Redefine what intensity means

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I need new moves to make my class more engaging” or “I need something different to help my participants work harder”, you’re not alone. It’s common for aqua instructors to assume that intensity requires novelty. But here’s a powerful reframe:
It’s not about adding more moves — it’s about unlocking more from the moves you already use.
Whether your goal is to help participants feel stronger, increase their heart rate, or simply keep them engaged, intensity doesn’t require a brand-new repertoire. It requires a shift in how we cue, demonstrate, and deliver what we already know.

The Myth of the “Magic Move”

Let’s set the record straight: there is no “magic move” that guarantees intensity. What works with one participant may not motivate another. What really makes a move feel effective comes down to:

• How it’s demonstrated
• How it’s cued
• How it’s delivered with intention

You can take the simplest moves — jacks, jogging, kicks — and turn them into a high-energy exercise with the right approach. You can also take that same move and make it feel easy and ineffective.
It’s not the move. It’s the method.

Cueing for Intensity: Your Words Shape Their Effort

Subtle changes in your language can completely change how a movement is performed. Cueing isn’t just about saying what to do — it’s about inspiring effort, shaping form, and anchoring intention.
Let’s look at a few examples:

• Instead of: “Let’s do jacks” Try: “Push the water out hard with your arms — feel the resistance from fingertips to elbows.”
• Instead of: “Now jog on the spot” Try: “Reach forward with your arms and rebound off your toes. Lift the knees higher than your
  hips. Pull the elbows back behind your torso, drive back so that you can feel this in the back of your arms.”
• Instead of: “Front kicks” Try: “Lift upwards and pull the arms all the way from the front to the back of the body. Allow the head and torso to rotate as you pull your arms down through the water”.

TIP BOX: Coaching Effort Through Language

• Highlight resistance: “Push the water away like it’s heavy (or sand).”
• Target multiple body parts: “Your legs are kicking, but what are your arms doing? Are you working the full body?”
• Direct posture and positioning: “Stay upright and lift through the crown of your head.”
• Set intention: “This exercise is about power. Show me what explosive looks like for you?”
• Cue control and clarity: “It’s not about being fast — it’s about powerful execution.”

Demonstration That Drives Effort

How you demonstrate on land impacts how participants move in the water. But demonstration isn’t just about copying the move — it’s about showing intent, form, and purpose. And that requires smart use of the tools around you.
If you’re on deck, don’t just demonstrate the exercise or mime the motion. Use a chair, an aqua frame, or get down to pool deck level to give your participants a clear visual. Showing a small, sloppy version of a move will not inspire intensity. Instead, offer them a model that says: this is what effort looks like.
If you’re unsure how to demonstrate a specific movement pattern effectively — especially one that involves suspension, travel, or directional changes — head to my weekly Aqua Tips on YouTube. Each video includes:
A land-based demo using practical tools like chairs and frames

• Underwater and above-water angles to help visualise the full movement
• Clear cueing suggestions to teach and motivate

It’s Not About Doing More — It’s About Doing Better

You don’t need 50 exercises. The magic isn’t in variety — it’s in mastery.
And the more you practice describing effort, range, and resistance, the more empowered your participants become to take those movements further.

For Instructors Who Want More

If this approach resonates with you, and you’re looking to develop your skillset further — from cueing to class design to creative teaching tools — explore the Aqua Mentoring Membership. It’s built specifically to support water fitness professionals with real-world solutions, continuous learning, and a strong, engaged community.

You don’t need flashy new moves. You just need to be effective.