Instructor techniques
Bending down to eye level is an ideal
instructor tool to communicate and
connect with aqua participants. It’s a very
simple, yet effective, strategy for ‘saving’
your voice. If you don’t already employ
this technique, give it a go.
Demonstrate BIG. Emulating water
movement on the pool deck will help
get your message about the movement
across to participants much more
effectively than yelling. The large body
movements alert participants to the
intensity and technique required to
perform the move appropriately.
Jennifer Schembri-Portelli, aka ‘JSP’, has been
active in the fitness and aquatic industry for over
25 years. A skilled and creative presenter, she
also founded Water Exercise Training Service
(WETS), an education provider whose aqua fitness
qualifications are now delivered in partnership
with AUSTSWIM. wets.com.au
The Do’s and Don’ts of good voice practice
DO
• Yawn. It may so und silly, but five The
large slow
Do’s
yawns
and
are Don’ts
more effective
of than
good
clearing your
throat
voice practice
• Repeat a soft ‘H’ while smiling – just feel the vocal area widen
• Keep hydrated
• Visit a speech therapist or singing teacher to learn how to correctly activate the
diaphragm
• Learn and implement effective visual cues
• Open the vocal tract – lips, mouth and throat
• Practice articulating your words clearly
• Carry something with you to remind you to practice great voice habits.
DON’T
• Clear the throat – it’s an ‘abrasive’ action on the vocal cords
• Shriek – pitch control is effective on the sound system, and even more important for the
instructor’s voice!
• Eat lozenges – whilst the eucalyptus and menthol lollies seem soothing for the throat,
lozenges are not great for the larynx
• Drink really cold beverages, especially sugary soft drinks.
SIMPLY ADD WATER!
Expand employment options, develop your career and
increase earning capacity
Now is a great time to train to gain your AUSTSWIM Accreditation and Licence in either
‘AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety’ or ‘AUSTSWIM WETS Aqua’.
AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
WETS Aqua
It’s quick, efficient and the units of competency gain
CEC accreditation. Participate in and successfully attain
an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
Licence to open a unique selling point to attract a more
diverse PT clientele.
Participate in the WETS Aqua course and gain the skills and
knowledge to deliver fun and functional aqua fitness classes.
Take away resources, tips and techniques for flair and
diversity in aquatic programming.
An AUSTSWIM licence is the industry standard for teaching
swimming and water safety.
Course elements include:
• Online learning
• Face to face theory and practical elements
• Industry based and online competency assessment.
Course elements include:
• Moves for fun, fitness and functionality
• Class design for different age groups
• Understanding the value of music in classes
• Aquatic Workplace Health and Safety.
ENROL TODAY! Contact AUSTSWIM at
[email protected] or call 1300 885 666
www.austswim.com.au
NETWORK SPRING 2014 | 55