni's classes, I remember, you know, there would be different types of people and some you knew personally, others you didn't. And there was a sense of competition where you were like, Oh, she's doing hammer drops? Oh, I'm gonna make the biggest splash. And you just come, you know, and I really think aquatic fitness puts you in a position where you can be that competitive without hurting yourself. Because if I were doing that at CrossFit or anywhere else, you know, on land, I probably end up in the hospital. Jenni Lynn: Right? AJ: Well, Adrienne, as we're, as we're wrapping up here, I do want to ask you, because you made the journey from student to instructor to director, and I'm sure there are many others who would vie for that path as well, what advice would you give to people who want to kind of follow in your footsteps? Or who have never explored aquatic fitness? Maybe advice you'd give to them? As we're wrapping up here. Adrienne: Oh, geez. You know, for me, the class was fulfilling, the class was so fulfilling, being a student was so fulfilling, it was something that was just for me. But knowing that I got to, I still get to get up there and help people, or to show people something that they did not know existed. I have a couple ladies right now who showed up here maybe two weeks ago and never took a class, never did anything. And their first class was with me, and they got out of the pool and said, I did not know I could feel like this. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Adrienne: And that is something that if in your life, you want to make a difference, even if it's something little. Try it. If you're a student, and you're trying to find something to fulfill, you, something to just let you know you're doing something, you're contributing in some way to anything, even as little as just changing someone's mood for one day, because coming to an aqua class is going to change your mood. Coming to any workout class will change your mood. But if you if you're looking for something to fulfill you in another way, or to to fulfill someone else, just try it. And you're already in the industry, just make the jump, take the jump and if the opportunity arises for you to do what you truly love, regardless of whether it's becoming director of your pool or starting your own brand or becoming a master trainer, you owe it to yourself to do it. Because I have never been more fulfilled in my life, in my almost 35 years, than I am right now as my dream job. My kids are amazing. My husband is awesome. I have a wonderful family have a great group of friends. I have mentors. I have people who are wonderful friends and inspirations to me. And it was because I took the chance. And I accepted help when I needed it. And I wasn't too proud to ask for things. Ask questions, because 99% of the time that person is going to be thrilled that you cared enough to ask it. Jenni Lynn: Yep. Absolutely. AJ: I love that. Jenni Lynn: I love it. Could not have said it better. Honestly, there's so many things that you've touched on that are so important for other people to hear. AJ: Well, it's a great note to end on. And Adrienne, thank you so much for sitting down with us. Jenni Lynn: Yes, thank you so much. Adrienne: Thank you guys for having me. I'm super honored. Anyway, I can help in any way I can, you know move aquatic fitness along, I am happy. Jenni Lynn: Please give the nuggets kisses for me. Adrienne: I will. AJ: And please thank your husband for his service. Adrienne: Oh, I will. Jenni Lynn: You guys make such a good team. All right, have a good one. We'll talk to you soon. Adrienne: Thanks you too!

Episode 6: Katrien Lemahieu As one of the most in-demand international presenters, Katrien Lemahieu has had the opportunity to teach in over twenty-two different countries across the globe...and if the entire world wasn't "Back in 5" right now, that number would be growing monthly. But thankfully for her followers, Katrien has pivoted perfectly to the virtual fitness realm. Edited out of the episode for time, the Netherlands-based instructor gave a very special thanks to her husband for designing an incredible home studio for her, fully equipped with a working Green Room and interactive virtual backgrounds. Though the pandemic has literally locked the entire world down, Katrien's approach, as always, is to point out the positives, not the problems. "Actually, the virtual stuff has brought the whole world together so much more," Katrien told our Aquaholic Bootcamp podcast listeners. "I have so many friends who are always presenting," she shared and because Katrien spends most of her time traveling, she's never been able to attend their classes. "Now I can take courses by people I love in Japan, in the US, all over the world...And it's not just fun to teach with them, but to participate too." As you'll hear in the below episode, Katrien is also co-developer of not just one but TWO amazing programs: BioExercise™ with Laurie Denomme and HydroRevolution Power Training with Jenni Lynn Patterson LaCour. More about both these programs below the fold, and to find out why Katrien believes today's #aquaticfitness professionals need to be more than just instructors, take a listen to the full episode! Name Drops: AEA, Angie Proctor, BioExerise™, Dr. Bruce Becker, Ekaterina Polozkova, IAFC, Ian Levia, HydroRevolution, Laurie Denomme, Strong Nation, S'WET™ Katrien Lemahieu helped design these popular aqua fitness programs: HydroRevolution Power Training by Aqualogix™ & Aquastrength™ - Developed by Jenni Lynn Patterson LaCour & Katrien Lemahieu, this course is designed to help trainers around the world further their fitness education and grow their client base through the use of effective drag resistance training. Powered by Aqualogix™ and Aquastrength™, this training course will introduce the comprehensive range of drag resistance equipment on the market that can be used for just about all levels and goals: sports/athletic performance, rehabilitation, general fitness for group exercise, small group or one-on-one training. BioExercise™ - Experience an innovative new water exercise program that combines activities for the body and mind to improve total body functionality. Using evidence-based research and developed by international fitness experts Laurie Denomme & Katrien Lemahieu, this award-winning duo is passionately committed to educating, motivating and supporting coaches to deliver life-enhancing programs in their communities. Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is Katrien Lemahieu. She's the founder of Kataqua, an aquatic educational institute in the Netherlands. She's an educator in both the fitness and hydrotherapy fields with a Bachelor Degree in physical education, a post degree in special movement education, child psychology, and hydrotherapy. She travels worldwide as an international trainer for AEA and is a known speaker for big organizations such as ATRI. She co developed aquatic programs like BioExercise™ and HydroRevolution, and is a winner of two Aqua Emma's and a Tsunami award. Katrien, welcome to the program! Katrien: Hey, hello. AJ: Hello, Katrien, welcome. Katrien: Woohoo, yay. It's so nice to hear from you guys. Jenni Lynn: I know. I'm so happy you're here. Katrien: I'm so happy. And thank you so much for doing this with me. I feel very proud and very honored to be on this podcast. Jenni Lynn: Ditto. I feel very honored that you're here. AJ: Is this your first podcast? Katrien: This is my first ever podcast. AJ: Oh, wow. Really? Jenni Lynn: Yes! Katrien: Yeah. I've been doing interviews but I was always on Zoom with video. This is my ever first podcast. So I hope that people enjoy listening to me. AJ: I think they will. So Katrien, where are you calling in from right now? Katrien: I am in the Netherlands and that is like a really beautiful place in Europe. I wasn't born here. I come from Belgium originally, but in 1998 I came here to do my studies, a master study that we didn't had in Belgium. So I ended up here in the Netherlands to do that. And well, you know, sometimes something pops up, and love comes around the corner and I've been here for more than 20 years now and enjoying it and loving it. Jenni Lynn: We know a lot about your background but how did you become involved with aquatic fitness? Was it swimming first or aquatic fitness first or I guess a blend of both? Katrien: Actually, I'm a really poor swimmer. I learned how to swim when I was still in Belgium. So I was never really in the water. But I think it was around the 1990s that aqua aerobics started to evolve. And I really enjoyed doing aerobics and fitness a lot, and I think a lot of people will recognize this themselves. "Oh, you can do aerobics? Here you go..." and boom -- you are pushed to the aquatic environment without any knowledge or whatever. But hey, you can teach, you can support groups, you're interactive, you can work with music...well here you go. So I ended up in the pool and then when I moved to the Netherlands, here in the Netherlands, they are a little bit more advanced in the aquatic fields. And after a while, I was like, "Okay, now I need to learn a little bit more about this." And we had a trainer in Belgium at that time, an AEA trainer. So I contacted them and then I was just so lucky. She had a conference with Ian Levia and Ekaterina Polozkova from Russia. And at the very last moment, one of the presenters didn't come. And she told me like, do you want to teach? I'm like, "Serious? On an international AEA accredited CEC conference?" I was like okay! But there was Angie Proctor, who was also there. And she was like, if you want to teach at an AEA event, you should be AEA certified. So I studied that evening. I did my exam the next day. And I did the conference. And I remember Angie coming up to me after that class, and she was like, "Oh my God, you have talent. Congratulations. If you want to pursue this dream, you can come quite far." And that's how it all started. I went to the US, I think a year later, just to see everything there. And then from that point it just started to grow. And I loved it. I loved it so, so, so much. I was like, "Whoa, that water world...that is my world!" Jenni Lynn: You studied in one night for that AEA test? Katrien: I had to. Jenni Lynn: That's just blowing my mind right now. AJ: I took a couple of months, and even that I thought was not long enough. Katrien: Well, I have to say I am lucky. I was always really easy at studying, even in school as well. AJ: Yeah, sounds it. You know, if you've been following along with the show, most people will hear that a lot of our guests were just thrown into the pool. Jenni, that was your experience. Someone didn't show up. And then they asked, you know, "Hey, you want to sub this class?" And every person who was kind of just thrown in has really taken to it and loved it and then pursued this career. And I think that's just fascinating-- Jenni Lynn: There's a trend and a theme through all of our guests, which I'm really starting to like. Katrien: Yeah! AJ: That's true. So how did you and Jenni Lynn meet? Katrien: I think we we've met like before some of the IAFCs. I do remember and I don't know if Jenni still remembers...I remember seeing her on deck for the first time. She had no clue who I was, probably. But I went to her right after the class, and I told her my opinion on that class, and she was shocked. She was like, "Who is this girl? Who is this woman coming up to me?" And I was very nice because she earned all my credits. And I remember going to her and say like, "My, you were amazing. You have so much to offer" and -- Jenni Lynn: Oh, I remember that. Katrien: You do? You do? Yeah. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. Because I knew of you...because we all have people that we look up to, or are inspired by, or aspire to be like, and I had heard so much about you, and everything that you were doing overseas and just like the leader that you were. You're a very take charge, get it done. Don't doubt, don't second guess, just go. And it's one of those things when you came up to me first, I was already shaking like a leaf and you gave positive feedback and I was like, "Catch your breath, catch your breath, you're doing fine." And then over time, you know, Angie started to say things like, "Oh, you're getting compliments from these people. And these people are saying things," so you just want to do better and strive harder because you're like, "Okay, this is the pack I want to run with. I want to be in this pack." And so you just work harder. Katrien: Yeah. And it pushes you, right? Yeah. And I remember that and then I think it was years later that we were connected through the program of HydroRevolution. They told me that we're gonna do like a one week shooting with you. And I was like, "Oh my god is this really happening? Are we going to work together?" You know, and I think that week, I think it was even more than a week that we spent together working so hard -- getting all the scripts done, waking up at seven, have a meeting at 7:30, eat breakfast, have the scripts ready, rewriting, go in the pool...Then after all the shots in the pool were made, we had to go and do stuff on a desk, like live video. Oh man. That was probably one of the highlights of my whole aquatic career. Jenni Lynn: Oh my god. Katrien: It's true. It's true, because the professionalism that you guys had there. I didn't know you that well at that time. But you could like click the switch and be like, "Okay, cam on," you know, and it was...Yeah, it was so much, I don't know...it was special. Jenni Lynn: It was so much fun. Katrien: Yeah, it was so much fun and I really enjoyed it so much, and the value, the knowledge that came out from -- come on, look at the program? That was huge. It's beautiful. It's wonderful. Jenni Lynn: It's a great program. Katrien: Absolutely. It works in so many ways. And yeah, I just totally love that, that time with you guys. Jenni Lynn: Me too. I miss it. Katrien: Aww. I think we have to come up with a new program. Jenni Lynn: I was just gonna say now HydroRevolution has to come up with a second part so we can do another one. Katrien: I think so. Yeah, with the new blades. AJ: Oh yeah. So besides HydroRevolution, Katrien, you also co-developed an aquatic program called BioExercise™, right? Katrien: Absolutely. Yes. AJ: Why don't you tell us about that? Katrien: Well that, that's an amazing program as well. It was me with Laurie Denomme. We developed the program together. She was doing a lot of things. She is one of the people that I look up to, from the very beginning that I saw her teaching. I was like "Wow, I want to be like her, I want to have her words, I want to be her when I teach on deck." So she had done a lot of things on her side, and I had a program that has a lot of repetition through variation. And at one point, we were sitting down talking about our work and then it was like a puzzle coming together. We were like, "Hey, do we actually realize how strong it will be if we bring all of this together?" And it took us two years to develop and to have a really research-based, good program, but the first moment that we brought it out, it was like, boom, and it works. That BioExercise™ program like was like a huge boost. And we did one in the US that got really, really well accepted. And it was also introduced in China two years ago. And it worked and people are trying it out. They're doing it. The biggest issue that we feel is that it's not easy in the beginning, but once you get to know it, like in your veins, in your fingers, it just runs so smoothly. And on the other hand, it's less preparation for an aquatic instructor. I know a lot of people that teach probably like 15 to 20 classes a week. If you have to prepare those classes weekly, and you have to come up with new things all the time, it's really hard and you get demotivated by that as well. It's really hard to come up with new stuff, find new music. And this program gives you everything that is already out there. You know, like here you go. Jenni Lynn: Everyone that has taken the program that I know absolutely loves it. And it's actually on my list of several things that I want to take over the next couple months. It's an amazing program from what I keep hearing about and obviously the videos from Fitmotivation. Katrien: Yeah, and it's going to evolve even better because even if the world would be the same again, like a year ago, I think I will continue to do more Zoom sessions, probably monthly. Jenni Lynn: Oh, wow. Katrien: Just like a gathering with people to get together to talk about how was your last month in aquatics? A lot of people love it because they enjoyed doing all my classes that I had now during the pandemic. And they say, "You have to do it because it's less traveling, it saves a lot of money. It's easy access, and you learn so much for in a very short period." Jenni Lynn: That's amazing. I mean, that's just something that will really help solidify knowledge and keep it ingrained. So that's an amazing step. On that note, you know, now that you are doing more Zoom stuff, you are our first of many international instructors that we've had on the podcast, so we're very excited for you to be the first...But I'm very curious about how you feel aquatic fitness differs in other countries versus in America? Katrien: Well, this is probably why I like traveling so much as well, because I totally agree that. It is different. And I remember the first time going to America, the first thing that I would say is it's so much slower. Everything in the water is slower, the tempo is slower. The movements are much slower, which is weird for us in the beginning. But on the other hand, you guys are more into working full muscles in a full range of motion. You know, like we would work much more in a shortening way or a strengthening way and more faster speed. While in the US, you are looking more at that, which gave me the idea this is different. But for us as a presenter, we know that if we go to the US, we have to slow down everything that we design compared to what we do here. AJ: That's really interesting. Jenni Lynn: Right? Katrien: Yeah, we really have to slow it down, slower music, because the first thing that we get as feedback in our classes is, "What you do on deck is too fast!" And I say you should come see Europe! In Europe, people work much faster in the water. And I guess it's more like the strength and the acceleration. We use a lot more speed. Here in Europe it's much more like high intervals stuff, and it's much more embraced than in the US, I guess. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, I like that style. Honestly, I watch a lot of videos. There are some big movements and there's definitely a lot of suspended or level three type movements, but I also noticed a lot more hand manipulation and the way that the hand slices or cuts in the water to get that speed through each lever...So it's interesting because I really like, you know, a lot of variations, as you can tell from the way I put S'WET™ together. I like high intensity, you know, speed. Katrien: Yeah, but that Jenni Lynn, is exactly why S'WET™ is so well accepted in the US because the only thing that they've known before was the way they were working. Right? Jenni Lynn: Yeah. Katrien: And as we look at Americans, Americans look at Europeans as well. So they would give us the feedback, "it's too fast"...but they still loved it. And they still felt like, "Oh my God, my heart is pumping, my muscles are aching. I'm burning here," you know, so they still embraced it in a way. It was just too different. It was like, "Whoa, you guys are different," but they still embraced it. And I think Americans are more hesitant to start to do new stuff. They're often like, "Okay, but I've been doing this for 20 years, and it works and I got my groups and I got my peeps..." and I always tell them, "Okay, you got your peeps now, but what about the young people?" If they come in to your pool to try a class out for the first time and the only thing they see is 50+ gray haired people wearing flower bathing suits...It's not going to work. So you have to think about your future. You have to think about what are you going to do in 10 years? You have to bring in those young people and those young people do not embrace the aquatics from 20 years ago. AJ: No. Well, you know, I myself, I know this as Jenni and I have have worked together for so many years, I've seen Jenni and she was always on that high intensity level. She teaches other classes, like arthritis and whatnot, but there's always been an intensity to her teaching in her classes. And the only other place I would see that was in Europe and abroad. It always seemed to me that aquatics, at least in America, was just never the same as it was everywhere else in the world. And that didn't become crystal clear to me until my first IAFC when I saw everyone from around the world gathering and I was like, "Wow." Every single international instructor brings it to the table. And it is incredible. So, my question to you as someone who's traveled all over the world and seen it in different places, what do you think are the biggest misconceptions? And what can we do to change people's minds? Katrien: : I think the biggest thing we have to remember is it all started in hydrotherapy, and that the fitness part only came a lot later. So there was already a lot of developments in the therapy world. Everything needed to be evidence based. And then I think there was a big turning point when in the therapy world, one of the famous people there -- it was Dr. Bruce Becker -- he said that the aquatic fitness world is going to be much faster in the progressions than the therapy world ever was. And that's not because the development was not there. It is just because it's going so fast that they don't have the time to measure it, and to put evidence on it. That is a misconception that is still out there that we need to fight against too. But it is practical based. Don't wait for the evidence to come. We already see the results. It's already out there. But it's not evidence based. It's practical. And I think we can change it by just keep on doing the things that we do. Keep on putting it out there on social media, and people will follow. Jenni Lynn: Oh, yeah. Katrien: But it's different. So everything that is different is going to bring resistance to it...but hey, you know what, the water is resistant, we can handle that! Jenni Lynn: We can definitely handle that being in this industry. And I know you've kind of touched on it throughout the interview, but what does the future of aquatic fitness look like for you? Where are you taking it next for yourself? Katrien: I see a lot of new things coming up especially here in Europe. We have a lot of new development on equipment. And what I see is that the development, especially in the equipment, is that it is water equipment. It's not a copy paste from the land fitness or the aerobic world which was there in the past years. We all know the copies that we made, like the first trampolines that we added to the water were regular trampolines until they noticed they might change it a little bit because of the aquatic environment. And now we have these wonderful, great trampolines that do not work on land but they do work in the water. So that's a good thing. That's a good development. Another thing that I strongly believe in is the programs. The common instructor of now is not the typical monkey-see-monkey-do instructor anymore. Now she has a more coaching job. "This is the exercise. This is how you can change it. This is your progression. Oh, it's too hard? Okay, here's a variation for you. Oh, you have a shoulder issue? Here you go. Then you can do this and this." And you can change it on the spot. That coaching part, it's huge. Jenni Lynn: Huge. Absolutely. Katrien: I guess the development, the development is right there, it's in the instructor. It is in the education of the instructor. It is in the knowledge. It is in the self-regulation of the people, and it's in the water itself. AJ: Jenni, you actually made a presentation as part of one of your presentations at IAFC, that you're more than just an instructor when you're up there. You're a coach, you're a motivator, you're an educator, right? Katrien: Psychologist, therapist, yeah... AJ: Sometimes a babysitter... Jenni Lynn: Yes. Coach and Command. I think once I realized teaching in classes in gyms, doing one on ones, going to in-home, and then getting to a presenting level, just nationally, not even internationally yet. But just realizing the different roles that we play and the fact that we have to also deliver information to different people in different ways, because everyone learns differently. You are wearing so many hats when you're up there. And I think, the well rounded instructors who take all of that on, and take that challenge and say, "How can I be the best of the best to help others become the best of the best?" -- and not just other instructors, but your students. And that's where all of the versatility in our teaching skills comes in. Katrien: Exactly, Jenni. Like that multitasking, that coach and command technique is something that people need to develop. The only part that is really, really hard...There is a talent part in it. Knowledge you can learn, but like interaction with the people, teaching from the heart, having a passion, is something that you cannot really learn a lot. And, yeah, that's where the biggest, best coaches come up. Every time they push their own limits, they're right there. They see something and at the spot they can change it totally. When you teach a class and you are so well structured and organized, you can change it on the spot, you know, and still have a better outcome than the thing that you even scripted, right? I always find it very hard when people ask me, "Can you send in the practical handout?" I always ask them like, "Can I do that after it?" Because I know that when I put it down, it's never going to be exactly like I developed it because I see something and I interact on it. If I see that somebody is not moving correctly, or I know that I can improve the move...That is something that I think you need a talent to do. Jenni Lynn: It is a talent and I appreciate you saying that too. Because I have always struggled with the fact that, you know, when you go to these workshops, I will have a general outline of content. There is a system when you go into teach of what you're going to teach but I am so in-tune with watching my students. And sometimes certain things don't work or sometimes other outside circumstances affect what you can actually deliver or how you give it. And so you have to be willing and able to adapt, and know that these students are not going to be able to do this, so I have to modify with this. And that's something that just has to be come almost like intrinsic in your body, like just a part of who you are. Katrien: Yep. AJ: Yeah. It's what separates a good instructor from a great instructor, I think. Katrien: I would not even use the word "instructor" because an instructor, for me, is always somebody that instructs others. And here it's the people instructing you. AJ: Hmm. Katrien: You can learn the exercises, you can learn to structure a class, but to learn how to play with people, how to be inside their heads, that's a talent. AJ: Yeah, no, it absolutely is. And this has been such an amazing conversation. I feel like you have given us so much. One of my last questions for you is what advice you would offer other instructors, students, or anyone that's interested in getting involved in the type of work that you do, either with aquatics or building a certification program...What advice would you give them? Katrien: I would say embrace everything that you can see around you, and learn from everything that you see. And build that awareness on what you want, and then stay in that field. You know, like, do something that is attractive for you. If you like dance classes, go to dance classes, develop dance. If you like more high intensity trainings or even like STRONG Nation™, do that, you know? Start from where your heart is. And then you can develop to -- even from a high intensity class, you can still go to an aquatic dance class and develop there...but find your true heart first. What do you like? What is your motivation? What is pumping your heart rate up? And that's what I hope that people will follow more, not trying to copy others. Find your true hearts, start from that, and then your world is going to open anyway. So please find your true spirit first. AJ: Mm hmm. Katrien: And then develop from that. Jenni Lynn: That's good advice. AJ: That's a beautiful note to end on. I love that. Jenni Lynn: Thank you so much for your time. AJ: Yes. Thank you, Katrien. Katrien: Thank you both so much for doing this. It was really nice to talk to you guys again, and we'll talk soon. Bye bye. Jenni Lynn: Bye bye! Katrien: Mwah! Jenni Lynn: Mwah! Mwah!

Episode 5: Mark Grevelding If you are serious about #aquaticfitness, you likely already know his brand, Fitmotivation. What you may not know about this video streaming service founder is his career in fitness began twenty-five years ago when Mark Grevelding walked into a gym, told the manager he was interested in helping people lose weight and was asked if he could teach a step-aerobics class. "I said, 'No, but I'll give it a try!'...And that is unceremoniously how I started teaching fitness with no experience whatsoever," he shared with The Aquaholics Bootcamp. Since then, of course, Mark has learned a lot, investing countless hours in furthering his education and skill sets. It's how the chain-smoking journalist from New York transformed himself into an aqua fitness icon! As you'll hear in the below episode, Mark's career with aquatic fitness began no where near the pool, but rather on the page, as a writer for the AEA. Listen to his incredible journey from instructor to mentor, what advice he offers new and old instructors, and what he thinks are the biggest misconceptions in the water fitness industry. Name Drops: Angie Proctor, AEA, IAFC, AFAA, YMCA, JCC, Fitmotivation, PoolFit, S'WET™ EXERCISE IN YOUR OWN POOL From beginner to advanced, PoolFit features a wide variety of water exercise workouts, all led by expert fitness specialists who train instructors all across the globe. This is your chance to enjoy challenging water workouts without discomfort or impact -- all from your own backyard or pool. The PoolFit IOS App is now available in the App Store and the Android App is coming in Fall 2020. Download & Go! No need for Wi-Fi. Just utilize your mobile device or tablet, or TVs with Chromecast & Airplay support. TRY POOLFIT FREE FOR ONE MONTH! The first month is free for new subscribers. No commitment. Cancel at any time. Listed to more episodes of The Aquaholics Bootcamp on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is the one and only Mark Grevelding. For those who don't already know Mark, he is the founder of Fitmotivation, an incredible online video and streaming resource for aquatic fitness instructors, as well as PoolFit, a fitness app for fitness consumers. Mark has been in the fitness industry for the last 25 years and can be found currently teaching at the YMCA in Sarasota, Florida. AJ: Before we dive in, just a quick heads up...We had a little issue with some of the audio in this episode, so please forgive the quality. Otherwise, enjoy. Jenni Lynn: Mark, welcome to Aquaholics Bootcamp! Mark: Well, thank you very much Jenni Lynn. I'm very honored to be here and even more honored to say that I'm a podcast virgin. So this this exciting. AJ: We're your first podcast ever? Mark: Yes. And hello to you, AJ, as well. AJ: I'm so excited. And I'm so glad that we get to be your first. Jenni Lynn: It's a special moment for all of us. AJ: Yeah. So where are you calling in from? Mark: I am in very sunny but very warm Sarasota, Florida. And I have some very exciting news. I just started resuming teaching my classes at the YMCA. Jenni Lynn: Oh, congratulations. Mark: Thank you. I'm not gonna lie, it was kind of nice having a little break on my body. I'm sure Jenni can attest, she also teaches way more than I do. Jenni Lynn: It's hard. Mark: I can't tell you once I was teaching how good it felt to be there. The people were so grateful. So I guess that's some good news, people are slowly getting back to teaching. How about you, Jenni? How's it going for you? Jenni Lynn: Well being that we are in such a huge city. You know, with this many people on top of each other the precautions are going to be very strict. Mark: Yeah, that's pretty sad. But it's not in our control, the virus is in control and we've got to wait and see. It's got to be done safely. Our YMCA is definitely utilizing the social distancing, and all that stuff to get back in action. Jenni Lynn: So tell us, I know you teach water and everything like that, but how did you actually get involved with fitness or aquatic fitness altogether? Mark: Oh, jeez. Well, gosh, I celebrated my 25th year actually, this summer. It was 25 years ago that I started to, you know, I had no background in any of this. I went to school for broadcast journalism. So it's been a long, circuitous journey. I was one of those people in my 30s who still had no idea what they wanted to do with their life. I was pretty much drawing careers out of a hat. But one thing that I knew was I liked to work out. So I was living in Rochester, New York, at the time and I made a list of 10 gyms and the first gym I walked into, I introduced myself to the owner. I said, "I'd like to be a personal trainer and I'd like to help people lose weight here," and she said, "Great. Can you teach step?" And I said, "No, but I'll give it a try." And that is unceremoniously how I started teaching fitness. With no experience whatsoever. We were still using blue wooden boxes for steps. And so five years later, I was teaching at the Jewish Community Center in Rochester and had to get my CPR by the aquatic director. And that person, when she was doing my CPR said, "I saw you teaching kickboxing in the studio. Would you consider teaching kickboxing in the pool?" I said, "Well, I haven't been in the pool since the fourth grade picnic, but I can try!" And she goes, "Oh, well, you don't get in. You can be on deck," and I go, "Oh, cool. Definitely. I'll try that," and so that is how I unceremoniously started teaching aquatic fitness 20 years ago. Jenni Lynn: Oh, I love it. AJ: I love knowing that there was an aquatic kickboxing class 20 years ago! Mark: If you really want to know the truth, when I look back at the history, and you can ask, you know, any people involved in the industry...that was a big transition time. Because up until then, as we know, the urban legend and myth that I know Jenni Lynn and Chris battle constantly, and they do a great job of showing it's not just for "older women." So that was a turning point when kickboxing and taibo became huge, back in the mid to late 90s, that it transitioned to the water, and that was a transition for aquatic fitness that finally gave it a new face. It definitely was my entry point because I taught more aggressively back then. And so it actually became very popular, yes, back 20 years ago in the water, but it was definitely a turning point. From that point on everything started going in the water -- cycling, anything we did on land we started putting in the water because we saw the success of transitioning kickboxing from the studio to the pool. Jenni Lynn: Wow, sounds like you had a really good aquatic manager or fitness director Mark: Yes. I always, to this day, I still keep in touch with her and I still say you're the one responsible. You know, I can't tell instructors enough if you're just teaching land, you really should be looking at teaching water because nothing opened doors for me like that did. That was huge for me. It just made me so much more marketable. I was able to go into so many more clubs, having the ability to teach both in the studio and in the pool and it just opens up you up to different types of populations. It was just the best thing I ever did. Jenni Lynn: That's so awesome. So was that around the time you started to get involved with the AEA, the Aquatic Exercise Association? Mark: It was, and it was exactly because of the kickboxing. So, you know, feeling guilty because my parents spent a fortune on my journalism degree, I was trying desperately to tie it into my fitness. And so I wrote an article in the '90s about my step ladies that always would gather with a group of 20 and have a coffee lunch for AFAA magazine, American Fitness. I think it was about 1999 that they published it and I was so excited that I finally got published that when I started teaching an aquatic fitness class, I thought that would make a good article to try to get published in AFAA's magazine, you know, my transition from land to water. So I set up an interview with someone whose name was Angie Proctor. She was the Executive Director of the Aquatic Exercise Association, and I interviewed Angie for this article about aquatic kickboxing. She asked if they could use the article on their website. And I said, "Sure!" There was some good reviews on the article. And then she asked if I'd write another and then another and then next thing I know, she was asking me if I would write a column for the AEA. So, what a lot of people don't know is that my beginning with this was strictly as a writer, which is another thing I very much recommend to fitness professionals - think about writing as well. That's how I got on the radar with AEA, and well then next thing you know, a couple years later, she invited me to their International Fitness Conference in Sanibel, Florida, to come down and interview and write articles. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Mark: And so that was my first experience, and I kind of watched all the other instructors and I thought, you know, I think I'm pretty good. I think I could do this as well. So literally, me thinking I was all more than that applied to be a presenter and I don't even know why or how, but Angie let me and in 2003, I did teach at my first IAFC. And I got crucified in evaluations; everyone just thought I was a land instructor and teaching it like land, and you know what, they were right. So I learned and I don't even know why, but Angie invited me back the next year. And that's how I got started with the AEA. Jenni Lynn: That is a great story. I love that. AJ: Mark, I've known you for years, and I had no idea that's where it started. Mark: Yeah, you know, I like to tell that story because I really think people struggle with trying to figure out how to become successful in their respective fields. And you know what? I wrote for free, I still write for free for AEA. All those articles were for free. But those articles, that free writing, made a career for me. Because next thing you know, I was teaching at their big conference, and then they asked me to be a trainer because I was successful. Jenni Lynn, you know, same thing, being a continuing ed provider, doing your own workshops. So when you want to do something, sometimes you got to start doing your passion and offering it up and doing something for free. Sometimes that's just what you have to do to get your start. So that is exactly what I did. I was just a writer. AJ: So take us back, Mark. First memories. How did you and Jenni Lynn meet? Do you remember? Mark: I do actually. I can almost...it's like a video in my head of her walking towards me at ECA. That's a conference in Fort Lauderdale. And I just remember Jenni Lynn walking up and introducing herself and just inquiring, "How did you get to this point where you can go teach workshops?" And I've always just been, as Jenni Lynn knows, I remember back in 2002, looking up and outward trying to figure out how to do all this. I had no clue how to do it. So I remember a couple people going out of their way to answer some questions for me, so it was always important for me, from that point on after I started teaching workshops and things like that, when other people would ask me, I always wanted to be a resource for other people to tell them how and to help them. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, one thing I remember you saying the most was you can't hold on to it, you have to share it, you have to put it out there for people to see, to learn and grow. You've been such an advocate for that, and it is so true. Mark: Absolutely. Jenni Lynn: So we know that you have obviously been fortunate enough to have your pool and be able to get in the water and work out. What is your preferred style? I mean, how do you work out in the water? Mark: You know, it's funny you should ask...So I actually just got in this morning, and my preferred way is I brought out a deep water belt. And I love, love, love to get in deep water with my belt on because...as much as I want to try to progress my walking outside to intervals of jogging and walking, every time I try I end up with feet problems, with knee problems. AJ: Yeah, I always tell people I don't run unless something bigger is chasing me. Mark: Exactly. Today though, I have to brag I actually got to follow along with one of my own deep water videos because I have that wonderful app now that I can just prop up and put on the deck and follow along. And so I did follow along with Deep 321 this morning. Jenni Lynn: Oh, nice. Mark: Yeah. AJ: PoolFit. Tell us a little bit about that. Mark: Oh, my goodness. I thought launching streaming websites were a lot of work. It launched almost a month ago in the App Store. And obviously I don't have to tell you launching at this time, it obviously was rather prophetic with people looking for ways to socially distance exercise. I just feel good about it. What this app is, it's really just the PoolFit videos are pretty much the same ones you'll see on Fitmotivation. We have a separate website called PoolFit.tv. But the problem with the website only is that if you don't have Wi-Fi at your pool, the website was no good, you had to use audio downloads. Well the app does one thing and one thing only right now, before we start adding cool things in future releases. It allows you to download a workout in the app. Right now, it's iOS only. That would be your iPad, iPhone. We will have an Android version in hopefully the next six to seven months. But it allows you to download within the app so that you could take your iPad, iPhone directly poolside and follow along. I really believe this is a game changer and the numbers that I've been seeing come in since we launched, the visibility in the App Store, I guess I didn't realize was going to be as huge as it is. So I'm thrilled and I love that I just picked a workout this morning and walked out to my pool and can prop up my phone...or I don't even have to; I could just put it in my bag if I think I can follow the visual cues, or prop it up on a stand and so that's the PoolFit app. I'm feeling really good about this. If people have a pool and they want to exercise in it, this is a good solution for them. AJ: It's a great idea, first of all, because you are solving a major problem in the streaming world and you know...Especially, it's not like we're doing things where you could set up your computer with a speaker in your bedroom or living room or in your backyard... You've got the pool to work with. And so the fact that you can take your phone or your iPad and prop it up right next to the pool, do a full workout... Mark: Yep, and earbuds work perfectly if you've got them and you're using a shared community pool like mine. So I'm not bothering anyone, I've just got my Bluetooth earbuds, waterproof and yeah, it works good. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, this is gonna be huge. Mark: Well, thank you. Jenni Lynn: Talking about this kind of leads into the next question, which is what do you think the future of aquatic fitness looks like? With this app, I think we can see where the direction is heading. Mark: When I was researching this, and I scrolled through the app store, there's nothing for water fitness because as AJ already stated, that's a different ballgame. You got to figure this out here because you can't just roll a TV monitor out to your pool. And so I'd like to think that this is definitely a little bit of a game changer. I hope that the PoolFit app will change things and will give people a different opportunity that they didn't have before to just take a device out and exercise in a pool. If -- and that's the other thing -- if they have a pool, or have access to one. AJ: Right, yeah. Mark: So yeah, I sure hope that maybe this just adds a new element or opportunity for people to exercise in water. AJ: It's a good supplemental fix to what we're dealing with right now. And I think in the future, as you said, and I'm so excited that you've launched it and the timing is perfect. It is prophetic. Mark: Yes. Thank you. AJ: Yeah. So we talked about misconceptions a little earlier and I know that you know, aquatic fitness is filled with them. Do you have any opinions as to what they are and as a male in this industry, what advice you'd give to other men interested in either joining the business side of things or following in your footsteps, either as an instructor or someone who's launching a business like this? Mark: Well, definitely when focused on just the professional first...As I said before, I can't emphasize enough what this did to my fitness career. Anyone, whether it's a male or female looking for longevity in this field should definitely -- if they're only in land fitness, activity should very much be cross training. Let's look at the aging market here. The Baby Boomers, the next one down below that, you know. People just want to be able to work out hard but not have so much impact on the joints. So for male professionals...We just don't have very many, so when there are male instructors, I don't mean to sound sexist, they sometimes do very well. But when we talk about the men attending the class, it's almost like an incredulousness, "Why aren't you? Why won't you try this?" Because anyone who works out in the water, including you, AJ knows, oh my gosh, how hard you can make this. It's intense. And that's just going to be an ongoing campaign that we are going to have to battle and work at, to get men, to just get them in. Because until they get in and try it they'll just never believe it. Until they try it -- and the thing is, the key here is they've gotta try it in an instructor like Jenni Lynn's class or someone who's going to teach to an upper level because we both know in our industry, a lot of instructors who tend to teach to a lower level and that's not going to appeal to a man who's looking to work hard. Jenni Lynn: Exactly. You got to know your market, right? So if you could change anything in the aquatic fitness industry, what would it be and how would you change it? Mark: Well, actually, that's quite ironic because if we dial back 20 seconds it's almost on that same, I guess, vein. I get frustrated sometimes over training instructors...I think I started teaching workshops 18 years ago, and I still see a lot of discrimination of aquatic fitness versus group fitness. We're just never afforded the same microphones and speakers and budget and respect that they give the studio. It's just a constant source of frustration to me and countless other professionals that this occurs. But I think aquatic instructors have to own part of that discrimination because we've allowed for far too many years, less than stellar trained instructors to be leading classes. Why they allow volunteers to teach water classes, but they would never ever in a million years allow a volunteer to teach a studio class. And that's just one example. So you know, when you have instructors that maybe aren't going to workshops...they're still teaching in just kind of an old fashioned with old fashioned practices...They're propping up a boom box on a stack of kickboards and play the radio instead of playing, you know, fitness music...And until we collectively, as instructors, take our training and our certifications as seriously as they take them in the studio, until aquatic directors start mandating that kind of training and that continuing education, and they start looking at the fact that they did complete their continuing education every two years like every almost every group director does for their studio instructors, until we get on that same playing level..that's what I want to see changed. I want to see us on that same level of seriousness. Jenni Lynn: I know exactly what you're talking about. And I could not agree more with that because it is up to us to really make those waves, literally and figuratively. Because we have the education, we have the knowledge, and it's our job literally to do that -- to educate people and to show them exactly what aquatic fitness is about. Mark: Yes, absolutely. AJ: You know, in a previous episode Jenni and I discussed why, as part of her S'WET™ Cert that is coming out soon, requiring people to have previous experience teaching aquatic fitness and also education, continuing education. We know it's going to limit the audience. We know it's going to cut sales because we're not just going to take a land instructor, give them a couple of hours of education and let them teach pool. And it's why we're insisting on that because it's so true. You go to any studio, any yoga studio, Pilates studio, you go to any CrossFit, you go to any of those places and you see how much time, money and energy they invest in their instructors. Mark: Yes. AJ: And the same is just not given or afforded to aquatic fitness professionals. And I agree with you, I really hope that that's the change. And I think, honestly, I think what you're doing with Fitmotivation, with PoolFit the new app, what Jenni's doing with her certificate...I think that this is how we do it. We continue to show that there is not just a brand behind what we do, but that this is an entire industry that deserves your attention and your focus, and I hope that changes as the years go on. Mark: I agree, and really under no certain circumstances should Jenni Lynn or you want any instructor winging a class that's branded S'WET™, right? If they're going to do it, if you're going to put material out there, you want it done the way that it's intended to be to draw in people looking for that kind of a fitness experience. Jenni Lynn: Exactly. Mark: And if there are instructors that hasn't been quality trained in your S'WET™ certificate, and they don't deliver that fitness experience, it's gonna all be for naught. That's the level that they have to aspire to, is this certificate that you're going to be putting out. AJ: Absolutely. Jenni Lynn: Right. And it's difficult to make those cuts because I know some people are going to have a little push back, but at the same time, as we were talking about, you want that quality standard to be up there. Mark: Yeah, absolutely. AJ: Mark, this has been such a wonderful conversation and I'm sad that we're going to end it. Jenni Lynn: I can't believe how fast this went by to be honest. Mark: Well, I can't tell you, I'm really honored. I really appreciate it. It was fun. Maybe I've been in isolation too long. My goodness, I could have talked forever here. AJ: We started the show with you admitting that this was your very first podcast. So how did you feel? Mark: Oh, I loved it. Like I said, once you were just like teaching on you get up there and you just all the sudden you're on there was a lot of fun to chat with you both and to take some journeys down memory lane. Jenni Lynn: This has been so fun. I can't thank you enough.

Episode 4: Katy Coffey Before you title for your next water class, Katy Coffey suggests you spend some serious time considering the power behind the word choices you're about to make... ...and in particular, if you're trying to combat the stigmas associated with aquatic workouts -- you know, that it's just a bunch of socializing "Nanna's with Noodles" -- you should probably try to avoid the word "aerobics" altogether! And we couldn't agree more! Katy is the Senior Director of Aquatics for the YMCA of Greater Boston, and has been working in aquatics as an instructor for over twenty years. She joined us for an in-depth conversation about what she believes is the most important way to create change in the aquatic exercise industry: stop calling it generic "aerobics" and start referring to what it really is -- a form of "FITNESS." "When it comes to aquatics, I really feel passionate that 'fitness' is where we start to bridge the gap the health and wellness industry is missing," Katy explained. "There is power in the title of what you call your class. If you're calling it generic aquacise or aqua aerobics, I want to challenge [you] to say, what's the purpose of this particular class? Is it muscle or cardio conditioning? Is it full body fitness? Tell me what I should be expecting, and then start to think about what's the point of the class." As you'll hear in the below episode, Katy is working hard to affect change across the aquatic fitness industry as a whole, from the facility and management side to brand new formats that will challenge the status-quo of water workouts. Katy is also a strong proponent for aquatic instructors looking to attract new students to their pools. She does this herself by changing the dynamics in their classes. Here are Katy's "Two Rules" for how she starts off every class, preparing her students for what's to come. "I let the ladies know every single time: My two rules are 'Your Feet Always Need To Be Moving Faster Than Your Mouths' and 'If You Don't Want Your Hair Wet, Don't Come To The Pool,'" she shared. "It usually ruffles some feathers, but it sets the role of what my day will look like with them." And as she reveals, more and more of her students are wearing their WET HAIR as a badge of honor! Up next for Katy is the launch of a brand new aquatic fitness course she pitched and developed with partners Aqua Body Strong™ called ABS Aqua Combat! "It's a pre-choreographed mixed martial arts HIIT training class," Katy revealed, blending high intensity aquatic fitness moves with rounds of butt-kicking combat exercises, built specifically around one of our own favorite pieces of equipment, Aqquatix Combat Gloves. "It's super fun, and it's so empowering." Don't have a pair of combat gloves yet? No worries! "What's unique about the program is we created the format around the aquatics gloves but we also understand that gyms are not spending money on things," Katy said. "So we were able to develop it so you can also use just your mits or no equipment at all...using inertia in the water and the velocity of how you're moving." The gloves, of course, will make it much more challenging! The ABS Aqua Combat program will be launching soon, starting with an online training portal so keep your eyes open for that! In the meantime, you can connect with Katy online using the below contact info! Connect with Katy online: Email: Aquafitkate@gmail.com Website: Aquafitkate.com Social Media Handles: @aquafitkate Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is Katy Coffey. She's the Senior Director of Aquatics for the YMCA of Greater Boston and has been working in the aquatic fitness industry for over 20 years. In addition to being a master trainer and format expert with Aqua Body Strong, Katy is a lifeguard instructor trainer for both the American Red Cross as well as the YUSA and a faculty member for YSL. All that and she's one of our favorite people to follow on social media. So without further ado, Katy, welcome to the program. Katy: Thanks, guys. I'm so glad to be here. Thank you so much for inviting me. Jenni Lynn: So happy you accepted. AJ: Yes, thank you, Katy. Where are you actually calling in from? Unknown Speaker So I am north of Boston in a great little quaint town called Beverly, Massachusetts. But it's just about 30 minutes post-COVID drive from Boston. The traffic has been wonderful since the COVID pandemic. AJ: Oh man. I can imagine. Katy: It was about an hour and a half drive before that. AJ: Wow. So, obviously this pandemic has affected people in different ways. How have you been affected? Katy: In many ways, I feel like our world has been flipped upside down. And then in many ways, I feel like it's definitely improved. Obviously, everything had to shut down. So in my job as the Senior Director of Aquatics, I work with the 13 branches in our association and we have about 27 bodies of water. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Katy: Now all of them got shut down, right? That was inevitable. And our entire organization started flipping into how do we stream, and health and wellness in the digital world. For me though, I'm a fish, my pools got shut down and I was less chlorinated than normally. So personally, I was doing a lot of teaching on the side out of my normal full time job. And so unfortunately, I have not been able to see my dedicated group of ladies. They call themselves the Aqua Divas, and I miss them very, very dearly. But in addition, I also do some health and wellness coaching online. That increased dramatically because everybody was desperate for something. And so being able to help a whole bunch of people from around the country working with digital fitness has increased, so it's been an interesting few months, let's put it that way. Jenni Lynn: Yes, you are pivoting well. Katy: Yes, we're trying, we're trying to make do. Jenni Lynn: I can definitely tell that you're a fish because seeing your social media, pictures of you and your full wetsuit in the lake - was it a lake or the ocean? Katy: So I live a block from the ocean, the Atlantic Ocean. Jenni Lynn: I mean, that is a true Mermaid. I mean, one hundred percent. I really love those posts. But on that note, being that you are a fish, and I'm sure you've been swimming most of your life, but what is your background? How did you actually find yourself becoming involved with aquatic fitness? Katy: So I started my aquatic industry about 20-something years ago, and doing the lifeguarding, the swim lessons, the aquatic manager, the head lifeguard. I started my career with the Y about 13 years ago, full time. And it started as just being a Program Director. And I'm the type of person who, I don't like not being able to sub if my staff suddenly can't show up, because that ends up being more stressful trying to find somebody to cover. Jenni Lynn: Oh, yes! Katy: So one of the things that I kind of prided myself on is whatever I was in charge of, I was going to figure out how I could teach it. And so when the aquatics department really fell under me, because I had the experience in lifeguarding and teaching, there was this wonderful thing called "aqua aerobics" in the corner. And I was like, "I have no idea what to do with that group," because you could only find one instructor who could actually do it. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Katy: And she ended up being my mentor, the instructor. Her name was Marley. She was a trainer for the United States Water Fitness Association. So she said, "Well, why don't I train you?" And I was like, "I don't know if I can do this". And I did it. And I loved it, because they were such a rewarding group of people. And then along the way, my career continued to grow, and the aquatics ended up being the main focus of what we did. There was the opportunity, and I took over a pool. And they had two teachers, and it was the same routine every single day. And all of the ladies hated it, but they liked the instructor because she showed up religiously for 20 years. Jenni Lynn: Hmm. Katy: And what started from that was me starting to have a conversation that said, "You know, I think we can be more than just our standard aerobics. Why don't we start to really trend towards fitness?" And the instructor didn't like it, and she quit on the spot and I was like, "Oh no..." Suddenly I was teaching five days a week, two to two hours each day. And I had never like fully taught besides just the occasional stubbing and I faked it till we made it! I had a land Zumba class training. And I had my water fitness and I was like, "I can make something work." And the ladies loved it, and we just laughed, and I failed often, and it was great. When I asked questions and I sent out polls to the ladies, they were so honest, but they were honest because they knew they were being listened to for the first time. And we went from having 15 people to 50 people in probably a period of six months. Really stepping up the way we do it, and then I loved it. It was like, "I want to do this for the rest of my life." This is the most rewarding part of my job - the clients. I love them. So that is really what launched me into water. "Fitness" is where I believe we as the health and fitness industry really needs to be focusing on. AJ: Yeah. You know, you and Jenni have a very similar story in how you were both thrown into the water, no pun intended. But you also, in addition to that, you share a strong desire to change the stigma that's associated with aquatic fitness. In fact, you're using certain and very specific words. What started off as perhaps an "aerobics" class has now become a water "fitness" class. Why don't you talk a little bit about that and why you think it's needed so much? Katy: So one of the things that I was trained originally on is to understanding that there's power in the title of what you call your class. And as I really started to dive into that, you know, when you call it a general "aerobics" class, what is the very first thing you think of? And it's usually, Nana's with noodles having a good time, socializing some, and by that I mean a lot, but sort of moving. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. Katy: And I brought this to a group of operations directors and I challenged them. So I said, "Let me ask you a question. If I asked you to think of the word 'aerobics,' what do you think of?" And they go, "Oh, 1980's Richard Simmon, step aerobics, spandex, all of these things..." I said, "Great. Now if I tell you the word 'HIIT' or 'Tabata,' what do you think? And they were like, "Oh, well, you think of fitness and health and many different levels." And they started going into it. And then they stopped. And I said, "Now tell me what you think of when you hear 'aqua aerobics'?" And they all went right back to, "Nana's with Noodles, and people talking, and the meanest members in our group. And the ones who complain the most, and I said, "Exactly, because they know they're the most underserved. Jenni Lynn: Yep. Katy: And so I really feel passionate that when we get into water fitness, "fitness" is where we start to bridge that gap and what the health and wellness industry is missing. Jenni Lynn: Mm hmm. Absolutely. So well said. I mean, this is part of the reason that I think I was so drawn to you when we first worked together. Oh my gosh, how long ago was that? Two years ago? Katy: Maybe two or three? Jenni Lynn: Something like that. I just remember you were so enthusiastic and so passionate, and I could tell because I am kind of OCD in the sense that I pay attention to people's words. But the way you talked about things and the words that you chose to use was so distinct and selective that I was like, "She feels the way I feel!" And then we definitely kept in contact and you're more heavily involved with the AEA and you are doing all these things... But you really got behind what I feel about my S'WET™ program and making sure that people understand that, yes, there's a place for every single person in the aquatic industry. There's a place for all of it, and we need different types of classes for every single type of population we serve. But this is a format that's been so unappreciated for so many years, that until we're seen more in the social media light and represented in a way that's like this is a format that deserves equal opportunity, so to speak. You know, as I've said to many, many, many people, because I get frustrated with some of the managers who aren't backing the aquatic programming, I tell them all the time, "You would never let someone go into a yoga class more than halfway through and just keep talking on their cell phone, throw out their mat and chug some water," you know? It wouldn't happen. And so within the water industry, you have to give that, you know, equal-- AJ: --respect. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, it's a respect thing. AJ: Yep. Absolutely. And you know, Jenni has clients ranging from early 20s to late 90s. And just because there's an age difference doesn't mean necessarily that you can't provide an equally intense and full bodied workout, and you need to be able to offer both. Katy: Yep. AJ: And so as we were talking about branding, and what words to use and how to present yourself, it's so important that people who come from aquatic fitness accept and understand that there is that stigma and then work against it, actively work against it. Katy: Absolutely. And I think that just simple things, like changing what you call it. If you're calling generic "aquasize" or "aqua aerobics," I want to challenge you to say, well, "What's the purpose of this particular class? Is it muscle conditioning? Is it full body fitness? Is it cardio conditioning?" Tell me what you should be expecting. And then start to think about the point of the class, and that starts really getting managers to think about it with a little bit different of a lens. Jenni Lynn: I love it. I'm so happy you're in the position you're in. So happy. You mentioned that you have two rules for how water instructors can change the dynamics in their classes. I'm very interested about this. What are they? Katy: So I have two rules and I let the ladies know every single time. My two rules are (1) Your feet always need to be moving faster than your mouth. And (2) if you don't want your hair wet, don't come to the pool. And that usually ruffle some feathers, but it kind of sets the role of what my day is going to look like with them. And I would say 70% still keep their hair dry. I'm actually pretty impressed with their ability to keep their hair dry... Jenni Lynn: Right?! Katy: But more and more our clients throughout each week are starting to wear their wet hair with a badge of honor, and I like-- especially when they figure out that they can tread or they figure out they can go under, come up, gasp for breath and keep going. Yep, that's a big win for me. Jenni Lynn: "Your feet have to move faster than your mouth"...Man that's gonna go over so well in my arthritis class. I can't even wait. That's probably a class not to do it. AJ: Yeah. Jenni always used to say, you know, if you're talking, you're not breathing. And good luck with that. You know? When you're getting a high intensity interval workout and you're doing this, you need to breathe and if you're able to talk then you're not working hard enough. Jenni Lynn: Oh, gosh, no, absolutely. No, no, no. The only words that you should be able to mutter are things like-- Katy: --I need water! Jenni Lynn: Yes! Now you're a strong advocate for better collaboration between gym owners and instructors. Which is amazing, in particular getting support. Can you expand on that a little more? Katy: Sure. I think that one of the things that I have found, regardless if it's land fitness or water is sometimes the instructor is an advocate for themselves and their students, but not understanding the nature of the facility. And I think that there's a fine line between that, and what I have learned over the years because water fitness in the aqua world is often so poorly understood, that sometimes it can be a very "Us versus "Them" scenario. And I mentioned it before that often, your stereotypical clientele are very angry. But they're angry because they know that they're under utilized. And they're under-served. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. Katy: And so trying to help understand that, as an instructor, you work for that facility, but you also work with that facility. And working with the facility to help create change, and not necessarily being like, "Oh, I'm going to sick all of them and I'm going to make all of them angry and then send them to the manager..." Because that drives the manager insane. Yes, being the manager, I've been there before. And often, it's a vicious game of telephone where one person said this, one said this, and then all of a sudden, you're emptying the pool and turn it into a parking lot. And what I found is because I do work in fitness centers, that is not my full time job. I try exceptionally hard to try to bring the manager on board with me and help introduce the manager to our students, and then speak to them. "Have you thought about this?" And not being the villain and being on the other side. And I find that more change can happen that way, you have to be a little more patient. And it's definitely not an instant you get what you want immediately if you throw a hissy fit. Jenni Lynn: True. Katy: But change can happen, and change can happen with the numbers behind your classes, the support from you, from your members. But you speaking to the members and helping them also understand the greater needs of the whole building, sometimes they forget that. So working together as a team is going to be the best way to create change in your facility. Jenni Lynn: And it's really important too, coming from someone like yourself who has been on both sides. You know, you can really take a really deep look into it and give very sound advice and I really appreciate you talking about that, because it's a huge topic for so many instructors. Katy: And I think there's a time and a place for everything. There have been times when I will down right put my foot down. And this is for either my safety or my student safety. For example, we had some new management at one of the facilities I worked at. And really quickly there was some big change. And they thought it was an exceptionally valid point to just take a lane away from us when we had already been using six out of our eight lanes, and then throw some three year old preschoolers in for swim lessons who were super excited. So loud music and everybody being crammed in next to three year olds screaming isn't a great fix, right? Jenni Lynn: No. Katy: And so there's definitely a time and place that you have to be like, "Look, by pushing that class back by 15 minutes,. we can serve more members this way." So I kind of have to bring it to them, make them think about the financial gains on serving both sides of the community. Right? And then...and then if they don't listen, then maybe you can sick your students on them! Jenni Lynn: But it's true with with managers and things like that you really have to give it to them in dollar signs because that's the only way they're gonna be like, "Oh, okay." So yeah, it makes sense. You have to be strategic. So on a lighter note being that you are a very versatile instructor, and that's unbelievably amazing and I love, what would be your favorite format to teach and also what would be your favorite class to take for yourself? Oh, that's a tough one. So my biggest crowds come to my Aqua Zumba classes. And I have a lot of fun with that because you can just ham it up and perform and have a great time. That being said, I love teaching Tabata because -- and don't tell anybody this (as I say it on a live broadcast) -- sometimes I can make it up on the spot. Oh girl, I'm the Queen of Freestyle, pulling it out of my swimsuit that day. Katy: So for me, Zumba takes a little bit of effort beforehand because you need to just know your choreography and your music, where Tabata, if I can just put a Tabata based soundtrack on, I can be like, "You know what we're just going to do Tabata today." We don't need any equipment. I can destroy them. I got enough stuff in my back pocket. Jenni Lynn: Exactly. I mean, that's the beauty of Tabata, because it's just hitting it all out and it doesn't even matter what move you're doing. It's intense. Katy: My classes also know that if I ate really unhealthy the week before that they were gonna pay for it. And classes are going to be exceptionally difficult. So whenever I come back from vacation, they're like, "How many cookies did you have?" And I'm like, "They'll find out in just a few minutes...." AJ: Post-Thanksgiving workouts are the worst for students of Jenni's. Jenni Lynn: Absolutely. So in that case, I guess what would be your favorite type of class to take for yourself? Katy: Alright, so ready, here comes some brown nosing around here. I actually love classes like the way that you've done it. I like the classes where I am going to learn. I love strength training, whether you're using different formats of materials. And just, I want to come out huffing and puffing, and being like I don't know what just happened to me. Jenni Lynn: You are such a hard worker, I have to say. I've had you in my class. Well, I loved when you and your friends came to my class here in New York. That was absolutely amazing. And I will completely confess that I was nervous. Normally, I mean, we all get the pre jitters class thing, you know, when you're standing up there and that sort of thing. You're trying to remember your material. But knowing all of you girls were gonna be there and you know, you have these expectations. I was like, "Oh, I gotta perform here." And of course, the day they show up is like a packed class. It was...it was fun. Katy: It just made it more fun that way. Jenni Lynn: Absolutely. I mean, but you worked your butt off, your whole face was red, your arms were read, everything was working. It was amazing to watch. Katy: Oh, I loved it. It was so fun. We had a girls weekend and the rule was everyone got to choose one thing that they had to do, that the whole group had to say yes to. And so, you know, we're doing the Empire State Building. We're doing this...and I'm like, "We're gonna go to the pool!" I was that friend that made them bring their bathing suits and go get their butt handed to them in a water workout. It was awesome. Jenni Lynn: On a Saturday morning, which I freakin love. You're like, this is my activity. Let's go. Katy: We had a great time. AJ: Makes me miss the pool so much. Katy: I know. So close. Jenni Lynn: We're so close. We're getting there. AJ: Okay, let me ask you. Speaking of a butt kicking format, you use some equipment. Jenni, I know that you use them in some of your classes, the Aqquatix Combat Gloves, which we absolutely love. And you have that as part of ABS Aqua combat? Katy: Yes. So I'm super excited to announce that coming in, I hope in the next month, we're just waiting on getting finalized. We are launching a brand new aquatic format called ABS combat. And it was something that I pitched to the company. And so all of those pictures of me investing in a wetsuit in 41 degree water was because I needed to test it, and I didn't have a pool to my use. And I am so excited. We did our live taping last week. Jenni Lynn: Oh, wow. Katy: And what we're excited about is that the ABS combat format, it's a pre-choreographed martial arts HIIT training class. And so what it does is it takes rounds -- we've created a 12 round series that lasts about 52-ish minutes. And what you're doing is you're blending high intensity aqua fitness with many mixed martial arts formats in between. And it's super fun and it's so empowering, and you feel like you want to just kick everybody's butt at the end of it because you're so amped up. I'm really excited to see how it's gonna come out and it's coming soon, so... AJ: I'm very excited about it. Wow. Jenni Lynn: Oh my gosh. It doesn't look like I'm gonna be in a pool anytime soon so I might just have to come up there to get my butt kicked. Katy: You should! We're going to be launching the online portal first because we understand that most people can't get into a live training anytime soon. But what's unique about it is we created the format around the aquatics gloves. But we also understand that gyms aren't spending money on things and so we were able to develop it that you can also use your mitts or no hands at all in the interim, and knowing that every instructor will get a better benefit out of it using the gloves. But in the meantime, working with their students, they can just use, you know, the inertia in the water and the velocity of how you're moving. Jenni Lynn: Right. AJ: I love that. Jenni Lynn: Oh my gosh, this is...I am so pumped. Those gloves are amazing so I can't wait to see what this is all about. So yeah, it kind actually goes into my next question which is, you know, what does the future of aquatic fitness look like for you? And you know, where are you taking it to next? Katy: Well, there's a lot of things. So I partner with Aqua Body Strong. So I'm a master trainer for their Stand Up fitness. They're launching their trampoline soon, which is super exciting. But I also have the pleasure right now of interning with AEA, and so I'm hoping that I can continue that process with them. I was very sad that we didn't get to go to Daytona this year. But maybe next year. Jenni Lynn: Yeah. Katy: My hope is, and where I would love to be if given the perfect world in front of me, is being able to help create change in the water fitness industry, and really helping fitness centers understanding that this is the most underutilized part of their building. And how many more members they can serve by really helping us change that stigma of water fitness. And so that's where I would love to be at this point. COVID has changed things a little bit, and it'll be interesting to see what happens when the pools do open. And then in addition, my hope is I'm kind of working on my own brand right now. And still playing around with some things but doing more of a strength training and HIIT format. So we'll see, we'll see. Hopefully, that can come into fruition at some point in my life. AJ: I love that. Jenni Lynn: You are such a hard worker, you're gonna make that happen. Katy: We'll see how Iit goes. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, I can't wait for Katy to be a S'WET™ instructor because it's gonna be pure dominance. It's gonna be amazing. Katy: Whenever I can come back, I'm in. Sign me up, girl. Jenni Lynn: I cannot wait. AJ: So Katy, thank you so much for joining us. We're gonna post places where people can reach you, but can you tell our listeners where they can find out more about what you're doing? Perhaps the ABS Aqua Combat class and to follow your journey? Katy: Sure. My social media is AquafitKate, and it's KATE at the end. My website's currently under construction. So at some point, it'll be back up and it is aquafitkate.com. If you're looking for more details about the combat format that will be coming out, Aqua Body Strong is the company that oversees most of that, so that you can go ahead and take a look there and follow me on social media. I love to update and just have lots of fun on there because I think we need a lot more silver lining in this world. Let's put it that way. Jenni Lynn: Absolutely. This has been amazing. Thank you so much. And I definitely am looking forward to being in your pool soon. Katy: You should come and hopefully we'll get the pools open soon. AJ: Yay! Katy: Yay! Jenni Lynn: I have a feeling you're gonna be before me. So that's why I'm coming up more. Katy: Come on up. AJ: I love it. Well, thank you so much, Katy. We appreciate it. Katy: Absolutely. Thanks for bringing me on. It's been an honor.

Episode 3: Christopher LaCour Our guests this season have unknowingly exposed a common denominator. Most of their fitness careers began by pure happenstance. In one instance, an instructor didn't show up for a class. Another had one quit on the spot and couldn't find a sub in time. And one guest revealed he just walked into a gym off the street and offered to teach a step class, without ever having done so before in his life... All these instructors, by the way, have another thing in common. They're some of the most dynamic aqua fitness professionals in the industry right now. As Christopher LaCour shares with the Aquaholics Bootcamp, his journey to becoming an #aquaticfitness instructor began with a serious back injury requiring spinal surgery. "That was Jenni's opportunity to go, 'Get in here!'" Jenni, of course, being our show's host and Christopher's wife, and "here" meaning one of her many aqua classes. It wasn't long before consistent work in the pool brought his strength back. In fact, Christopher improved so well and so fast, Jenni Lynn found herself trying out new things just to keep him motivated and working hard. She reveals in the below episode, most of the creative and intense exercises she threw at Chris became the inspiration and basis for her S'WET™ program. Be sure to check out Christopher's Instructor Self-Care video for tips and tricks on how you can stay healthy and happy as an active instructor. Learn a series of stretches for before and after class to promote flexibility and prevent bodily injury as well as vocal exercises that can be done before and after a class to prepare and repair your vocal cords and other sensitive areas of the throat. Full Episode Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is the first certified S'WET instructor Christopher LaCour. Chris has been an aquatic instructor and personal trainer for the last seven years, as well as a professional vocal coach and actor here in New York City. Welcome to the program, a real jack of all trades, Christopher LaCour. AJ: Yay. Welcome, Chris. Chris: Hi, guys, how you doing? Thanks for having me. AJ: Well, for purposes of full disclosure, you were named a real jack of all trades, and probably one of the biggest jacks for Christopher is also being Jenni Lynn's loving and amazing husband. Jenni Lynn: Aww...yeah. AJ: So Chris, you're in New York City, obviously with Jenni. How have you been keeping yourself active and healthy during this crazy lockdown and quarantine? Chris: Oh, boy, active and healthy? Well, having a routine is a big thing to make sure you have at times like this because you have to be doing something all the time or else boredom sets in and you find yourself on social media all the time. So you know, we do a little yoga every day, walking multiple times a day, we've been putting out videos online for people. So that's kept us active as well fitness wise. And other than that, it's been actually a lot of recovery time. We're active regularly, so much that this is actually a nice time to take advantage of not doing anything. Or taking it a little easier than we normally would. So that's been good. AJ: That's great. Yeah. Well, for people who don't know you or your story, can you tell us a little bit about how you got involved in aquatic fitness, and maybe your background in fitness training? Chris: Well, before water fitness, all I had done was play sports, at the high school level, a little bit college level, not really professional college, but during college. Fitness was kind of on the back burner. And after I had met Jenni, she had just recently gotten into water fitness. And at the time when we had met which was 15 years ago as a while ago, she introduced me to it originally I'd never took a class. And then I had a very serious back injury due to a snowboarding accident. And I had to have surgery six months after that on my spine. And I had atrophied so much that I couldn't go back into a gym and lift weights. It was just not happening. So that was Jenni's opportunity to go, "get in here. I've been telling you to get in the pool so get in." AJ: So before that point, you had never tried out one of her classes or she was still really new to teaching that herself? Chris: I don't even remember having too many conversations about even going. I think it was like, "Hey, you know if you have time, come check it out." And I'd be like, yeah, okay, right. I was kind of anti gym anyway. I'm not a gym person naturally. AJ: Gotcha. Jenni, do you remember the first time Chris got in the pool? Jenni Lynn: Oh, my gosh. Well, I think more than anything, I never pressured him because I was a little nervous to have him in class. You know, there was something a little easier about teaching to people who were just the gym regulars or people I didn't know,i meeting for the first time...But when it's people you know, I get more anxious about it, because there's more pressure to meet the expectations of what it's going to be. AJ: That's interesting. Well, you're kind of almost performing. Beyond, you know, your regular audience, now you have someone who's kind of extra special watching. Jenni Lynn: Yes, exactly. And I was excited that he had to get into the pool, not obviously excited about the injury, but very excited about him getting in water. And he was a really good student in the sense that he already had body control, and I think that comes from playing sports. But also, he didn't push himself too hard in the beginning, which you shouldn't especially coming from post injury or surgery. And after a while, I think he just got really strong in a short period of time. And from that point, that is really when S'WET started to be born, because I wanted to push him specifically harder in the water. So it became this, like, what can I do to make this the most extreme water bootcamp class ever? AJ: Yeah, for sure. So Chris, you injured your back, you got in class, how long after that did something click and you say, I don't want to just take this, I want to teach this? Chris: Well, it was a few things. So after taking Jenni's classes for such a while, I think a couple years, I had started to just get creative with the things she was doing. For myself in the water, and I would, I would just do these random moves, and she would kind of pick up on it and be like, that was cool. And we, you know, she would start to throw them into our classes. And she would come up with more ideas off of that. And so things just started growing naturally, as far as the intensity of the workout that was being done. And I think her students started to catch on. At the time, being an actor and a musician, I kind of had pockets of time in my day. Jenni had been running into an issue of finding substitutes at her gyms that could teach at the same intensity level for her students. They would get subs, and, you know, other people teach great, you know, there's no problem with their way. But some students expect subs to teach the way that their teacher teaches. And if that doesn't happen, they get a little upset, especially in New York, they like things a very certain way. So that kept happening. And Jenni said, you know, you've been taking this for so long, and you're already a teacher, you know, you teach voice. You went to school for that. So why don't you think about doing fitness and just getting certified and then you can just jump into the gyms and you know, be my sub? And I was like, that makes sense, like, there's no reason for me not to do that. We'll make some money. I get free gym membership. You know? And so that's what I did. I really took my time doing my NASM and my ACE certifications. I didn't rush it. And once I received them, I also got my AEA certification around the same time. I kind of did everything within I'd say a two year span. Slowly, just one after the other. I started going down to IAFC with Jenni Lynn down in Tampa. And through all of that, it just became what it is...I started teaching more after and I would say people would be like, you should offer you own class too. And so I started teaching classes. And yeah, it's bloom from there. AJ: You know, I'm glad that you found it to be as rewarding as Jenni does, and I think many other instructors do. Chris: Oh, it's incredible. I mean, first of all, I'd never stayed with any sort of workout ever in my life for more than a couple of weeks. I hate working out, like I said, I hate gyms. So getting into a pool, I was like, okay, like, I can swim, but pools ain't my jam, but I'm gonna do it anyway. And I fell in love with it so quick, just because of how it made my body feel. And so when the opportunity came to teach, I was like I love doing this, like other people are gonna love doing this too. And no guys are doing this, which is ridiculous to me. So yeah, let me jump in here and help Jenni, help our business and, you know, help other people who should know about this. Because this is kind of an unspoken fitness thing that's going on. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, for sure. How would you say teaching aquatic fitness has changed your life now that you're a teacher for several years? Chris: You know, it's very interesting being a performer, an actor and musician and also a teacher. Teaching aquatics, there's so many similarities that are involved. One you're on deck, which is very similar to being on a stage. You have an audience staring at you. And literally everything you do, they are at your whim, there at your fingertips. You go left, they go left, you know? It's like you take them on your journey with you as a performer. That's your job. So to translate it onto a deck, it's not the exact same thing, but there are definitely similarities. You know, you have to know how to control a group of people. You have to know what your plan is going in. And so I just really took to it much easier than I had assumed I would coming from a teaching background and also creative background that has taught me how to think on my feet, which is very much a style that you Jenni teach, you know? A compartmentalized style that allows you to be creative within it, right? And so I took to that so easily. And the more I did it, the more it started to make sense to me, like, Oh, this is why this is so fun. For me, this is why I like this so much. You know, I like interacting with people, I like doing something for people and seeing that they're getting something from it. As a performer, that's why we perform, you know? Yeah, we're a little egotistical, but the whole point is to influence people and their lives. So if I can do that, not only as a creative artist, you know, I can now do it also as a person who can help their physical life as well, not just their emotional life. So it's great for me, I love it. Jenni Lynn: Absolutely. I know, you've heard me talk about it. Over the years, the misconceptions of aquatic fitness that we've been touching on, especially trying to get either the younger population, the more able bodied or men into the pool...How would you say that you are now working to change that misconception from being an instructor yourself now? Chris: So the way that I'm able to teach on deck is kind of very physical. I yell. I'm a voice coach, I can use my voice very effectively. So it sounds like I'm a football coach yelling at people when I'm telling them what to do in a pool, which for someone younger, like they're be like, Whoa, this guy's doing this? Okay, there must be something to this. I think it is what you are bringing to the stage. Just like any performer, you know? And that's not to say because you don't teach a hardcore, intense fitness style that you're not going to bring men in. It's not that at all. Your personality has a lot to do with it, too. You know, like, if you know, and you really believe in the thing that you are doing, and the thing that you are trying to teach people to help better their life and you truly believe in it, the knowledge of it, and you know what it does for people, when someone asks you about it, that information is going to come out in spades, or it should. And people can either take it, or leave it. But either way, like, it's not your job to convince every guy that walks in the door looks at your class, like getting the you know, get in a pool. There are plenty of men that come downstairs, look at me, look at what I'm doing, smirk, and I just look at them like, alright, later, you know? You can't let it affect you because everybody has an audience, and your audience will find you. You just have to know what you're bringing to the table, and just keep doing it. AJ: First of all, in New York City, your classes typically in some gyms, the men outnumber the women two to one. Like your students, you have more male students in your classes than female students. So if you could, Chris, if you could give a piece of advice to someone, a male or someone of a younger age or someone who has never tried aquatic fitness that ever, besides getting them into the pool to try it, what would you say? What are they missing out on? Chris: The one thing I constantly tell people, I say, this is the most deceptive workout you will ever take. And just know that the more you stick with this, the more it is going to help you long term, longer than any other workout you're going to really be able to do. But that's my take. I've never done a workout that has benefited me so greatly for everything else that I do and doesn't negatively affect me in any way. AJ: Yeah. Well, you mentioned that when you're up on deck, just like on stage, you get to kind of fulfill that performer itch that you have naturally. You're an actor, and you're singer. And you also you offer voice lessons, right? Chris: So yeah, I've been a vocal coach for many, many years. Very, kind of quietly. I've had a bunch of students. I don't advertise. It's kind of by word of mouth. I have some well known actors that I've worked with, some Broadway people, young children, and there's also a new kind of group of people that have been having issues lately which are the fitness trainers. AJ: Well, yeah. Because you're on deck and you're screaming because everything is already amplified. Chris: Your voice has to match your enthusiasm is the best way to say it. And to constantly keep that up for half hour to an hour depending on the length of your class. Whether land setting or aquatic setting, it takes a toll on your voice and your body language. AJ: Chris, I understand you did a vocal care video recently, speaking of fitness instructors, that streamed on Fitmotivation. So why don't you tell us a little bit about why you think instructor self-care is so important? Chris: When I originally got into teaching in the pools, I had never been really accustomed to the acoustics and a pool area, and just what happens in there with your voice and how it gets lost. And, you know, the waters making noise, the hot tubs are making noise, people are talking over in the corner...There's so much happening, that if you are not vocally prepared strength wise to deal with that, however many times a week you have to do that, very quickly, you will notice that you are going to develop vocal issues. Your voice is going to tire out, you're going to lose your voice by the end of the day. And so when I started teaching, I was running into this issue, I knew immediately I had to do something about it. So I myself also have a vocal coach. And I would speak to her, we worked through it. And I would say it took me a good two years to get to a point where I felt like I could, you know, teach the number of classes I was teaching and not feel like I was on the verge of injuring my voice. But it took constant work and practice and daily vocalizations, relaxation techniques, all these things that I do for my vocal students, it's the same, it's just voice work. The voice is a muscle, it should be treated the same as any other part of your body. But since it's internal people can't see it. And so they don't think of it that way. In doing these classes, I have learned much more about vocal technique ironically. So again, it's like a full circle thing. You know, I use the fitness stuff for my vocal stuff, for my acting stuff, for everything. And I feel like everything should be that way in life. But I guess I'm just lucky enough to have found that. So I thank my lovely wife for that opportunity. Jenni Lynn: It's been my pleasure. AJ: Nice. Scoring some points on a podcast. Chris: Right? Yeah, I gotta get them when you can. Jenni Lynn: So in addition to all these instructor self-care tips, what's an example that you do to take care of yourself on a daily basis? Chris: Vocally, it is all about being in a relaxed state. So what I'll do in the mornings, before I have to go teach, I'll do these these little things called lip-brrs. Just, you know, burrow your lips together, babies do it all the time. But you do that up and down your vocal register. I'll just literally do those over and over. If you did those in a shower, for five minutes, by the time you got out, you will be warmed up, guaranteed 100%, much more than you would if you weren't doing anything. So that's an easy one for everyone out there. Outside of that, stretching every day, if it's not yoga, it is stretching on the floor with a belt. I have to do something with my hips as a teacher, and demonstrating my pelvis and hips are a mess all the time. And just trying to work out as much as I can when I have time and strengthening my glutes and my legs to you know, keep them strong and not feel like I'm getting old before I should. AJ: That's a great one. Now are those some of the examples that we can find in the instructor self-care video that you did? Chris: Yeah, that is one of the examples in the instructor self-care. AJ: That's great. So for people who are interested, you can go to JenniLynnFitness.com/shop and find the video there. It's a among a few others that you've done. You've done Dude Moves and several other videos. Chris: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. There's a few videos out there with my face on it. AJ: Excellent. Well, as we're wrapping up here, I know that Jenni knows where to find you at all times, Chris, but for our listeners, where where can they reach you? And find out more about what you're doing? And if they're interested in vocal lessons or any of your other things that you teach, where can people find you? Chris: Yeah, well, they can reach me at my email, LaCour7@gmail.com. If anyone's interested in vocal coaching, things like that. Yeah, that's the best way to reach me. I also have a website, my acting website, you can go search that out yourselves if you want.s AJ: I will say it's a beautiful website. Chris: It is actually a beautiful website. It was done by this amazing gentleman named AJ Meyers. AJ: Was it was Made by Meyers? Chris: It was Made by Meyers. AJ: All right, well, if you want to see Chris and all of his glory as an actor and his reel, be sure to go to Chris-LaCour.com. Chris: Or you want to put me in your movie or television show...That's where you want to go. And then on Instagram, I am LaCourNYC. AJ: We'll make sure to link everything in our show notes and any of the topics that we've discussed. Of course, we'll we'll be sure to provide those as well. But thanks so much for joining us, Chris. This was a really great interview. Chris: Hey, thanks for having me, you guys. It was a blast, Jenni. Jenni Lynn: So happy to have you. Chris: Yeah, it was great talking to you too. AJ, it's great talking to you. Jenni, I will see you in a minute. AJ: All right, awesome.

Episode 2: Ashley Bishop Born and raised in British Columbia, Ashley Bishop is a professional dancer, a choreographer and was a featured performer for Carnival Cruise Lines. She's also a registered Certified Ballet Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and a Zumba Jammer™ for Zumba Fitness®. Oh, and she's also part of the reason we even have a podcast to begin with! That's right...if you like our show, you have Ashley Bishop to thank for it! And if you don't... Well...See above? (More on this later...) Now living in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ashley is the founder of her own company BagelFit through which she offers fitness workshops as a Continuing Education Provider for ACE and AFAA, and as an Aquatic Training Specialist for the AEA. Ashley is all of these things and so much more - but most of all she's someone we look to often for education, inspiration and motivation! And as you'll see when you dive into her episode below, it's impossible not to feel energized listening to her speak. So how exactly did she influence the creation of the Aquaholics Bootcamp? Last year, Ashley gifted Jenni Lynn a copy of Good Morning, Good Life: 5 Simple Habits to Master Your Mornings and Upgrade Your Life by Amy Landino. Jenni Lynn finished said book in a matter of two days, then sent AJ the following email: SUBJECT: GOOGLE CALENDAR / LET'S DISCUSS Calendar Blocking possible on our Google Cal? I want 2020 to be the year of the S'WET Cert. PS ASHLEY IS AMAZING AT THIS! And she really is. Just check out this incredible tutorial Ashley put together on YouTube explaining Calendar Blocking for Success! So by February 2020, Jenni Lynn and AJ began mapping out the rest of the year. We prioritized what we wanted to do, then plotted it out over the course of several months, then prepared for all the hard work ahead of us. It felt incredible to know exactly what we wanted to be doing and by when we wanted to accomplish it. In March we would start meeting to discuss new DVD material. April would be the month to finalize the S'WET™ Cert. Then in May down in Daytona Beach we would announce to everyone at #IAFC2020 that starting in June we would launch our cross-country tour to bring S'WET™ to as many facilities as we could. July-September would be filled with traveling all over the country and in October Jenni Lynn was set to visit Australia for the first time. What could possibly go wrong, right? CUT TO: Here we are recording a podcast instead, all the while building out an online version of the S'WET™ Cert to accommodate the "new normal." It's still a lot of work. But it doesn't feel like it. Why? It's because thanks to everything we learned about Calendar Blocking from Ashley and Amy Landino, we were able to pivot our plans without losing steam and continue to stay productive. Now every Thursday and Sunday Jenni Lynn and AJ meet virtually to discuss the podcast and the status of the Cert. And every other Monday, you get to listen to a brand new episode of the Aquaholics Bootcamp! So again, if you like our show, thank Ashley Bishop for the inspiration and encouragement to continue onward in the face of uncertainty. Connect with Ashley online: Email: ashley@bagelfit.com Website: www.bagelfit.com Social Media Handles: FB: /ashleybagelbishop IG: @ashleybagelbishop Full Transcript: Jenni Lynn: Joining us today is Ashley Bishop. She is a continuing education provider for group fitness instructors and an Aquatic Training Specialist with the AEA, a Zumba Jamba for Zumba Fitness. And she leads her own workshops under her company Bagel Fit. Ashley, welcome to the program. Ashley: Yay. Thank you. I'm happy to be here. AJ: Where are you calling from? Where are you right now? Ashley: I'm in Las Vegas, Nevada. AJ: And how's everything going right now? Ashley: You know, it's a new time. So we're just rolling with the punches and waiting to see what to do next. So playing it day by day. Jenni Lynn: I feel like that's everybody's situation right now. It's just a day-by-day. AJ: We're all calling in from different places too. We have Jenni of course in New York City and I am out in Nashville, Tennessee. Jenni Lynn: This is a very good coordination by the way of all of our three timezones trying to get it locked down. So again, go team, thank you for doing this. I think Ashley, you and I have had similar situations, but I know you definitely travel a lot. So from all of this, how has business been generally affected? Ashley: It's been a roller coaster like when in March when everything started really coming to the forefront. And I just remember there was a day where every event I had booked from March until September got cancelled. And it was just crazy, because we never really anticipated it would be like this. And I guess none of us have even thought that this could happen in you know, in normal life. So it's been interesting and let I'm grateful I have a job that I work remotely. And even though our hours did get modified to make COVID situations work, I've been able to pivot some of my platforms to be virtual, which has given me a chance to still teach a little bit and conduct some sessions on the side. But it's definitely been good to just start fresh and start new and start a brand new planner because my old honor everything xed out. So start fresh and start over. Jenni Lynn: So I'm curious a little bit about your background, and how you found yourself becoming involved in specifically in aquatic fitness. Ashley: So I was a dancer first and foremost, and I danced professionally and taught professionally until I was 27. And then when I retired from dancing professionally, I wanted to stay in shape. And I loved Mexico. I used to live there and a girlfriend had said to me you should do Zumba. And I was like let's do that. And turns out it was the best thing that ever happened to me because it's dancing and music and Latin rhythms at the same time. And we have a license within zoombak called Aqua Zumba. And so since I just retired from dancing on cruise ships, I did have a good chunk of savings and I got this like bug about fitness so I took every single certification certification I could get my hands on every single license that has been been offered. And Aqua Zumba had this like crazy science portion about water and like how the body moves in water and how the muscles are affected and water and I remember thinking this is the most interesting thing I've heard in 85 years. And so long like fast forward a bunch of years I left Canada and went to America and the first job opportunity I had was Aqua Zumba and from there I just got more and more opportunities in America and I wanted to be a valuable valid human in America so I decided to look for a certification that was valuable, which was AEA and I found this crazy amount online called Mark Grevelding and I watched all his YouTube videos and found out he was doing a certification at the Zin convention and I thought this is it this is my time and then pretty much from there like everything just went full time into aquatics. I haven't looked back ever since which is crazy. I never thought I'd be obsessed with pools and teaching this format but it's really been a dream come true. AJ: How much of your schedule is aquatic? Aqua Zumba versus other kind of land fitness would you say? Ashley: I'd say right now it could go from like 60% of my schedule is aquatics because I still do the land Zumba pretty often. I in that Zumba Jamer role Jenni mentioned. I do teach a few workshops in that category. But in terms of my full time job and the classes I teach the majority now are all aquatic driven, which is crazy if you'd asked me 20 years ago. AJ: Yeah, yeah. And you mentioned Mark Grevelding course of Fitmotivation. And he so he was actually doing an aqua Zumba class and you you found him through that? Ashley: Kind of. So what it was is I had been asked to assist an Aqua Zumba Zest so an education specialist at our convention, and I wanted to make sure I had value as an aquatic person. And so I had started following Mark on Fitmotivation a few months prior when I first moved to America, and he was actually leading the AEA, prac day the AEA certification in person workshop the day before Zen con, so we'd have pre cons like and other fitness conferences and conventions, and he used to have a pre con at Zen con. And so when I saw it was Mark, I was like, oh, my goodness, I have to take it from him. He's like, my idol. And so I did. And then that's when I met Mark officially in real life. And then the rest is history. Jenni Lynn: Wow. Yeah. AJ: That's great. We love Mark. We love Fitmotivation, of course. Oh, yeah. I guess that's a great way to segue into how did you and Jenni Lynn? Ashley: Well, I had been admiring Jenni from afar through Fitmotivation. Because again, becoming a subscriber, I saw her videos, I was like, who is this amazing, fantastic woman, I need to be her best friend? And then when I was through Mark's connections over time, I was invited to the AEA Aquatic Training Specialist training group. And Jenni was also in that group with us. So I remember the first day we like walked into the room, and they had like a breakfast, like some fruits and stuff out. And I was like, Oh, my gosh, that's Jenni Lynn. And I like kind of looked at her. But throughout the week, we got a lot closer. And a few of us were similar age and character. And so we kind of bonded that week. At least that's how I remember it. Jenni might have a different reflection from it. Jenni Lynn: No, I just remember being like, Oh, I need to talk to her. Oh, she's a recommendation of Mark. I need to know this woman. AJ: That's amazing. And how many years ago was that? Because you guys have known each other for quite some time? Jenni Lynn: Five? Ashley: No, I think it was in 2015. Jenni, like late 2015, early 2016. I think we actually did it in 2016. I think it was January of 2016. But we should have data checked before... Jenni Lynn: I was gonna say the same exact thing. I was looking through a bunch of photos and found those and was I even set it like, I can't believe it was from this year. Because everything feels like I've been in this for 17,000 years total? No, it's been four. Yeah. Ashley: It's amazing what we can fit in four years. Jenni Lynn: Yes, that's why would you have to take two months completely off, it feels like time is just standing still. Very, very interesting. So with your current brand, which is Bagel Fit, what are your dreams for the business, kind of the direction you're going right now is absolutely amazing. And I love watching your progress. So I guess what's your direction that you're taking Bagel Fit? Ashley: Honestly, right now, it's kind of more of just keep doing what I'm doing or maybe doing more of, I have a lot of hats still. And I'm enjoying all of the hats and the Bagel Fit hat is you know, leading workshops by myself and not like, you know, from someone else's company. So I'd like to keep hosting those. It looks like we're going virtual and live in the next few years. And I just like traveling and spreading the love of fitness and water and education. So I just want to kind of keep doing what I'm doing. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, I can definitely say that you wear many, many hats, but you wear them very well. Because you very structured in your days, which is? Well you sent me the book from a Amy Landino, Good Morning, Good Life. With all the hats you wear, the time management that you've been kind of teaching me I have to say has been super helpful. So thank you for that. AJ: Why don't you talk to us a little bit about your time management lectures or workshops or presentations that you've done. Ashley: Yeah, um, you know, it's, it's funny, it's becoming more and more formalized, because I guess there's a need that people want to learn more about it. And really, it's almost a hobby that took over every aspect of my life. And I've always really loved planners, like I used to love that first day of high school, and they give you your planner and you write homework in it and tasks and like prioritize the things to do. And so I've kept up with paper planners this whole time. But in the last few years, I've really gotten more focused on calendar blocking, which is, as Jenny mentioned, somebody that we've both fallen in love with, Amy Landino, was the first person to expose me to that. And then combined with this getting things done or GTD method from David Allen. It's kind of just the way I like to structure everything I do and helps me not really compartmentalize Lies all the different hats but make my day phone away where I know I'm targeting everything that's important and I'm not getting behind. And it's a lot of kind of like reverse engineering projects so I can stay on top and still feel like I have a balanced normal life which, to be honest, some days is not as balanced as a girl would dream. But that's kind of it's always ever evolving and growing and improving upon it. So... AJ: Yeah, I mean, especially now with the lockdowns and quarantines, you know, I think people struggle, especially with time management, what are some of the things that you've learned, or you've been teaching others, both professionally, and personally, how best you know, manage their time and their day. Ashley: So as I kind of put it down to these three P's, which is prioritize plot and prep, and that's not like a formalized thing, but it just kind of helps me keep track of it. And so the first thing is to prioritize what's important and what's not, and what has to get done that day or that week. And so I have a running to do list that is electronic, and I can put due dates and move things around and make sure I'm always on top of projects that way. And once I have my list of things that have to get done, and this could be professional or personal, like maybe I have to get laundry done this week, maybe I have to go to the grocery store, I have to mail that thing, or I have to finish that article for UCLA, I then put them in my calendar, because if it's not in my calendar, it's not going to get done. And Jenny can attest to this, if we don't put a date in the calendar won't know there was a phone call system eight because I live off my Google Calendar now. And I love that because you know, I can view it on all my devices, I'm always comfortable to know where I'm supposed to be in my day. And there's also flexibility there. So I'm not married to if I was supposed to do yoga at four o'clock, but something came up, I can bump that to another time and the world doesn't end. And so with that it gives me flexibility, I can move things around is color coded because y'all this girl loves to color code, and that just makes my heart feel better. And then so that's plotting it like putting on the calendar, getting it set. And then also just the prepping of it. And so again, knowing if you have something big, that's due in a fortnight looking at the steps you have to do to reverse engineer them and getting them in your calendar. So maybe it won't take you that full two weeks to do set project. But if you have it plotted, when stuff does happen, you have that ability to move things around and make sure you get done on time and not feel like you've procrastinated or you've gotten behind the ball. So just just kind of keeps me like balanced and in control of what's happening. And again, you know, I don't have a family. But I have a lot of hats. So I can imagine people that have other hats that are involved in the workforce, my personal life to have lots of things to juggle. So just kind of gives clarity and balance and then beauty because it's color coded. And it makes everyone happy. Jenni Lynn: I have been privy to some choreography charts. And I can say aesthetically, looking at them on the computer. I was like this. AJ: Yeah, I have this vision of Ashley as a middle schooler with like a Trapper Keeper. different color highlighters. And each subject is like perfectly written out in like a tab of its own. Ashley: That's kind of what life is like now. Jenni Lynn: I love it. I absolutely love it. As we're just talking, I'm writing things down like David Allen, prioritize, prep... AJ: We are going to put all that information in the show notes, all the names and resources that both Ashley and Jenni and I use. We'll include that in the show notes. So you can find them as well. One of them you mentioned, Amy, you both are following what she does, right? Ashley: Yes. AJ: What are some of the things Jenni that you've learned from what she's done? Jenni Lynn: I have to say the biggest one for me is the 20 things to do in the morning that have nothing to do with social media. And I love being able to do even like two things off the list makes my morning feel amazing before you start any sort of work related project. And I'm kind of realizing that I do almost like eight to 10 of them, which is like, amazing. And then the rest of the day feels like I really got a lot of time. This is amazing. I could finish a book in less than a week. That's crazy. So yeah, it's pretty incredible. Because as I sit here at my desk, talking to you guys, I have my Google Calendar, I have my things to do. Things are filed and I honestly don't think I'd ever be like this had I not really delve into Ashley's brain and psyche. Like when you talk about workshops, what do you do for this? And even when we had our first opportunity to work together, and I hope there's many more to come in Connecticut just recently, I was actually sitting in the back of the workshop listening intently to her light bulbs going off everywhere. Like this is what's really happening. Oh my gosh, I love this lecture. And honestly, it did not feel like work or anything. Ashley: But it's funny you say that because like this was the first year we really did get to work just you and I together. And I remember it was so much fun because a being someone who's a super structured instructor learning from you gave me the ability to come out of that structure. And teach more freestyle and realize it is okay to not know exactly every beat what's gonna happen next. But it also made it fun and intuitive for my classes and I love that we were able to feed off each other. And I know at first we were like, we're so polar opposite, but I really, I mean, I hope that you know, it blended well together and we work together and I, I came home and said to our boss, I was like, I want to work with Jenny every time like put me on an event with her as much as I can. Because not only do I learn so much that we just get along so well we work so well. It's just so much fun. I mean, I couldn't have asked for a better few. I got you twice this year, which was epic. So I'm reallygrateful for that. Jenni Lynn: Really epic. And I really appreciate that because I think as a freestyle instructor, you know, many of us might aspire to be on the beach and go with the choreography because it feels like that's what the industry calls for. But at the same time, obviously I'm doing something right people keep showing up to my classes. And for you to say like that allows you that freedom to try to do freestyle. I was just so happy because you stepped outside your boxer comfort zone and ended up liking it. And you you know, you said your students liked it too, which is just cool to see it go both ways, choreographed and not. AJ: Ashley, do you do you have anything else that you are particularly inspired by and hope to teach other people? Ashley: I mean, I teach a lot about music driven movement in my workshops, and just how music can inspire all things awesomeness. And then I also really like to talk about self care. I've done a few workshops like on like self myofascial release, and just good practices for fitness instructors to keep themselves successful when teaching on deck. Especially as y'all know, in aquatics we're doing crazy stuff on that concrete. So I actually have another workshop where we spend some more time on like teaching skills and just best practices for your body. But yeah, I'm just all about self care, music and feeling good. Jenni Lynn: Yeah, yes, you can definitely keep everybody in the pool on the beach is incredible and amazing to watch and be a part of when you're in the pool. Ashley, as we're, as we're rounding down here, what's what's one piece of advice that you would have for someone who I guess would either want to follow in your footsteps as a group or aquatic fitness instructor, or even just getting involved in some of the other things that you do? What's a piece of advice that you would offer to someone? Ashley: I definitely say like learn everything, get your hands on any content certification course, video, like anything out there that's relatable to the field that you want to be in, I feel that education brings confidence. And without that backbone behind you, it can really hinder how you present yourself. And when you are given the chance to make an opportunity to make that step in the right direction. And also find someone who's like a, it could be like a digital mentor or somebody that you may not know, but as in those footsteps and, and kind of watch them to see how they're killing it, who their connections are, what they're doing and just see how it's applicable to your end. And then just be ready to take any opportunity when it comes your way. If you have an education, you have that confidence, then you're going to be ready for that opportunity. And as long as you practice and prep, you're going to kill it. So be ready. Jenni Lynn: So can you tell our listeners where they can reach you and find more about what you're doing? Ashley: Sure. I mean, I have a website called Bagelfit.com like the food bagelfit.com. My email is Ashley@bagelfit.com. And my social media is also Ashley Bagel Bishop. So I know all that stuff will be linked, but that's pretty much where I hang out. I don't hang out in Facebook. Don't find me there. I'll never get back to you find me in my inbox. It's more likely I'll get around. AJ: Well, thank you so much for joining us, Ashley. This was such a great conversation. Ashley: Of course. Thank you for having me. Jenni Lynn: Bye, Ashley. Love ya.

DAY 125 in quarantine. Today I learned what separates acts of the improbable from the impossible is simply the willingness to try. It was improbable I'd be able to stay in shape during this pandemic; but it wasn't impossible. It was improbable I'd find a new hobby to throw my sudden abundance of all the free time in the world into - yet again, not impossible. It was super-duper improbable I'd break down and start my very own podcast. But you know where this is going... Day 125 and Episode One of The Aquaholics Bootcamp has just dropped. Dive In and Start Listening Now: That's right. Just like everyone else and their mother right now, Jenni Lynn and I have decided to try our hand at producing a podcast. Our pools closed. Our livelihoods suddenly stunted. And it wasn't long before the Google Drive doc named Things To Do When We Finally Have Some Time resurfaced. Number One on the list for Jenni Lynn? Finish building the S'WET Certificate Program. It's been a dream of hers for so long to officially launch the training course to build a qualified network of certified S'WET instructors all over the globe. And mine? Start a podcast. Makes sense really, since for the past few years I've been working behind the scenes in podcast production. In fact, one could make a solid argument for it being pretty PROBABLE I'd wind up creating one. But being ON a podcast??? Impossible. Like everyone who's ever recorded themselves in the history of the world, I don't like the sound of my own voice. Plus, I'm a very private person; I don't even have my own social media accounts (anymore). And I'll tell you what, it's been quite comfortable here backstage, watching life from the wings. But comfort is the temptress of time, a siren luring us into a false sense of inner tranquility. Comfort can poison you, paralyze you, push you back down to the couch with every reason and excuse not to change... ...Then suddenly you're forty and realize the list of all the things you want to try before you die has only grown longer while your time and opportunity -- and WILL -- to accomplish them that much shorter. But that stops today. Day 125. Jenni Lynn and I invite you now to join us on a new adventure of self-exploration, as we seek out motivation and inspiration from our peers in the aquatic fitness community and beyond. Each episode we'll interview some of our favorite guests like Ashley Bishop, Aquatic Training Specialist with the AEA and Zumba Jammer for Zumba Fitness about her use of clever time management tricks to remain focused on all her goals - and trust us, she's got a million and they're all amazing! Fitmotivation's Mark Grevelding will join us to share how his new app PoolFit is keeping aquatic fitness lovers fulfilled and fit during the quarantine lockdown - all from the comfort and safety of home. And Master Trainer with AquaBody Strong, Katy Coffey stops by our virtual recording studio to explain how the power of word choice is crucial in combating the stigmas associated with aquatic fitness. HINT: DON'T call it "water aerobics." And in case you're wondering, yes, it's Coffey like the drink! BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE: Combining Jenni Lynn and my aspirations, we're also giving you a candid sneak peak at the building of the S'WET Certificate program, what it entails to create an official fitness program and when you can sign up to become S'WET certified! One hundred and 25 days ago if you asked me where to find my podcast, I'd smirk and say it's impossible...I don't have one. But now, because I found the will to at least try, I can tell you to search for and subscribe to The Aquaholics Bootcamp on iTunes, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you get your audio content. [ DAD ... Just Click Here! ]

It's now been 100 days since I began journaling while “off work,” “in quarantine,” “self-isolating” or whatever we’ve come to call it...I’m amazed at everything I have accomplished. Initially going into the pandemic I kept seeing social media posts claiming “if you don’t come out of this a brand new person, learned a new language, completed an online course, learned piano, started a blog or a company...” and these posts were driving me crazy! I’m already too critical of myself and with the added gloom of the unknown upon us, it was just too much for me to handle. For the first month I really was in a state of shock and denial. I was frozen and defeated. But with the help of several friends and family suggesting books or listening to podcasts, I realized that I had to do something, anything! My dear friend Ashley Bishop recommended I read Amy Landino’s Good Morning, Good Life. I finished within three weeks and quickly moved on to some of Amy’s recommendations - like Gretchen Rubin’s Better Than Before and The Happiness Project. Now, thanks to Ashley, Amy and Gretchen, I have created a “morning routine!” JENNI’S MORNING ROUTINE This ‘routine’ includes journaling, preparing and consuming 16 oz of lemon water (another Landino suggestion), a skin routine, reading, gratefulness reflections, goal setting and working out, but I never would have thought in 100 years that I would feel so good about journaling on Day 100 of COVID-19 and feeling a great sense of gratitude towards my ability to pivot. Not only have I been able to create a morning routine, I now LOVE to journal and leisurely read, as well as ‘working’ with my very first VIRTUAL aquatic fitness client through Zoom, AND starting a podcast with my friend and business partner, A.J. Meyers. If you would have asked me three months ago if I was getting up early to have my morning routine (without having work to go to), sit out on my patio to read a chapter or two a day, working with aquatic clients from home and trying to create outlines for a podcast, I would have seriously laughed in your face. BOOK A VIRTUAL CONSULTATION WITH JENNI LYNN NOW! I believe the biggest pivot, and the most rewarding, has been working virtually with an AQUATIC client through Zoom. I never thought I’d reference back to Julie See’s hand singles for cueing exercises, but it’s SO helpful! My client comes from a swimming background, thankfully, but really has enjoyed getting familiar with aquatic fitness moves and routines. Plus, she even commented that she’s seeing faster results than expected. This has really brought back a sense of purpose for me, even though I’m not physically up on the pool deck (yet), I enjoy ‘seeing’ my client in the water, cueing her through a routine and seeing her smile through it all. These past 3 months have been surreal - for all of us - and that’s the best word to give it. I never thought something like this would happen in my lifetime, nor did I think, like so many people, I would have to pivot or reinvent myself in order to make a living at home, but here we are! Basically forced to get tech savvy, learn Zoom or FaceTime or Facebook Video, in order to see family, friends and colleagues. And you know what’s funny? I actually feel more connected to my family and friends now, not just from weekly Zoom meetings, but knowing we’re all in this together and working together to help each other. I promise to continue to journal as we move forward and I encourage you to do the same if you haven’t tried before. Share your thoughts and experiences with adjusting to this new world we’re "phasing into." Stay safe, smart and hydrated!

Fit in a quick workout without missing a second of summer By Carly Graf When the hottest days of summer hit, you're probably all about running towards the nearest body of water, and getting there fast. While you might sneak in a few laps at the pool while you're at it, it's all too easy to let your regular workout regimen fade into the background. But just because you're spending more time in the water than on solid ground, doesn't mean you have to choose between fitness and summertime fun. In fact, your favorite watersports burn serious calories. And Jenni Lynn Patterson Lacour, an aquatics instructor at New York Health & Racquet Club, who specializes in classes that use H.I.I.T, Tabata, and Pilates exercises in the water, fully agrees. Even a simple freestyle or breaststroke swim can torch as much as 692 calories per hour, and you can expect similar rewards with this 60-Minute Interval Swimming Workout. To up the calorie burn even more, Patterson developed a routine that adds full-body strength exercises to the mix-resistance training in it's purest form thanks to the natural pull you get from the water-incorporates classic bodyweight exercises such as squats and lunges to seriously rev your heart rate. So, next time you find yourself wading in the ocean (the lake or river count, too), give these five simple drills a shot. Cardio Challenge Pick a physical marker-ideally a visible sand bar, raft, or buoy-in the water and swim at your fastest pace there and back. The distance is up to you; you'll just want to be winded at the end of the sprint, so don't hold back. You can pick your favorite stroke, but if you're going for the backstroke, be mindful of the current that could take you past your designated marker, cautions Patterson. (Here's another Better-than-the-Treadmill Cardio Blast to try!) Sets: 2-3 with 2-4 minutes rest in between Jump Tuck Stand in water up to your chest. Jump and tuck knees into your chest, contracting abs. For an added challenge, keep legs straight and instead, pop feet up in front of you into a pike position. "Your hands will help you with this variation," says Patterson. "Push them down forcefully to help lift your body." Reps: 20 Sets: 3 V-Up Begin in chest-deep water. With elbows slightly bent and hands barely wider than your shoulders, palms facing down, move your hands in a circular or figure eight motion just under the surface of the water. As you exert downward pressure with your hands use your sore to lift feet (with legs straight). Move your body into a V-shape, hinged at the hips with your head and feet above the surface of the water. (Wanna work your core on shore? Try these 10 Oblique Exercises for a Flat Stomach, Fast.) Reps: 12 Sets: 3 Squat Jump Begin in waist-deep water, which is an ideal depth to create an extra challenge for your legs, says Patterson. Squat down, bringing shoulders below the surface of the water. Drive through heels to jump up and out before landing back into squat position. Reps: 20 Sets: 3 Push-Up and Plank This move will get your hands dirty, but it's well worth it for the total-body burn. Move closer to the shore toward really shallow water. Begin in palm plank position and hold for 30 seconds. Then, perform 12 push-ups, lowering chest to the shore (make sure not to dip your face in the water) and pushing back up to starting position. (Once you master the shoreside push-up, try your hand at these 13 Simple Ways To Amp Up Your Push-Up.) "Make this into a circuit with your friends for extra fun," says Patterson. Reps: 12 Sets: 3 Originally appeared online: https://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/water-friendly-summer-workout

By Flavia Yazigi, PhD and Mushi Harushi, MS This article is an updated and expanded version of the article, Osteoporosis & Aquatic Exercise, originally printed in the April May 2016 issue of AKWA magazine 29(6): 6. The innumerable benefits of aquatic exercise can be explained by the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic properties of the environment. On the other hand, the buoyant force of water seems to be responsible for the misconception that "exercise in water has no impact, so it is not good for osteoporosis." This article intends to clarify and correct preconceived ideas, and provide fitness professionals with guidelines to effectively use aquatic exercise for the prevention and management of osteoporosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO 2018), osteoporosis and osteopenia are listed in the International Classification of Diseases as Musculoskeletal Conditions. Osteopenia is an early stage of osteoporosis described as a low bone mass index. Osteoporosis (porous bone) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by progressive loss of bone mass and enhanced skeletal fragility associated with an increased risk of fractures. Common sites of fracture include the spine, hip, forearm and proximal humerus. Fractures at the hip incur the greatest morbidity and mortality, and give rise to the highest direct costs for health services. It is expected that osteoporosis incidence will increase exponentially with the global aging population. Risk Factors Among non-modifiable risk factors, age is the most important. Age-related bone loss is asymptomatic, and the morbidity of osteoporosis is secondary to the fractures that occur. Peak bone mass occurs between the ages of 18 and 25. Greater bone density at this time decreases the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Bone loss increases after menopause due to decreases in estrogen. Women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in the five to seven years after menopause. A woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. A man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer. Modifiable risk factors includes poor nutrition (mainly calcium deficiency), inactivity or insufficient exercise, smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, low body mass index BMI <20 kg/m2, vitamin D deficiency, and estrogen deficiency. Additionally, sarcopenia, an age-associated decline of skeletal muscle mass and function, can lead to frailty and osteoporosis (Yoo et al., 2018). General Exercise Recommendations Beyond education and a balanced nutrition, exercise is an economical, effective, and safe method for osteoporosis prevention and also for its management. Exercise acts on bone remodeling; effects on bone cells as well as on bone mass, bone strength, and geometry improve the osteogenic, or bone formation, process. Some body regions have better responsiveness to the ground reaction forces (impact) and other regions are more responsive to strength training due to the tension that muscles exert, through the tendons, on the bones. To benefit from the ground reaction forces, it is necessary to select exercise patterns that provides an impact level with a mechanical loading at least of 1.22 times body weight. This is sufficient for increases leg muscle mass and preservation of bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women (Borer, et al. 2007). Individuals with osteoporosis may feel more comfortable performing exercises in the water due to the decreased risk of falling. It is important for those with advanced osteoporosis, characterized by multiple fractures and severely reduced bone mineral density, to avoid further fractures, prevent falls and facilitate daily activities. Aquatic Exercise Facts Aquatic exercise was determined to be effective to create an anabolic (growth) effect on the bone of the postmenopausal, sedentary subjects (Ay, et al. 2003). Although weight-bearing physical activity is known to be superior to non-weight-bearing activity to increase the bone mass, evidence shows that aquatic and weight-bearing exercises both increased calcaneal BMI in 62 postmenopausal sedentary women with a mean age of 54.1 +/- 7 years (Ay, et al. 2005). Muscular resistance training may be more applicable to the basic rules of bone adaptation and site-specific effects of exercise, have more positive effects in maintaining or improving bone mass and architecture, and be safe and feasible for older people (Suominen 2006). Aquatic exercise is predominantly based on resistance training due to the multidirectional resistance of the water. Based upon the laws of action/reaction and acceleration, the vertical Impact provided from ground reaction forces will be influenced by the water depth/depth of immersion, body density, and choice of aquatic exercise movements. Ground reaction forces dissipate vertically, horizontally or through a combination of both. Knee lifts, front kicks and other movements that focus on vertical rebounding provide greater impact than exercise patterns that are more horizontally-oriented, such as a cross-country ski or jumping jack. Below is a comparison of mechanical loading in three popular aquatic exercise patterns (Alves 2008): KNEE LIFT performed at a depth of 1 meter produced 1.66 times body weight* and 1.15 times body weight at 1.3 meters. *Adequate to increase bone mineral density. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI performed at a depth of 1 meter produced 0.94 times body weight and 0.60 times body weight at 1.3 meters. JUMPING JACK performed at a depth of 1 meter produced 0.89 times body weight and 0.53 times body weight at 1.3 meters. Adding more power to a cross-country ski or jumping jack, such as a power tuck performed in level I or adding propulsion up and out of the water can increase the magnitude of vertical impact (Aboarrage Junior et al., 2018). Aquatic Program Considerations Water offers an opportunity to perform a multiplanar exercise and with different impact levels. This is beneficial for people that may be limited when performing land-based impact exercises. When designing an aquatic exercise program, keep in mind that at least eight months of exercise, twice per week, is necessary to provide significant changes in the bone mineral density (Moreira 2014). General exercise goals should focus on increasing muscle strength and mass, but aerobic exercise should not be excluded from the routine. The emphasis of exercise should gradually transition from muscle strengthening (for better functionality and mechanical and body weight support) to vertical impact loading of the lower body skeleton. A well-balanced aquatic exercise program for individuals with osteoporosis might include the following general concepts to provide functional improvement: Exercise intensity can be managed with rating of perceived exertion, such as the Borg, Omni and Aquatic Exercise Intensity (AEA 2018) scales. Include specific exercises to target posture, balance (static and dynamic), gait, coordination, hip and trunk stabilization, range of motion and flexibility. Emphasize ankle-related muscles to reduce risk of falls. For example, tap the toes up and down on the pool bottom (targeting tibialis anterior) and then the heels (targeting gastrocnemius and soleus) to help correct foot position during walking. For pain management, low to moderate aerobic exercise is recommended (5-8 out of 0-10 Borg Scale). Aquatic walking patterns (from simple movements to power walking, backward, forward, with and without arms assistance, etc.) are a great way to train the cardiorespiratory system without vertical impact Proper form and alignment is important; cue and correct as necessary. Allow adequate time to rest and recover – between exercises to ensure proper form and alignment, as well as between sessions. Exercises should be chosen according to the anatomic region. Lower limb (hip) and the lumbar region of the spine have better responsiveness to the ground reaction forces, thus impact exercises are important to include. Aquatic exercise for hip osteoporosis should include: Impact (rebounding) exercises in shallow water (except during pain crises). Impact (rebounding) exercises to stimulate different angles of the bone by moving in various planes and adding travelling. Wrist and upper limb are more responsive to strength training due to the tension that muscles exert, through the tendons, on the bones. Aquatic exercise for wrist osteoporosis should include: Isometric – grip strength using a hand bar or noodle. Isotonic – flexion/extension of the wrist with an open hand, applying power against the water’s resistance; optional drag equipment to increase intensity. Deep-water exercise, although non-impact in the vertical axis, does offer benefits to individuals with osteoporosis when the workout is based on aerobic and resistance exercises. Firstly, the relatively constant water temperature and hydrostatic pressure may facilitate blood circulation, ease soft-tissue contracture, and relieve muscle spasms and fatigue. Secondly, when water resistance acts in the opposite direction of body motion, greater muscle activity is required, which may enhance muscular strengthening (Yázigi at al., 2019). Additionally, the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic properties encountered during aerobic and resistance exercises release endorphin and serotonin, which help with pain and the control of other symptoms. Exercise Precautions Most exercise limitations are specific to land-based exercise, due to excessive force being placed on the weakened bone structure. Since gravity is reduced in the aquatic environment, the precautions are less restrictive. However, in the end of an aquatic class, the transition from water to land should be done carefully, particularly in cases of severe osteoporosis. Avoid spinal flexion on land to prevent vertebral fractures. In the water, some spinal flexion can be performed, including flexion in a modified supine position. Focus should be placed bracing the core by contracting the transverse abdominis. Avoid twisting movements, such as a golf swing, on land. In the water, slow, range of motion and rotational motion is acceptable as an active stretch. Avoid abrupt or explosive loading or high impact loading on land. Additionally, it is important to focus on positive reinforcement – activities can, and should, be safely enjoyed, rather than always placing emphasis on what should be avoided. The goal is to create a safe, but also enjoyable, exercise experience to improve daily activities and promote healthy lifestyles. REFERENCES Aboarrage Junior, A. M., Teixeira, C. V. S., Dos Santos, R. N., Machado, A. F., Evangelista, A. L., Rica, R. L., ... and Bocalini, D.S. 2018. A High-Intensity Jump-Based Aquatic Exercise Program Improves Bone Mineral Density and Functional Fitness in Postmenopausal Women. [Randomized Controlled Trial]. Rejuvenation Res. 21(6), 535 540. doi: 10.1089/rej.2018.2069 Alves, V. 2008. Exercício Aquático: avaliação das pressões plantares e força de reacção do apoio. Tese de Mestrado, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, UTL, Oeiras, Portugal. Arnold, C.M., Busch, A.J., Schachter, C.L., Harrison, E.L., Olszynski, W.P. 2008. A Randomized Clinical Trial of Aquatic versus Land Exercise to Improve Balance, Function, and Quality of Life in Older Women with Osteoporosis. Physiother Can. 60:296-306.4 Ay, A. and Yurtkuran, M. 2003. Evaluation of hormonal response and ultrasonic changes in the heel bone by aquatic exercise in sedentary postmenopausal women. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 82(12), 942-949. doi: 10.1097/01.PHM.0000098039.58584.59 Ay, A. and Yurtkuran, M. 2005. Influence of aquatic and weight-bearing exercises on quantitative ultrasound variables in postmenopausal women. [Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial]. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 84(1), 52-61. Borer, K. T., Fogleman, K., Gross, M., La New, J. M., and Dengel, D. 2007. Walking intensity for postmenopausal bone mineral preservation and accrual. Bone, 41(4), 713-721. Cosman, F., de Beur, S.J., LeBoff, M.S., Lewiecki, E.M., Tanner, B., Randall, S., and Lindsay, R. 2014. Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 25:2359-2381.10 Ekin, J. and Sinaki, M. 1993. Vertebral compression fractures sustained during golfing, report of three cases. Mayo Clinic Proc. 68:566-570. Kanis, J.A., McCloskey, E.V, Johansson, H., Cooper, C., Rizzol,i R., Reginster, J.Y. 2013. European guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 24:23-57.1 Moreira, L.D., Fronza, F..C, Dos Santos, R.N., Zach, P..L, Kunii, I..S, Hayash,i L.F., Teixeira, L.R., Kruel, L.F., and Castro, M.L. 2014. The benefits of a high-intensity aquatic exercise program (HydrOS) for bone metabolism and bone mass of postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Metab. 32:411-419.4 Pernambuco, C.S., Borba-Pinheiro, C..J, Vale, R.G., Di Mais, F., Monteiro, P..K, and Dantas, E.H. 2013. Functional autonomy, bone mineral density (BMD) and serum osteocalcin levels in older female participants of an aquatic exercise program (AAG). Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 56:466-471.3 Sallis, J.F. and Owen, N. 1998. Physical Activity and Behavioral Medicine. In: Sallis, J. and Owen, N., Eds., Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology, Volume 3, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks. Sinaki, M. 1984. Postmenopausal spinal osteoporosis, flexion versus extension exercises. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 65:593-596. Suominen, H. 2006. Muscle training for bone strength. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review]. Aging Clin Exp Res, 18(2), 85-93. Watts, N.B., Lewiecki, E.M., Miller, P.D., Baim, S. 2008. National Osteoporosis Foundation 2008 Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis and the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX): what they mean to the bone densitometrist and bone technologist. J Clin Densitom. 11:473-477.4 Wright, N.C., Looker, A.C., Saag, K.G., Curtis, J.R, Delzell, E.S., Randall S., and Dawson-Hughes, B. 2014. The recent prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in the United States based on bone mineral density at the femoral neck or lumbar spine. J Bone Miner Res. 29:2520-2526.11 World Health Organization, W. 2018, 15/02/2018. Musculoskeletal conditions Retrieved April, 18th, 2019, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fac sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions. Yázig, F., Veiga, D., Marcos-Pardo, P., and Espanha, M. 2019. Responsiveness of pain and symptom’s items of knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (koos) to the aquatic exercise. Revista de investigación en actividades acuáticas: monográfico especial de actividades acuáticas y salud. 3(5), 24-28. Yoo, S. Z., No, M. H., Heo, J. W., Park, D. H., Kang, J. H., Kim, S. H., & Kwak, H. B. 2018. Role of exercise in age-related sarcopenia. [Review]. J Exerc Rehabil. 14(4), 551-558. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836268.134 URL Sources http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00232 www.iofbonehealth.org/exercise-recommendations ABOUT THE AUTHORS Flavia Yazigi, PhD, is a professor at the University of Lisbon, an international AEA Training Specialist, a member of the AEA Research Committee and the recipient of AEA’s 2011 Global Award for Contribution to the Aquatic Fitness Industry. She has a PhD in physical activity and health. Flavia believes that the secret for aquatic success is the fusion between scientific research and result-oriented strategies Mushi Harush, MS, has a master’s degree in education and physical education and is the founder and owner of the Israeli Aquatic Exercise Center, where she organizes conventions and clinics. She has been an international AEA Training Specialist since 1994 and presents internationally at health and fitness conventions. Mushi was the recipient of the 2005 AEA Global Award for Contribution to the Aquatic Industry. This article is an updated and expanded version of the article, Osteoporosis & Aquatic Exercise, originally printed in the April May 2016 issue of AKWA magazine 29(6): 6.