May 2008 It's Here!   Greetings! In This Issue Over 750 Water Exercises CD-ROM Calendar of Events  Neptune Notes  Exercise Routine from Patice Thompson of Houston, Texas  Fitness Tip from Debby Gifford  Free Exercise Over 750 Water Exercises CD-ROM Over 750 Water Exercises - in 17 categories! Categories include: Active Head to Toe; Arms; Cardio; Deep Water; Excel (XL); Flexibility and Range of Motion; Just Arms; Just Legs; After Knee Replacement; Legs; Noodles; Seated (Land or Water); Soft Joints (Arthritis, etc); Stomach (Core); Strength; Stretching; and Wall Supported exercises. Each exercise is complete with color photographs, detailed explanations, and variations. Add the numerous variations at the bottom of each exercises and you have thousands of water exercises! An unbelievable resource for water fitness instructors, personal trainers, or therapists needing variety and body specific exercises for their clients.    Calendar of Events The International Aquatic Fitness Conference (IAFC) May 13-17, 2008, in Orlando, Florida. Stop by the AquaFit Bar booth and meet Sharon and Joanne. Email Barb barbatson@earthlink.net so you can plan to meet her there - she’ll have a WaterWellnessWorkouts gift from me to share with you.    Barb’s  Calendar 6/30-7/3/08 ATRI Symposium - Barb presenting www.atri.org To request a flyer for any of the cruises, just email barbatson@earethlink.net.  If you are an instructor, Contact Barb also, to explore how to lead your hometown morning aqua class aboard a luxury liner.  8/29/08 Alaska Fun & Fitness Cruise w/Barb 9/17/08 New England/Canada Fun & Fitness Cruise w/Barb 1/4/09 Australia/New Zealand Fun & Fitness Cruise w/Barb    Neptune Notes As group fitness instructors, our perspective toward class size is normally “the more the merrier”.  Some of us are even provided premium compensation based on exceptionally high attendance.  No matter what, we cannot help but be mindful that a full class is a good class and that a class with declining numbers may be the harbinger of a schedule change eliminating you from that time slot.   So, when only one person shows up for class, it is natural to face the reality with mixed emotions. Relief – at least someone came and my time for this hour will not be a total financial loss.  Disappointment – my great group moves will not do with just one person.   Annoyance – I got dressed and came out just for this?  Frustration – I might as well cancel so I can go home.   As a fitness professional, I urge you to set aside all emotions dealing with your feelings and focus on the participant and her feelings.  The class experience is not all about you – it is all about her.  She planned her day to be in class.  She left her prior appointment in time to be in class.  She targeted it from early this morning, leaving the house with bathing suit, towel and water bottle in tow.  She needs this break in her day for exercise and relaxation, and of all the classes in town, she chose to be with you for this purpose for this hour.     With all these facts in mind you have the power to make this a dynamic and unique experience for her and for yourself – up close and personal.  Here are some tips for making this hour a success.  Graciously decline her suggestion to cancel since she is the only ‘show’ then begin class promptly. Give her a choice of music selection. Welcome her warmly by name and joining her in the pool to ease her anxiety or self consciousness about being the solo participant.  Walk and talk together to warm up and find out her personal exercise needs then  customize your format du jour accordingly.  Introduce new equipment which may not be available for group class use.  Reward her efforts with sincere praise and offer alternatives to meet her personal  exercise goals. Pamper her by ending the workout with a water massage relaxation session - you giving and her receiving.     If you have vendor demo items, carry a few in your bag and present her one at the end of class as a take-away.   New dimension can be added to your class relationship if you are ready when the opportunity arises for a memorable solo session.  The participant will surely share her great experience when the class meets again and with others not in the class.  The strength of the bond between you will likely result in her recommending the class to others and ultimately,  to class growth.  YOU + ONE = CLASS SUCCESS Article by Barb Batson featured in AKWA magazine. 615 789 3544/800 500 8905 barbatson@earthlink.net Exercise Routine from Patice Thompson of Houston, Texas RODEO ROUND UP, set to Country Music. We start with a warm up of jogging, different speeds and directions. We alternate from narrow to wide jog. As we progress, we add high knees during the narrow jog as an option to intensify the exercise. I incorporate an in in, out out pattern. Horse Ride and Lasso: Sitting on the noodle in a horse position (straddle) we ride the horse and lasso, one hand on hip.  Cow Chip Kick: We add a cow chip kick, flicking the poo off. Side Saddle Noodle Riding: Cowgirl &/or Cowboy stance (sumo) with singles, doubles and traveling Hee Haw: Pendulum Rocking Horse Gallop  Square Dance: Elbow swing, do-si-do, two hand swing Line Dancing Palm Rotations and Lotus Flower Bow, Courtsey and Smile Thanks Patrice! Remember  to enter for your chance to win! Send in your exercise routines, patterns or ideas - when we use your submission in a newsletter, you will receive $50.00.    Fitness Tip from Debby Gifford Dear FiTOUR Trainers/Instructors: Still haven’t requested your complimentary, three-year subscription to PFP (Personal Fitness Professional)? Then subscribe today and get tips on how to jump-start your career, better serve your clients and grow your business!  9 magazine issues yearly, and the fully-interactive digital version Monthly e-newsletters with links to the newest PFP material Complete access to our jam-packed website. Complimentary educational webcasts.The latest products, trends, news and hot topics. Subscribe online at WWW.FIT-PRO.COM using promotional code FT0802 to receive PFP! Pass this email along to your colleagues and have them also get the latest information from PFP. Thanks to Debby for sharing this tip! Your Free Exercise is Washing Machine Kick Up Keep Splashing!