Successful CALA
Aquafitness leadership involves the integration of the
following:
- Ability
to design appropriate aquafitness classes (warm up,
work out, stretch and relaxation)
- Effective
verbal and visual cueing skills
- Honouring
participants with a holistic leadership style
- Ability
to accurately demonstrate and cue the CALA movement
bank
- Ability
to move and cue effectively to music
- Practical
knowledge of aquatic exercise physiology
- Knowledge
of anatomy required to analyze / design aquatic
exercises
- Ability
to manipulate the Magical Properties of water in
aquatic exercise design
- Willingness
to honour and nurture yourself in your leadership
journey
Gradually
harmonize new knowledge and skills with the design and
delivery of aquafitness classes. Along the
way, ask your colleagues or a CALA mentor to
evaluate specific areas of your leadership. The
small risks you take as you work toward your goals can
result in outstanding progress.
Leading
- The
aquafitness leader is a fitness professional trained
to teach class members to execute movements safely,
and effectively. This requires skillful
cueing.
- Body
alignment, limb position, intensity options,
breathing and safety cues can all be demonstrated
well and seen clearly when the instructor is is
elevated and visible on deck.
- Aquafitness
leaders are trained to select movements appropriate
for the water. This ensures that the class is
purposeful and enjoyable. Leaders must
practice doing the moves in the water before leading
the class from the deck.
- Speed,
range of motion and intensity of movement are very
different on the land than they are for the
participants in the water. Trained leaders
understand these differences and demonstrate
movements from deck which are suitable for the
various ability levels in the aquafitness class,
- Leaders
choose music which is motivating and at the correct
speed for aquatic movement (118 - 124 bmp).
Tempo varieties which range from 2X tempo to 1/4
tempo will be selected and cued to suit the desired
movement speed and range of motion.
- Each
participant has different abilities and fitness
levels. On deck, the leader can clearly show
participants how to modify the movements and make the
workout harder or easier to suit individual needs.
- Instructors
assess how hard participants are working by
observing skin coloration, breathing rates and the
ability to talk.
- The
leader works hard to lead safe, effective and
enjoyable classes for their participants.
Cueing
The
aquafitness leader will cue:
- Postural
alignment
- Buoyancy
- Surface
area
- Range
of motion
- Joint
safety
- Alternative
moves
Communication
- Used
to educate, motivate and inspire.
- CALA
leaders use two way communication. They
practice being a good listener.
- They
accept and celebrate individual differences and
accomplishments.
- They
value the level of experience and knowledge of
participants.
- They
consistently offer alternatives in a non-judgmental
way.
- Our
leaders get to know their participants both in and
out of the class
CALA Code Of Conduct For Aquafitness Leadership
- Your activities associated with CALA will be of the highest
professional standard. you are the vanguard of aquafitness leadership in
Canada, and the world. Consequently, others will be looking to you as a role
model. Use that focus to continually improve your abilities.
- Always feel free to experiment and to advance the
boundaries of what we know to be aquafitness. It is important to 'push the
field' as we create the future of this industry.
- Knowledge and ability are a potent combination. The final ingredient
for exceptional leadership is a positive attitude! CALA leaders exemplify
holism. It is important to promote and demonstrate the integration of the
mind, body, and spirit to your participants. We ask that you look for the strengths
that reside in yourself and in others. Bring them forward and celebrate
them! It is your role to develop the excellence to be found in everyone.
- The more pleasure you experienced as a leader, the more
your participants will have. When your participants have the opportunity to experience
the joy of movement, aquafitness will become an integral component of their
lives. Your participants will share in the pleasure of allowing the mind to
discover, the body to move, and the spirit to soar.
- As a CALA trained and certified leader:
- You demonstrate a respect of other leadership styles.
- You embrace all ages, races, cultures, genders, shapes and
sizes of participants.
- You embrace all aspects of the fitness industry and
celebrate the differences.
- You display a professional approach to leadership and
learning
- You share news about personal growth and development with
fellow leaders, participants and others.
- You display a professional appearance including clothing,
footwear, and personal hygiene when in a leadership role
- You pursue ongoing professional development of continually
upgrade your skills.
Adherence to this code assures us all continued growth in a
mutually supportive and rewarding environment through membership in the Canadian
Aquafitness Leaders Alliance Inc.
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