Customer Reviews

Water Excercises: Workouts With the Aqua Noodle

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a water fitness instructor, I did not find this book to be a very good resource. 1) Most of the exercises in the this book can be done without an aqua noodle. 2) Some of the exercises, in particular, those in which the participant hangs suspended by the shoulders, with the noodle under the armpits, are contraindicated--hanging by the shoulders from any floation device can cause joint injury. 3) In large classes, the exercises using 2 noodles and other floataion devices are not feasible. 4) the abdominal exercises shown do not use water resistance effectively---many upright exercises that encourage participants to stabilize in turbulent water are much more effective. I was hoping for some creative, innovative, and safe exercises, but there are none in this book.

I really like this exercise book. It gives you an example of how to perform the exercise as well as variations of the exercise. It tells you what part of your body you are working and that is extremely helpful when teaching a class. I like that the books starts from your head to your toes and there are exercises for every part of the body. I am getting a lot of use out of this book!!!

This book is very simplified. It would be great for someone who has no idea what they're doing in aquatic exercises. I purchased it to gather some new ideas for the water aerobics classes i teach implementing the aqua noodles we have but rarely use. I got a few stretches, leg exercises, and fun games out of it, but since we have other equipment that is much more useful than the way they use the noodle in the book, I have probably already used all the new moves from the book that I ever will. It would be great for someone looking to do a light workout or possibly activites with children, but is not extremely helpful for those with prior aquatic exercise knowledge.

It's quite an international collaboration--Japanese authors, German editor, British publisher. Illustrations are very clear anime-style cartoon people with clear verbal descriptions of all the moves. All the exercises use the foam noodle--the cheapest and most ubiquitous equipment in the world. To do every exercise in the book you would need to have noodle connectors and be willing to saw a long noodle into short logs, but most are accomplished with one or two of the colorful foam cylinders you can find at almost every poolside or buy for yourself for a couple of bucks.

The exercises are divided into sections: Stretching, Coordination, Cardio Training, Toning, Fun & Play, and Massage and Relaxation. There are exercises to do in shallow water, in deep, in prone or supine positions, on your own, with a partner, with a group. It's the most comprehensive aqua noodle exercise resource I have ever seen, enough ideas to animate your pool workouts all summer without getting bored.

It is also one of the most safety conscious resources I have seen. The exercise designers seem very aware of the kinds of moves and positions the general population should avoid to prevent injury. Still, you're you and each individual should approach each move aware of their own situation and whether it is appropriate for their own back, shoulders, knees, etc. The old rule still applies--if it hurts, or your physical therapist said not to, don't do it!

Also be aware that this book is mainly a dictionary of exercises and it is up to you to combine them into a well-balanced and beneficial workout. It gives you the flexibility to get what you want out of your time in the water. Enjoy and have fun!

This illustrated book was much more helpful to me than I had anticipated.