The aquatic environment provides participants with a wide range of exercise options that may liberate them from restrictions they may otherwise experience in land-based exercise. However, this environment also creates a unique set of safety concerns. While teaching a Splash class, it’s important to cue for safety and alignment.
Cueing for Safety
Cueing a minimum of three times for breathing, posture, hydration and perceived exertion provides valuable reminders to participants to enhance safety while exercising.
Cue a neutral wrist and avoid tightly gripping the splashboard
- Hold the splashboard comfortably with a neutral wrist. A therapeutic grip may be used for added comfort by hugging the thumb to the index finger. The splashboard has multiple grip options.
Cue neutral shoulder alignment (See image.)
- Cue participants to keep shoulders down and back, lifting the chest for proper shoulder girdle stabilization.
Cue for proper posture with equipment
- Provide posture cues such as “bend the knees” and “draw belly button to spine for a strong center.” Shallow water may provide more stability.
Cue for proper foot placement
- Be sure to cue your students to bring their heels down to the pool floor when performing walking or striding movement. Walking on toes for an extended time can cause cramping of the calves.
- Forward walking movement – heel – ball of foot – toe, rolling through foot from heel to toe.
- Backward walking movement – toe – ball of foot – heel, rolling through foot from toe to heel.
- Rebounding – toe – ball of foot – heel, rolling through foot from toe to heel.