Who is CALA? 

The Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance Inc. (CALA) is an international, educational organization with a mandate to provide high quality training, certification and access to current information for its members and others in the active living community. Our courses are research based and provide a strong network for aqua fitness leaders, aquatic post rehabilitation specialists, personal trainers and coaches. CALA promotes professionalism and excellence through thoughtful integration of the mind, body and spirit.

• Open up employment opportunities: Facilities are in need of qualified & motivated CALA leaders

• Teach SAFE and EFFECTIVE classes, certifications are fast becoming a requirement

• Earn Continuing Education Credits with a variety of organizations

• Receive accreditation for ‘Instructor Recertification Credits’ with LSS (Lifesaving Society) by attending CALA events

• Increase your hourly wage and learn more about the latest aquafitness trends

• Become unique! Choose to teach an Aquatic Specialty (i.e Aqua Running, Aqua Natal, Aqua Post-Rehab, Aqua for Kids, etc...)

• Maintain or regain a healthy and fit lifestyle with an enjoyable part time job teaching water fitness

• Utilize the skills you learn now to start your own business by organizing classes in your community

A. Attend a CALA Foundations of Vertical Water Training – The Kopansky Method Course followed by the CALA Group Aqua Fitness Leadership Training Specialty Course

B. Successfully complete an OPEN BOOK Theory Exam after completion of the Foundations Course

C. Successfully complete a 30 minute practical assessment (receive 1:1 personalized feedback) and a Group Aqua Fitness Assignment

D. Maintain CALA Membership in good standing

• CALA Healing Waters Program: Intro to Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Prep Course and Aqua Arthritis & Joint Disorders Specialty Course (other modules under development include: Back Care, MS, Cardiac Rehab, Motor Vehicle Accident)

• CALA Aqua for Healthy Older Adults Specialty Course

• CALA Aqua for Kids: ‘Splish Splash’ Specialty Course

• CALA Aqua Infused Martial Arts (Kick Box) Specialty Course

• CALA Aqua Personal Training Specialty Course

• CALA Aqua Natal Specialty Course

• CALA Aqua Running Specialty Course

• CALA Intro to Aquafitness Student Clinic

• Workshops: Over 100 topics including: Liquid Aqua Muscle, Aqua Deep Choreography, Aqua Cycle, Beyond Abs and more.

• CALA TeleClasses –Gain knowledge and network with other leaders from the comfort of your own home!

Do you offer CEC’s?

CALA Events are eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CEC’s) / Professional Development Credits (PDC’s) / Renewal Credits with a variety organizations including LSS, CanFitPro, OFC, AFLCA, NSFA, SPRA, BCRPA, YM/YWCA.. See the website www.calainc.org for full list.

Easy! Call or Email CALA with your name, phone number and email address: We will ensure you receive monthly updates and PRIORITY notification courses, conference, continuing education workshops and master classes. Call 416-751-9823 or toll free 1-888-751-9823. Email cala@interlog.com 

Absolutely! It is convenient, easy to organize and facilities have the opportunity to earn $revenue$ and subsidize staff registrations by hosting a CALA event. To receive a full information package, email CALA or call us today.

There are many benefits of having a CALA Individual or Corporate Membership. Discounted rates on CALA events, merchandise, educational materials, early registrations, newsletters, job postings, access to members-only section (coming soon!) on the CALA website. Course fees are competitive for the of training hours and high quality of the programs; plus you have the option to pay in installment plans - ask us for details!

Instructor non-slip Safety Mats, Aqua Flotation Belts, "Tidal Wave" Aqua Fitness CD’s, Ryka Aqua Shoes, AQX Aqua Training Shoes, Shirts, Vests, Jackets, Backpacks, Water Bottles, Manuals and much more. Videos and DVD’s on the way! For details, www.calainc.org 

When can I get started? 

NOW!!!

How has CALA training helped rejuvenate  Aqua Fit programs.

I work for The Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile, BC - a wellness resort.  108 Mile is approximately 5 hours north of Vancouver and the population of our area is under 5000 people.  We do not have a municipal facility, so we hold aquafitness classes in The Hills hotel pool.  We have a wonderful group of women who have been coming for years - it is the only program that has a 'local' following.  Since we started the CALA program (I was trained with CALA over 4 years ago and brought CALA to The Hills 2 years ago) our attendance has doubled - consistently!  We offer aquafitness everyday at 11am, and during the week, our numbers range from 12-16+ locals and  whatever guests are staying - sometimes our numbers are up to 25! (if you saw our pool, you would be impressed!).  The participants have taken responsibility for their own training and bodies, work very hard to the best of their ability,  and have no more complaints (ah! This is the really great part!)!

In CALA, we offer a serious, educational, always dynamic approach to aquafitness.  We have a wonderful team who recognizes the value of training in the water for all levels:  seniors to athletes to people with injuries to pre/post natal women, and more.  We have marketing tips to help to bring in a clientele that normally would not think of exercising in the water (for example, 108 has a surprisingly large group of runners / triatheletes, and I am in the process of drawing them to the water for cross training with 'Water Running').  

Shelagh Noonan
108 Mile, BC
CALA-BCRPA Aquafitness Trainer

Answer 2

I am the programs coordinator at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.  I want to ensure you that the money spent to train your instructors with CALA is a wise investment.  CALA is an organization that is about more than just the certification process...they are a committed to providing a high standard of aquatic leadership through continued education and support.  Once you become part of CALA, you become part of a family which will help your facility grow and prosper.  From day one, CALA has been there to answer any questions that I might have, and believe me, I have a lot of questions.  I have been in the fitness industry for almost 20 years, and of all the courses and associations that I have been affiliated with, CALA definitely is on the top of the list.  The course outline is longer than most Aquafit programs out there, however, it thoroughly gives you hands-on practical application along with the theory that is needed to make for a top notch leader.  Most other course provide participants with a condensed version of theory and not much practical application and push the participants out the door with no mentoring or reputable certification process.

When I came on board at Acadia, there was no consistency, growth or variety to our Aquafit program, which was very frustrating to both the staff and participants.  Since then, we have doubled our Aquafit attendance, and the rehabilitation centers now recognize the high quality of CALA training and refer clients to us to take part in regular Aquafit classes for post rehab (we also do aquatic personal training and work with the athletics departments to cross train sports specific groups).  Aquafit isn't "just for seniors" anymore and can be adapted to all fitness levels and limitations.  50% of my clientel are university age students who, once learning the advantages of training in water verses land, much prefer to go to an Aquafit class rather than a land based class.  The beauty of working with CALA is that you learn how to market and improve your client base.  CALA provides leaders with the ability to not just lead a class, but to educate while they lead.

 was so impressed with the CALA approach, that I have spent the last year working towards becoming a trainer for the CALA program.  I was fortunate to meet and be able to work with Shelagh Noonan over the last year and she is an awesome trainer.  The two of us joke as we are the Canadian Shanghi Noon trainers "east meets west". 

I hope this helps with your decision to bring CALA to your area.  It will be well worth it.

Angela Curry,
Programs Coordinator
Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Answer 3

In four years the facility that I teach at has gone from 3 morning aquafitness classes to 10 each week. The clientele has become stronger, healthier, and happier. I took a class of 20 who had been exercising in the shallow water for over 20 years, to a clientele base that exceeds 250 in deeper waters. The participants love the variety that I offer; aqua jogging, aqua spinning, aqua tai chi, aqua cardio, and arthritis. They say they love it when they travel to other centers that also have a CALA certified lead class, they understand the cueing, the signs and most of all they know what to expect. They understand their muscles, how to make them work harder in the water, they understand the principals of the water, knowledge they did not know or understand before CALA. I could go on.

I worked with the nay sayers, I was told many times that the participants didn't want to change, and yes there were a few who didn't like it. However the majority loved the changes. The CALA program is solid, no participant could change my mind that the old way was better. It has taken four years to evolve. I only started aqua tai chi this past fall, but they the participants were ready for an additional challenge.

If you have any questions I would love to answer them. 

Marlene Cairns

Response 4

I have been forwarded your email regarding an interested in bringing CALA to your facility. We have been offering CALA aquafitness classes at our facility for the past 7+ years. Our classes average 20-30 people each time. The quality of training our instructors have received from CALA is the reason these classes are so popular. Our customers rave that our classes are fun, energetic and effective.  We have had customers from out of town who say they can tell we offer CALA Quality by the way we teach and that it is by far the best class they've done. In addition to our 7 aquafitness classes per week we also offer 3 Aquajogging classes (we had to add another class due to popular demand). This is also a CALA program that has been very successful for us.  We average 30 people per class ranging in ages and fitness abilities as well as good representation of both male and female.  Many of our Aquajogging participants have said it's the best work out they've ever had!  It's important to note that Whitehorse is a community of around 20,000 people so we're pretty proud of the numbers we get.  From a revenue stand point with mostly adult admissions- CALA training is well worth it. I think your community will be pleasantly surprised with how good Aquafit can be.  Your instructors will enjoy the courses taught by CALA (Shelagh and Charlene are fantastic!) and will be motivated to lead great classes. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Best of luck with your programming.

Sharon Denton,
Aquatic Programmer
City of Whitehorse

How often do I have to renew my registration?

You must renew your CALA certification annually. To certify you must have earned 8 CECs and pay an administration fee.

How do I find out about upcoming workshops?

All CALA workshops, courses and conferences are posted immediately on the CALA website on the Upcoming page. If you don't see what you are looking for, please contact CALA. We are welcome new host facilities.

If I accumulate more than the minimum number of renewal credits, may I use my extra credits for the next registration period?

Yes, CALA banks your CECs. You can use them towards future recertification.

How do I apply for recertification credits from a non-CALA event?

Forward a copy of the workshop outline, length of the workshop and biography of the presenter to the CALA office for review. We will send you a confirmation of credit approval (receipts will not be accepted). An administration fee will be applied. 

What documentation is required as proof that I attended an approved workshop?

All organizers of CALA-approved workshops must issue a certificate of attendance indicating the number of renewal credits. Receipts will not be accepted.

When do I send my recertification and membership renewal registration information into the CALA office?

CALA will issue a reminder approximately 6 weeks before your membership and recertification are due along with the applicable fees and requirements. Once payment is received you will will receive a membership and recertification renewal confirmation. Please allow 2-3 weeks for this process. Both the membership and recertification are renewed annually on the same anniversary date.

What if I can't complete my recertification requirements before my expiry date?

CALA keeps a record of all your earned and used CECs. You can take them anytime during the year. Once you have enough CECs you can stop earning them for that year. Any additional CECs earned during that year will be applied to the next period.

What's in the Wavelink newsletter?

The Wavelink contains CALA-offered workshops and courses, plus a list of stores of interest and industry related, lists of participants in recent workshops and course, new certification, tips and hints and questions and answer. 

How do I apply to become a CALA Trainer?

Contact the CALA office and refer to the Become A Trainer page on the site. Someone from CALA will contact you directly to discuss upcoming Trainer training sessions.

Where do I find music?

There are many sources of fitness music: Power Productions, Burntrax, Muscle Mixes and Dynamix, to name a few. Many music companies offer discounts at fitness conferences. Or, you can purchase fitness tapes over the phone or on the Internet. Contact individual companies to receive their catalogues.

What happens if someone gets hurt in my class or during a training session?

Follow your CPR/First Aid training and facility procedures, document what happened.

What happens to my registration when I move?

Contact CALA to make sure their records are current and correct. You CALA certification is valid throughout Canada and Internationally. If you leave the country, you should contact CALA to determine if your membership should be converted to an international membership.

Why do I need to maintain my membership?

Although membership with CALA is not mandatory to work in all fitness facilities, it is always a benefit to receive professional recognition.

What level of CPR and First Aid is required?

CALA does not require you to have CPR and First Aid training but your place of employment may have this as a condition of employment.

Can I add specialty designations, such as Water Running or Kick Box?

CALA offers a number of specialty courses that you can become certified in. Check out the specialty courses under Training and Events.

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