In August 2010 I injured my back causing the Lumbar 4/5 Intervertebral disc to prolapse 22mm. Compression of the L5 and L4 nerves caused weakness, loss of sensation and numbness of my right leg. I found it extremely painful and difficult to even walk small distances. I had to stop working (I’m an aqua aerobics instructor), in fact I couldn’t do much of anything and I was on strong pain medication, including Oxycodone, round the clock just to get through the day.

Surgeons performed a microdiscectomy on the 12th of October. I immediately regained almost all sensation in my leg, but still experienced some weakness and pain. After surgery the physiotherapist’s main aim for rehab was to concentrate on my core strength and stability.

By day ten post-op, the surgery scar had healed enough for the doctor to give me the green light to get in the pool. As an aqua aerobics instructor, I knew that I could perform all of the physio exercises and more in the water with great results and with less discomfort. Also, I’d participated in Marietta’s Aqua Gymstick Workshop in June so I knew how effective the Gymstick was for building strength and stability through the core.

So 2 to 3 times per week I grabbed my Aqua Gymstick and got in the pool for 30-60 minutes. I performed really basic and slow exercises concentrating on using my arms and legs at the same time. I found that, with the bands attached to my feet and my hands manipulating the stick, my mid-section really needed to work hard at keeping me balanced and moving in the right direction.

I did anything that would challenge all those little stabiliser muscles and postural muscles to work hard and keep me balanced in the water. For example:

I walked through the water while using the stick as a canoe paddle – opposite arm to leg
With the bands twisted, I did side steps while performing various arm exercises (bicep curls/ up-right row/ shoulder press etc)
With the stick behind me, I did small front kicks or big steps while pushing the stick away from my body

I expected to feel stiff, sore and fatigued after these sessions considering that I’d not been able to move for two months and it was very soon after surgery but I actually got out of the pool feeling stronger and re-energized and much more flexible. Whenever I have to do any physical activity on land the muscles in my lower back and hips become tight and sore but that does not happen when I work in the water. The combination of the water and aqua gymstick allows for greater resistance in a gentle, supportive environment allowing me to work harder and get faster results.

It’s now nine weeks since my surgery and I am back at work! My physiotherapist is amazed at how much I am able to do… he pointed out that at this stage most people who have this surgery are still practising walking.

PRESENTERS INC.

What a pleasure! What an experience!

Presenters Inc. is a must for all wishing to make a leap from instructor to
presenter.

A journey of life time proportion brought into a beautifully designed 3 day course. I was exposed to amazing industrial leaders within their own areas, conveying their life long experiences onto myself and a privileged group of keen course attendees.

This is something that money can’t buy, yet it was an experience that would humble even the most ostentatious few.

The session was hosted by the professional and passionate crew at Music and Motion, allowing this course to progress smoothly and undisrupted.

I will treasure the experience and reference the knowledge attained for years to come.

A huge shout out to the beautiful Marietta Mehanni and Karen (of Music and Motion) for the privilege to learn from the best in the industry. I highly recommend this course to all seeking a challenge and for
those who need to be re-inspired to continue their journey within their selective industries.

I am now staring down a path with clarity and determination. This course has provided me with the tools and knowledge I need to become the best I can be.

Try to get to know Marietta Mehanni and you will find that she is a fitness maniac, burning with passion to get everyone moving. You cannot help but be motivated, inspired and influenced by her.
Marietta’s generosity, caring and hardworking spirit is well known.

Not to mention her popularity and the wealth of experience in fitness arena as a national and international presenter, lecturer, mentor, educator, coordinator, writer and instructor. She has earned her success, and gains many great tips/knowledge by working through many challenges, without giving up. Her achievements are recognized by many awards and living testimonial of others, who were taught or mentored by her – many, became highly skilled and sough after instructors, and presenters. I am also one of the very lucky one to be mentored by her.

Starting as a participant in her class (not knowing how to do cut the corner), to becoming an instructor and now a presenter.

About the book…

It is exciting to see the finish work of this book, “The instructor step essential” – a great resource for anyone who wants to teach step. In this book, you will find recipe for teaching a successful step class. All aspect of the basic in teaching step class is beautifully outlined, and the information expanded with informative photos, as well as practical drills and examples. You will find a step by step guide to choreography design, layering and intensity variation, and helpful information on teaching skills. You will also find answers to many common questions that you might ask as a step instructor.

Read it, apply it and let it impact your fitness career!

Marietta is one of the most knowledgeable, organised and skilled presenters I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The energy and enthusiasm that Marietta brings to her teaching sessions is infectious making it impossible not to learn. The Gymstick is now my favourite piece of exercise equipment.

Mentoring:

Marietta brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as her intense professionalism, to her work of instructor mentoring.

She provides assistance with every aspect of learning to be an instructor – the psychological aspects (e.g. managing nerves), the physical aspects (e.g. avoiding injury), the creative aspects (e.g. finding “the inner choreographer”), the instructional (e.g. getting the idea across) – the list goes on.

She is always focussed on the new instructor as an individual – looking to find their special strengths and attributes so that she can develop and nurture these to help us to be the very best instructors we can be.

For me though probably the most important aspect of being mentored by Marietta has been the affect of working closely with someone who is so deeply committed to, and indeed loves, instructing, mentoring, presenting and fitness generally.

That love of her work infuses every aspect of her mentoring and gives it a special potency that makes it incredibly compelling and an absolute privilege to be mentored by her.

Step instructing:

Marietta’s Step classes are fun and a great workout! She is completely focussed on the participant – accepting and celebrating participants of all ages and fitness levels.

She pays careful attention to safety issues. By encouraging full range of movement, she maximises the workout for participants.

But the chore is the thing…

The choreography is beautiful and crafted, yet, because it is broken down and taught in fragments by such a skilled instructor, it is totally achievable- even for the inexperienced participant.
This is step as meditation – where the mind is freed as the body dances!

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to up for the information you provided at you course held at Homebush Aquatic Centre in Sydney in August.

I have been talking to my clients about pelvic floor muscles which always leads to interesting topics of conversation!! But telling them how important it is, it is just great. The feedback is good, and like some of my clients have said – we do need to be reminded to use it, because we don’t do it as much as we should. I constantly remind my clients to activate their pelvic floor, and a couple of clients have recently told me that they have been on holidays and took me with them as they were sitting for a long time and my voice came to them saying, “use your pelvic floor muscles.” To which they said it was most helpful.

Also I have been using my music to create moves to the track. This has taken time to listening to it and use the timing to create my own moves… it is just great. This is exactlywhere I wanted to take my aqua classes, so I do a bit of mixing and matching, workouts and dancing… I love it and I am getting some great feed back so a huge thank you Marietta for inspiring me.
I can’t wait to do another one of your course, you are full of information and have so much energy, I just love it. Thanks again