Aquafit: Water Exercising Program

Ruth Kennedy was a librarian and fitness instructor in Islington, Ontario.

The Canadian Police College is cited as the author, therefore the qualifications of those responsible are unknown, but they do have fitness class knowledge. Very little has been published on water exercises when compared to the many fitness publications that consist of floor exercises only. Two Canadian books that do exist are Aqua-Fitness for Women by Grace Lawrence (Personal Library. 1981) and Get Well, Get Fit, prepared by Diane Kitchen and Judy Hushagen (sponsored by Alberta Recreation and Parks, 198?).

With the aid of clear diagrams, the exerciser is shown how to have a complete workout in water, following the rules for a proper fitness class. The ability to swim is not necessary, therefore non-swimmers can enjoy water exercising. Since most of these exercises are performed standing in the shallow end of the pool, those with a fear of going beyond their depth can participate. Water is an ideal environment in which to exercise because there is little stress on the body and thus little possibility of injury. Those with arthritis, knee problems, or other physical limitations can benefit from this method of exercise.

There are excellent exercises with the aid of plastic jugs, both empty and partly filled with water, plus small paddles. The exercises featured while hanging onto the side of the pool should encourage those timid of the water. A unique feature is that the pages are covered with a plastic coating so the book can be put poolside to follow the exercises and will not be water damaged.

Two of the exercises shown are considered to be dangerous to the vertebrae in the neck; they should be omitted should there be another edition: number 1 (p.6), which illustrates pushing the head back as fan as it will go, and number 25 (p.27), which shows the plough position.

Poolside exercises are also presented. As the deck of a pool is usually tile, this is a poor surface to work on without a mat, a fact that is not mentioned.

With the above reservations in mind, this is an excellent manual for fitness instructors or for the do-it-yourself water exerciser. Most of these exercises have been used in aqua classes and work well.