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...
Marietta Mehanni
Blog
Frothy Foam Ideas
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: Suspended exercises in shallow and...
Floating Feet
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...
Creating Aqua Magic
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...
Aqua Instructors
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes - Aqua Instructors Today I shine a spotlight on a remarkable group of individuals who truly deserve our appreciation: aqua instructors. These dedicated individuals often find themselves teaching in less-than-ideal environments—hot, humid,...
The Shift
Setting the scene Almost 10 years ago, I had the enormous privilege to present on behalf of the Continence Foundation of Australia with Mary O'Dwyer. This opportunity was on my wish list as I had heard of Mary for years and knew about her books, and quite simply, I...
A stick and two rubber bands – why the fuss?
Unconventional tools I have always been one to stray from the beaten path, drawn to unconventional ideas, tools, and programs. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason behind this inclination. Perhaps it stems from my upbringing or even my genetics. Whatever the cause,...
Reflection
'Life has seasons – winter, spring, summer and autumn' my mentor and friend Jennifer Schembri Portelli said to me a few years ago. I remember thinking that I believed her, but did not know what season I was in or when I would have that realisation. I knew that we did...
Oh no, you didn’t…
Pelvic floor awareness has been a passion for me. Travelling around the country and now New Zealand, I am constantly delighted and surprised by the interest in the topic, the lack of knowledge about this very important muscle and how it works within the body. It is...
The Word ‘Should’
Disempowerment of the word 'should.' Louise Hay was the first person to bring my attention to the word 'should'. Some of you will know who she is and her excellent company. Hay House produces books, audiobooks and seminars and runs events worldwide on...
Flashbacks
This month's blog goes out to all the instructors who have ‘been around' for a while. At a recent Gymstick H2O workshop, I had an opportunity to reminisce about the good old days of group exercise instruction. That was when it was called Aerobics. Dawn, and instructor...
A beginner again
Very shortly after we are born there are a lot of 'firsts'.Our first big breath, our first cry, our first feed. Then it is our first smile (genuine), first step and our first word. We actually have hundreds and thousands of first experiences in our tender years. Then...