Sensational Aqua Arms workshop was developed from the desire to get aqua participants to focus more on their upper body technique and to change the typical lower body focus. In exploring the concept, we discovered that two pieces of OKEO equipment were ideal for meeting this challenge and therefore enabling participants to  improve their strength and muscle tone. Hydro Diamond Dumbbells and Boxing Gloves are two quite different pieces of equipment that allowed us to develop a diverse range of movements and exercises.

Consider this... Participants coming to YOUR class because of the MUSIC you play! This has certainly been an important aspect in land based classes for as long as group fitness has existed. Admittedly, this is sometimes missing in aqua classes and music is merely a background beat. When we know that music can transcend time and is a universal form of communication, why are we then using it as "something in the background"?

What class would be complete without some exercises devoted to using the humble dumbbell? From the original milk containers that were one of the earliest floatation aids used in aqua classes, the dumbbell has many uses including:

Hooray, a new aquatic tool to add variety to our aqua classes. As an aqua instructor, I have pushed, pulled, held and let go of the dumbbell in so many ways that I don't know if I can do anything new with it. The same applies to the noodle. They are both fantastic tools that have numerous uses, but what happens after fifteen years of being creative - you need to try something new. Okeo have created a number of new pieces of aquatic equipment, one of which I have chosen to write about: The Hydro Ankle.

Deep water training has grown in popularity over the past 15 years. Athletes and sporting groups are appreciating the benefits of both sports specific training and recovery in deep water. Certainly for the general public, it has been a fitness option that has grown steadily.

Aqua instructors are continually being challenged to create new and interesting formats for their classes, hence the development of different forms of equipment such as dumbbells, woggles, aqua belts, etc. Unfortunately, not all facilities are equipped with these great tools so it's up to us to use our creativity to come up with effective, fun, challenging and memorable classes each and every time. Here are just a few ideas to help inspire you to create aqua magic!