Teaching water aerobics can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Because water aerobics is a low-impact class that is very easy on the joints, it is not uncommon to see the elderly, obese, pregnant or those with injuries in your class. Get to know the members of your class and learn their limitations. Members are there for a workout, so do not take it easy on them just because they are in water.
Class Levels
Step 1
Teach a beginners' class by always keeping one foot on the ground and movements slow and simple. If you choose to move across the pool, do so at a walking pace. Pick a series of eight to 10 exercises and spend about 30 seconds on each. Repeat the entire series through the duration of the class.
Step 2
Pick up the intensity for an intermediate class by introducing jogging, hopping, side shuffles or anything involving both feet being off the ground at the same time. Arm and leg movements can be quicker to add resistance to the muscles. You can also introduce water weights, noodles or water shoes for difficulty. Always show the basic version of each exercise.
Step 3
Make your class advanced by picking up the speed, having the class in constant motion the entire duration of the class, performing all exercises while moving across the pool (running, hopping, gliding), wearing water shoes or hand fins or holding water weights. Depending on your members' ability and skill level, you can introduce swimming exercises where the feet never touch the ground.
Types of Water Aerobics Classes
Step 1
Teach a basic water aerobics class in shallow water, usually no higher than the rib cage. This allows the members to have more control over their body because they will be less buoyant.
Step 2
Teach a deep water aerobics class in the deeper end of the pool where feet cannot reach the bottom. Everyone should wear a water belt to keep them afloat. This type of class ranges from intermediate to advanced and involves exercises such as treading, full jumping jacks, leg scissors and freestyle or breast stroke swimming exercises.
Step 3
Teach a prenatal or postnatal class in the shallow or deep end of the pool. Keep the tempo slow to intermediate. Only those who have been swimming and exercising prior to getting pregnant should partake in an advanced water aerobics class. All prenatal and postnatal participants should have permission from their doctor first.
Step 4
Always do a heart rate check several times throughout your class. It is harder to determine a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in the water as opposed to being on land. Constantly ask how the class is feeling, make sure they are breathing correctly and not holding their breath and be cheerful and motivating. Your class will respond to your attitude and spirit.
Your Choice
Step 1
Teach while in the water or while standing on the pool deck. Being in the water is more personable, but it may be harder for newcomers to learn moves without being close to you. Teaching from the deck allows everyone to see the exact motion and position of the exercise.
Step 2
Include music in the background and time your exercises instead of doing an 8-count pattern or such. Music is a great addition, but it's very difficult to sync water exercises to the beat.
Step 3
Get certified as a lifeguard even if it's not required to teach water aerobics. It never hurts to have extra knowledge regarding water safety.
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