Aquafitness programmes are designed for people who can't participate in high impact sports and fitness; or simply for people who enjoy the fun atmosphere of an aquafitness class. 

Aquafitness is ideal for anyone recovering from injury or illness and wishes to maintain or improve their fitness; also for expectant mothers and the elderly can benefit from this type of exercise!

Aquafitness has many great outcomes for the body - many muscles can be strengthened, toned, and stretched through swimming and aquafitness.  There are resistance and isometric exercises that can be used to strengthen muscles, from simple flexing and movement to more advanced routines involving light weights under water. In water, back muscles and abdominal muscles are utilised, without specific action on them, due to the resistance of the water, so it is an effective work out.

Note: This course does have a practical component. Students are required to observe Aquafitness classes and keep a log book, which must be signed off by a register Aqua Instructor.

There are 7 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction - Definition of aqua fitness and therapy and how it differs from other fitness activities. Encompasses the different stages of a fitness session and the management of an aquatic center
2. Equipment and Facilities - The aim of this lesson is to gain the skills and knowledge which will aid in the selection, use and management and facilities required for aqua fitness activities. Includes pool position, design and depth, equipment required for aqua fitness activities, music and first aid requirements.
3. Types of Exercises - This lessons gives an understanding of the wide range of different aerobic and anaerobic movements that can be used in aqua aerobic programs. Lesson content includes stretching, aerobic and anaerobic principles and exercises in both shallow and deep water.
4. Hydrostatic and Hydrodynamic Principles - The aim of this lesson is to develop an understanding of the principles underlying the design of an appropriate aqua fitness program. Includes definitions of pressure, weight and body alignment in water, warming up, recovery and cool down.
5. Safety and Health - This lesson gives an understanding of the aqua fitness training requirements of special needs groups. Includes pregnancy, safety and health requirements, pre-exercise screening checklists, liability and legislation.
6. Program Design - This lesson provides skills in the design and delivery of appropriate aqua based programs to improve and maintain aerobic fitness. Includes program aims, warm up, the exercise body, recovery and cool down examples, as well as intensity levels.
7. Leading a Program - This lesson gives an understanding of skills to provide better leadership qualities during an aqua fitness session. Covers leadership concepts, teaching, communication, body language and student numbers.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school\'s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Gain an understanding of how aquafitness activities differ from other fitness activities.
• Learn the skills and knowledge which will aid in the selection, use and management of equipment and facilities required for aquafitness activities.
• Gain an understanding of a wide range of different aerobic and anaerobic movements that can be used in aquafitness programs.
• Develop an understanding of the principles underlying the design of an appropriate aquafitness program.
• Develop an understanding of the aquafitness training requirements of special needs groups.
• Learn and develope knowledge of the importance of the design and skills on how to deliver of appropriate aqua based programs to improve/maintain aerobic fitness.
• Gain an understanding of skills that will enable better leadership of an aqua fitness session.

To learn how to enrol click here