Tidal Waves – October 2024 | SCW Fitness Education

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Splash with SCW in Beantown

Boston MANIA® is right around the corner. Don’t miss out on the latest aqua moves and mind-blowing education from your favorite presenters.

Aqua workshops are guaranteed to keep your classes afloat along with over 200 hopping sessions on everything from exercise physiology to nutrition taking your teaching skills to the next level. Choose from 1, 2, or 3-day MANIA® registration options or join the team as Support Staff.

Don’t forget to purchase an SCW Membership for the best price and lastly be sure to add on those recordings so you don’t miss a single word, move, or beat.

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One Splash That Changed My Life

By: Zuly Garcia – Indigo Aquatics

A few years ago, I embarked on a transformative journey into the world of Aqua Fitness. Previously an advertising producer and public relations specialist, I felt a strong desire for a change and decided to leave my career behind to dive into the aquatic realm full-time. Fortunately, this transition was seamless for me, given my deep roots in the sport. I began my athletic career as a competitor and later coached the national artistic swimming team in Puerto Rico.

This shift from a traditional career to entrepreneurship in Aqua Fitness was a rollercoaster experience that fundamentally altered my perspective. I started viewing Aqua Fitness not just as a fitness trend but as an innovative tool for training athletes in artistic swimming. This sport is uniquely demanding, requiring a fusion of various disciplines to achieve peak performance. Here’s how this comes together:

A gymnast performing routines in the water.
A swimmer competing in a 400-meter event with minimal breathing opportunities.
The figure jumps and turns of an ice skater on an unstable surface.
The strength and grace of a water polo player rising from the water.
The interpretive dance of a performer choreographed to music, engaging with the audience to tell a story.
The precision and repetition of a diver’s routines over several minutes.
The energy and coordination of a cheerleader help a team create intricate formations.

So, how does this relate to Aqua Fitness? Engaging with water fortifies the body, mind, soul, and spirit. Regardless of your background, transferring your experience and knowledge to Aqua Fitness can create remarkable results, especially when tailored to artistic swimming.

Initially, I didn’t understand why my regular clients were so enthusiastic about my classes. However, when I introduced these sessions to my team, the realization hit me: everything fell into place. The classes were synchronized, dynamic, and full of energy, resembling a dance in the water. It was as if they were performing with the grace of artistic swimmers, despite being in the water.

Water provides a unique way to release stress and negative energy from daily life. When athletes engage in unconventional training, they become more creative and cooperative. This approach fosters a sense of harmony, balance, and equilibrium among teammates, making each practice feel less like a routine and more like a fun, mindful exercise. They work on essential skills such as breathing, heart rate management, power, precision, and coordination of mind and body.

For example, the Saf Aqua Drums Vibes deep water class keeps participants constantly moving with enthusiasm, enjoying themselves while working hard. This results in improved performance, such as better air retention and enhanced sculling abilities in subsequent exercises.

The sense of satisfaction I receive from seeing athletes thrive and excel is immense. This journey has reaffirmed my life’s purpose in sports, and I am committed to continuing this path, helping others stay healthy and motivated through Aqua Fitness.

About the Author: Zuly Garcia

Zuly earned her bachelor’s degree in Radio, TV, and Film Production and a master’s degree in communications with a specialty in Public Relations from Sacred Heart University. She also received a master’s in scriptwriting from the International University of La Rioja, Spain. Zuly is a former artistic swimming athlete of the Puerto Rico national team, President of the Master Swimming League, and the Technical Committee of Artistic Swimming in Puerto Rico. She has 21 years as a professional specialist in communications strategy, content creator and Author of the Blog (book soon) Sports Relations since 2004. Acquapole, SAFAquaDrumbs & Artistic Swimming Instructor Spiritual Sports Wellness Coach

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Pickleball Pool Prep

By: Sara Kooperman, JD

Water exercise training offers pickleball players a unique and effective way to enhance their performance and overall fitness. By utilizing the natural properties of water, players can improve their strength, agility, and endurance while minimizing the risk of injury. This comprehensive guide explores specific water exercises with a paddle and the numerous benefits they offer to pickleball enthusiasts.

Benefits of Water Exercise for Pickleball Players

1. Low-Impact Environment: The buoyancy of water reduces the stress on joints and muscles, making it an ideal environment for players recovering from injuries or those looking to prevent overuse injuries. The gentle resistance of water allows for a thorough workout without the harsh impacts associated with land-based training.

2. Enhanced Cardiovascular Fitness: Water exercise is an excellent way to boost cardiovascular endurance. Activities like aqua jogging and water aerobics elevate the heart rate, helping players build stamina and maintain energy levels during long matches.

3. Increased Strength and Muscle Tone: The resistance provided by water is approximately 12 times greater than air, making every movement a strength-training exercise. This resistance helps build muscle strength, particularly in the legs, core, and upper body, which are essential for quick lateral movements and powerful strokes in pickleball.

4. Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion: Water allows for a greater range of motion due to its supportive nature. Exercises such as water-based stretching and aqua yoga can enhance flexibility and joint mobility, reducing the risk of muscle strains and injuries.

5. Sport-Specific Training: Water exercises can be tailored to mimic the movements and demands of pickleball, allowing players to practice and improve specific skills in a low-impact environment.

Specific Water Exercises with a Paddle

1. Water Swings: In waist-deep water, practice forehand and backhand strokes using a paddle. The water’s resistance enhances arm and shoulder strength while allowing players to focus on proper technique. This exercise helps refine swing mechanics and build muscle endurance.

2. Aqua Shadow Drills: Simulate on-court movements such as volleys and smashes with a paddle in the water. These drills improve agility, reaction time, and coordination, essential for quick decision-making and movement on the court.

3. Paddle Lunges: Perform lunges in the water while holding a paddle, alternating sides as if reaching for a ball. This exercise targets the legs and core, crucial for maintaining stability and balance during matches. The added resistance helps build muscle strength and endurance.

4. Paddle Jumps: Mimic jumping for overhead shots by pushing off the pool floor while holding a paddle. This exercise develops explosive power and improves vertical jump ability beneficial for reaching high shots and dominating the net.

5. Figure-Eight Drills: Hold the paddle underwater and move it in a figure-eight motion. This drill focuses on strengthening the wrists and forearms, crucial for control and finesse in dinking and soft shots. The water resistance adds an extra challenge, making it an excellent exercise for building endurance.

6. Shallow End Side Shuffles: In the shallow end, perform side shuffles with a paddle. This exercise targets the inner and outer thighs, as well as the abs, by requiring lateral movements against water resistance. The added challenge of the paddle increases core engagement and improves lateral quickness and balance. Side shuffles are excellent for building strength in the legs and improving agility, both critical for swift court movements.

Conclusion

Water exercise training is a versatile and effective approach for pickleball players looking to enhance their physical conditioning and skill set. The combination of low-impact exercise and sport-specific drills provides a comprehensive workout that addresses strength, agility, and cardiovascular fitness. By incorporating these exercises into their training regimen, players can improve their on-court performance, reduce the risk of injury, and enjoy a refreshing and dynamic workout experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, water exercise training offers a unique and beneficial way to elevate your game.

About the Author: Sara Kooperman

Sara Kooperman, JD, CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. Fitness won the prestigious AEA Global Award for Contribution to the Aquatic Industry. She also sits on the Gold’s Gym Think Tank and the canfitpro Advisory Panel and was a founding board member for the Women In Fitness Association (WIFA). Recently nominated for the IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Award, Kooperman won the 2022 Most Innovating Fitness Pro by Fitness Industry Technology Council. Sara is the best-selling author of FIT FOR BUSINESS, an inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, an Illinois State Businesswoman of the Year, moderates the NONE of YOUR BUSINESS Talk Show and SCW Webinars & Podcasts, and sits on the ACSM Communication & Public Information Committee.

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The Laughs, Lessons, and Life-Hacks of Sara Kooperman

“Fit For Business: An Unapologetic Look at the Life of a Witty Fitness Entrepreneur” by Sara Kooperman, JD, is a rollercoaster ride of laughs, lessons, and life hacks. This isn’t your typical business book; it’s a lively, no-holds-barred peek into the world of fitness entrepreneurship, told through the eyes of a woman who’s seen it all.

From her humble beginnings and love for dance to her law school days and the gutsy decision to open a fitness studio, Kooperman’s journey is filled with fearless moves and hilarious missteps. Her witty, down-to-earth storytelling makes even the most serious business advice feel like a friendly chat over coffee.

Kooperman doesn’t just dish out advice; she shares the real, messy, and often hilarious side of running a business. She talks about everything from the nitty-gritty of managing finances to the art of balancing work and life without losing your sanity. Her candid anecdotes, like juggling conference calls while her kids wreak havoc in the background, offer a relatable and humorous look at the chaos of entrepreneurship.

One of the standout aspects of “Fit For Business” is its blend of humor and hard-won wisdom. Kooperman’s fearless approach to business and life is infectious, and her book is a reminder that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about passion, perseverance, and a healthy dose of humor. Whether you’re in the fitness industry or just looking for a good read, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to laugh while learning how to kick butt in business.

In “Fit For Business,” Sara Kooperman showcases her extensive experience across the fitness spectrum, having taught it all, from intense strength classes to soothing yoga sessions. One of her standout areas is aqua exercise, where she brings the pool to life with innovative water-based workouts, especially WATERinMOTION®. Kooperman’s expertise in aqua fitness is well-known, as she’s led countless workshops and sessions, sharing her unique techniques and passion for water fitness.

For a deeper dive into Kooperman’s journey and to grab your copy, check out “Fit For Business” on Amazon. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and maybe even a little bit fitter!

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