Aquatic Mitts The primary purpose of aquatic mitts is to aid in balance and body support with a balance sculling movement. By increasing the sur- face area of the arms, the body is more balanced with the surface area of the legs. The secondary purpose is to increase upper body resistance by using the webbing area to power the targeting move. Generally there are four sizes of mitts (small, medium, large and XL). They should fit comfortably – not too snug and fingers may stick out. The important part is the width. Most women take a me- dium size whereas most men take a large size. Mitts may utilize a Velcro or zipper closing or simply slip on. Some people feel they don’t need a mitt because they are a swimmer, however, not using the arms properly will sacrifice technique and benefits. For more information, visit waterart.org.


Hydrorider Aquabike Professional The Hydrorider Aquabike Professional is a unique aqua- cycling bike made of marine stainless steel AISI 316L (rustproof), that allows users to pedal while immersed in the water taking advantage of the many benefits of the aquatic environment. Made for continuous daily use, the Hydrorider Aquabike includes adjustable resis- tance at three levels: light, moderate and intense and is completely adjustable for a custom fit. It requires low to no maintenance. Pool depth required: 3’7” to 4’8” (110-145cm). For more information, visit www.aquam.com or


call (800) 935-4878. For training, contact CALA Inc., the exclusive provider of training and certification for HydroRider in Canada, at 888-751-9823 or cala_aqua@ mac.com.


Do it right Of course, using the equipment


safely is a key focus of the industry and instructors. “Those bleach bottles were actu-


ally hard on wrists and fingers,” says Galloway. “The floatation dumbbells we use in their place today are much more user-friendly for the joints.” In her group classes, which can


have up to 30 people, Galloway may use noodles, dumbbells and hollow poles (the tubes that separate golf clubs in a golf bag) and kickboards all in one class. Some pieces, like fins, webbed


gloves, long 3 ft dumbbells, more ap- prop fro pt , require closer supervi- sion, while other pieces like webbed gloves? are harder to put on and take off expensive. So she often saves these for smaller groups or personal training sessions. Training courses that teach proper


use of the equipment are important, says Galloway.


“Instructors need to know the haz-


ards as well as the benefits of each piece. They should know how to make a move harder and easier. They also need to consider the water’s depth and an individual’s size and buoy- ancy to determine if an exercise is appropriate.”


Beware of kids! Most aquafit equipment is hard


wearing, but pool chemicals and heavy use or misuse can result in wear and tear. You can extend the life of your equipment by purchasing high-quality products and handling them with care. And be sure to store them away af-


ter classes. Ideally have separate noo- dles and toys for classes and casual swimmers. “When weights aren’t put away,


children tend to throw them around the pool for fun,” says Galloway. “And when noodles are left out, children play with them in the water and bite them!”


Ryka Aqua Shoe The Ryka Aqua Shoe, for instructors and par- ticipants, provides excellent support, in- creased resistance for cardio and muscular conditioning, as well as cushioning. The shoe prevents foot abrasion from the pool bottom and from contact with locker room flooring. The shoe can be used on land and in the water, making it very versatile. To order your shoes, contact distributor CALA Inc. at 888-751- 9823 or visit www.calainc.org.


» January/February 2014 Fitness Business Canada 47


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52