Frequently Asked Questions

  • I call it the 'AHHH Factor'...it's that soothing feeling that happens when you get in water, warm water. It's soothing. This feeling is literally the response from each and every nerve ending that gets stimulated when submerged. That effect on the nervous system helps to turn OFF our sympathetic nervous system, which is our pain and stress response, and helps turn up the volume on our parasympathetic nervous system. This results in a very pleasant reduction of pain, which makes moving in the water LESS painful than moving on land. If you're curious or thinking this sounds like a good idea, got for it! Get in touch with me today! Wait no longer to enjoy the feeling of moving in water.

  • This is a BIG topic and it needs proper modifications according to YOUR unique knees. Let’s talk! Water therapy may be the BEST place to address your body’s wellness goals without feeling pain in the knees. We can improve knee function in the water while giving the rest of your body a workout! Please get in touch to contact me. For a quicker bit of information, head on over to the Modifications section for more information on protecting your knees during land-based exercise!

  • You are not alone! It is SO important that you find what motions work for you, and what does not. Please be on the safe side and use caution when engaging with land-based exercise. How you take care of your back all depends on how your back behaves during and after the exercise. It depends on what you know about your back and what you’ve been told about your back. Aquatic Sessions may be something to consider. Let’s have quick conversation to figure out the best way to proceed. Check out the Modifications section for some general information.

  • Only work within your safe range of motion. DO NOT push past ‘bad pain’. Respect what your body is trying to tell you. It’s tricky and it involves getting cooperation from other areas in the upper body. Hands-on Soft Tissue therapy can be excellent for this especially in the shoulders. Performed in the water, soft tissue therapy is much more effective than land-based soft tissue therapy. Please get in touch to find out more about helping your shoulders. If you choose to proceed on land, please visit the Modifications Section for more info about this, and feel free to get in touch with further questions.

  • SAFETY first! Have your chair, counter-top or wall within arms reach, or closer during exercise. You are in the right place! This is a VERY important and I’m SO glad you are deciding to work on it! Be patient and keep up the good work! Check out the Modifications Section for more information on this topic. I strongly recommend aquatic work for balance. The water is a safe place to get ‘wobbly’ and the water is constantly moving which creates a unique balance challenge. Reach out and let’s have a conversation about where to start!

  • Both environments help with bone density. Recent research, within the last 20 years, has shown that bone density can improve in the aquatic environment. Up until recently, medical knowledge said bone density needs gravity to increase as it does in our early years as an infant transitioning to vertical, two-legged lifestyle. When fascia research came into account, another story for another time!, we saw that it wasn't necessarily gravity alone that effects bone density. In addition, it was the push and pull on bones through fascia encapsulating the muscles that actually made the bones denser. Aquatic fitness alone, especially with added resistance can help increase bone density in an already upright individual.

  • Do what you can. If stamina is one of your wellness goal, let’s talk! The aquatic environment may be perfect for you!

    If you’re doing a video, press PAUSE anytime you need a rest and come back when you’re ready. Each class has a general, full-body warm-up in the beginning 15-20 minutes. Do that if nothing else. This give you a nice stretch either before or after activity. Plus, it gives you a personal ‘read’ on where your body is right now.

  • Chair: This is a simple hard-back chair. Please DO NOT use a chair with wheels!!! I repeat, a NON-Moving chair. It’s not worth the mishap that might become an injury in that moment of convenience when you reach for that swivel desk chair. Take the time to have the proper chair. Try to find one without armrests.

    Weights: during lock-down, we were using everything from a soup can to a box of Kleenex, to the throw pillow as objects. And occasionally I would request that it ‘not’ be the pet cat! I recommend investing in a simple set of hand barbells in a variety of weights. An alternative is an emptied out gallon or half-gallon milk jug with a handle, re-filled with water is a great with a handle. One gallon is 8 pounds. The half-gallon is 4. Be sure to super glue the lid to avoid any over-head leaks! Your own everyday water bottle is also a great object to hold for training.

    Wall for Push-ups: I recommend a smooth wall free of wall-hangings. The frame of a door way is also a great structure to place your hands on.

  • You DO NOT need to know how to swim in order to engage in Aquatic exercise. This is NOT like swimming. We will always design your

    session according to your relationship with water and safety. We can do alot with your progression while ALWAYS honoring your safety in the water. You will be in a vertical, up-right body position and your head, nose, eyes and ears stay above the water level.

    On occasion, and only based on your comfort in the water, we may try a suspended body position, deep end suspension, or horizontal suspension. These are all with the use of safe buoyancy equipment appropriate for the intended outcome.

  • Yes. If you wear hearing aides, or contact lenses, it is advised to have these removed upon entering the water, unless they are safe for use around water.

  • Your comfort and safety will always be honored. Never challenged. One of my favorite things to do is teach adults and children to feel safe in and around water. For my information, please get in touch. I would be honored to help you return to water with a positive new experience.

Ask away!

Your questions, suggestions & requests are important!

They help me to better serve the community of people just like you - traveling this landscape, on a journey with your body, as your most precious relationship. Please, do not hesitate to make contact!