AEA E-News – March 2010
Editor Mark Grevelding
AEA E-News is designed to provide you with the information you need to know in a condensed and concise manner, as well as familiarize you with all that the AEA website has to offer!
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SPRING FEVER? YOU NEED A DOSE OF IAFC!
UP FRONT - IAFC 2010 News you Need to Know!
New IAFC Presenter!
Due to a last minute scheduling change, a new presenter had to be added to the IAFC line-up. Heads up, the Drill Sergeant is back! Yup, AEA’s Executive Director, Angie Proctor is going to take a break from the office and hit the deck with her new session Creative Cardio Circuits. Below are some comments Angie made regarding her IAFC return.
What year did you present at your first IAFC conference and how old were you?
Actually back then, it was called the AEA Conference. April, 1989, Pheasant Run, IL. I was 24.
I would also like to note, I was a PROUD volunteer in 1988 at the first AEA Conference!! Ruth worked my butt off. I still love you Ruth!
Most memorable experience of being a volunteer was assisting Ms. Texas Terri Mitchell, she was just so cute and her accent amazed me! Also, I met this crazy woman named June Andrus, also a presenter that year and she was so amazing, fun and full of energy! She just said it like it was and she rolled with it! I just loved her and still do!
All together, how many IAFCs have you presented at?
You expect me to remember that? Well, if I have to make a rough guess, I think I have presented at about 18 out of 23 conferences.
I do remember early in my career and after a VERY BAD performance, Vicki Chossek, AEA Executive Director & Ruth had me benched for a year from presenting at the conference for a few reasons I’ll never forget! Ruth took me aside and told me that I needed to work on taking “and” out of everything I said.....and that I also needed to “tone down” my performance. (I think Shelly Goodman of Joshel Engineering got in trouble that year too because he played my music too loud.) Vicki said I offended someone due to the fact that I made a joke about condoms. Still to this day, I cannot believe Shelly put condoms around the microphone transmitter thingy! It crushed me to get benched for a year! Also, the fact that Little Miss Julie See (who I want noted that I discovered on the road as a trainer when I certified her) became the shining star and it was hard to compete with her knowledge, ability and delivery! As much as I wanted to dislike Julie because she was so amazing at all she did, it was impossible because she was always so polite, sweet and encouraging. She never let me give up and still doesn’t, hence the reason I’m on the schedule now!
How does it feel to be back on the schedule?
Well, I’m not sure; I need to be careful what I wish for! I hope to bring my old energy and fun back, but I do have to admit, I’m a little nervous! Going up against Maria Browning of Aqua Zumba just makes my gut wrench and I don’t think I could fit into a two piece little purple suit! I also hope to not sprain my ankle and or get sick during my presentation. Boy, these questions are bringing back a boatload of memories....glad we have a good IAFC Staff & Crew this year! Hey Nancy A., maybe you need to be on stand by during my presentation!!!
What can people expect from your session - Creative Cardio Circuits?
It’s going to be a NON-DANCE, fun, energetic and fast paced workout! I’m taking the combinations out of my new DVD and adding some new moves I’ve been working on in my living room! It’s a little cold in Florida these days and my living room has become my pool deck for practice! I promise not to use the word “And” too much and I won’t make any comments about condoms! I just want to deliver and give the attendees a great class that’s easy to remember after they leave IAFC and try it on their own with their students!
Click Here for the Revised IAFC Brochure that Includes Angie’s New Session
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Hot IAFC Session with Len Kravitz
IAFC veterans know that the BEST IAFC experience is to pick a class schedule that combines pool sessions with some indoor lectures to avoid burning out from “practical applications overload.” Ask any IAFC veteran what lecture they would recommend and everyone will agree that you must attend a Dr. Len session! Len Kravitz is the fitness industry’s most renowned and respected lecturer. Known for his enthusiasm, Len is apt to jump up and down with excitement at the mere site of a fat cell displayed on one his unique power point presentations. Below, Len shares his thoughts on one of his new sessions, Stardate 2010, which is on the IAFC schedule for Friday, April 23 from 11:00am-12:30pm
Tell us about StarDate 2010?
I am very excited to be teaching IAFC attendees the new metabolic profiling for students and clients. This topic was first presented to a standing room only crowd at the recent (2009) ACSM International conference in Seattle. This is one of the most meaningful techniques to help clients with weight loss success and to combat the negative health effects of sedentary behavior. Presently, the science of ‘sedentary behavior’, also called ‘inactivity physiology’, is an emerging field of research in health, fitness and medicine.
I hope you will join me for this exciting, state-of-the-art research review that also includes lifestyle changes that can reduce diabetes risk, fat burning in resistance training, as well as the NEW ACSM guidelines for fat loss and weight gain prevention. I will also find time to talk about recovery from exercise strategies, NEW research on dieting and the health magic of marathon running. Oh, and I did I forget to tell that I will reveal 12 outstanding NEW and unique exercises for exercise professionals? This is a must attend cutting edge ‘research-to-practice’ presentation. See you at IAFC!
Click Here to Read Articles about Other Sessions at IAFC
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Safety Training & Aquatic Rescue AND an Opportunity for Free CPR/AED Renewals!
We always like to think that it only happens to other instructors, but the reality is that the pool area is rife for potential incidents. Thanks to aquatic safety training, AEA fitness professionals can lead their classes with more confidence and their students can feel safer with a well-trained instructor on hand.Once again, StarFish Aquatics will be offering Safety Training and Aquatic Rescue (STAR) for Aquatic Fitness Professionals at IAFC. The program is offered on Tuesday, April 20 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. The early bird member fee is $49 (before March 12) and the non-member or late fee is $69. The STAR program will help you identify risk during your aquatic fitness classes and give you practical strategies so you can meet expectations. Topic areas will include prevention, surveillance, aquatic rescue, emergency care, and personal safety.
Special opportunity – if you are currently certified in CPR/AED or you complete the Human Kinetics online course Emergency Care for Aquatic Personnel prior to attending this session, you can be tested out and receive CPR/AED certification card at no additional charge.
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IAFC Celebration - Mardi Gras!
Each year, AEA’s Executive Director (Angie) and AEA staff vote on themes for the following year’s IAFC celebration. For IAFC 2010, AEA staff voted for a Mardi Gras theme.
Why Mardi Gras? Well, masks, beads, revelry, dancing and wild partying sounded good to us, but there were other reasons as well. According to the website, www.mardigrasneworleans.com, the three colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold) have a significant meaning. Rex, the King of Carnival, selected the Mardi Gras colors in 1892 and assigned meaning to them. Purple stands for justice, green for faith and gold for power. That sounded pretty cool to us. AEA’s mission statement is to advance aquatic fitness worldwide. We believe that the pool provides an equal opportunity environment that allows people of all abilities to exercise. Call it justice. AEA certified instructors around the world inspire hope to those seeking a healthier path. Call it faith. Our educational programs empower fitness professionals to lead others down that path. Call it power. Therefore, it is with great pride that we introduce these special colors to IAFC and celebrate our unique ability to spread justice, faith and power across the globe.
Here’s what you need you need to know about the IAFC Mardi Gras Celebration.
Do I have to bring a costume? No need to stress here. A token mask will be provided in your IAFC registration bag and masks will also be available for sale with all proceeds going to the KPH Fund. However, many people will want to dress in their own costume and mask and that is perfectly fine.
Do I need to bring beads & throws? We have you covered. These will be supplied.
Is there going to be food? Oh yeah. Angie is currently concocting a menu with some Mardi Gras flair.
What are we going to do? Dance! DJ Scott Messina is back and he has some surprises in store. 50/50 raffle tickets will be sold AND given away as prizes!
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IAFC 50/50 Raffle - Win some Cash and Support the KPH Fund
One of the highlights of IAFC 2010 will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit AEA’s signature cause, the KPH Fund. YES, you can attend IAFC and WIN money! The KPH Fund was dedicated to Kim Pappacio Huff, AEA’s former Executive Vice President who lost her battle to ovarian cancer in July 2007. Proceeds from the KPH Fund assist ovarian cancer research and they benefit women in our industry in need of financial assistance. The KPH Fund helps these women continue to fulfill the AEA mission of advancing aquatic fitness worldwide.
At the last couple of IAFCs, the funds for KPH were raised strictly at the finale class through donations. At IAFC 2010, the funds will be raised during the entire conference with a 50/50 raffle. The winning ticket for the 50/50 raffle will be drawn at the closing reception on Saturday, April 24 from 6:30pm-8:00pm. You must be present to collect the cash. Buy your tickets throughout the conference and be there on Saturday to collect BIG MONEY. Additional prizes, worth thousands of dollar, will also be given away! So join us for the very fun master class led by YOUR favorite presenters and the closing reception featuring munchies, networking and drawings for prizes.
How much will the IAFC 50/50 tickets cost and where will they be available? The cost of one ticket is $2.00, 5 tickets is $5.00, 15 tickets is $10.00 and for an awesome deal, 50 tickets is $20.00. The IAFC 50/50 raffles tickets will be on sale at registration, pool locations, meal functions and the Mardi Gras celebration.
AEA is pulling out all stops at IAFC for the KPH Fund AND put cash in your pocket!
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IAFC April 20-24 Orlando, Florida
Haven’t Registered yet? AEA MEMBERS SAVE $110 WHEN REGISTERING BY MARCH 12
Let’s face it, we could all use a cash break these days. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to save over a hundred dollars by registering before the Early Bird Deadline (AEA Members Only). Saving money is great but so is getting the sessions you want. IAFC veterans will testify that the best IAFC registration is an EARLY registration. Pool space fills up and if you want to get into your favorite presenter’s class the time to register is now!WHAT’S NEW
The AEA Website is undergoing some exciting revisions and you will definitely want to say posted as these changes are designed to benefit YOU! Among recent changes, the home page tool bar has been relocated to the left of the page for easier navigating and there have been changes to key areas of interest. Check out some of the changes below!
I Have to Renew my Certification!
Is it time to renew your certification? Whether you are due now or lucky enough to have a few months of breathing room, you will definitely be interested in some recent changes for accruing CECs.
Certification renewal procedures have been revised for 2010. One of the major revisions of importance to AEA certified instructors is that you now receive a total of 4.0 CECs toward renewal for current and valid CPR and AED certifications.
- AEA Certified Aquatic Fitness Professionals must maintain current and valid CPR and AED Certifications throughout the renewal term. Any and all CPR Training earns 2.0 CECs towards your AEA Certification Renewal. Any and All AED Training earns 2.0 CECs towards your AEA Certification Renewal. CPR & AED renewals can only be used one time during each two-year renewal period and are mandated courses for renewal.
AEA certified instructors will definitely want to review the 2010 enhanced renewal procedures!
Click here for Revised Certification Renewal Procedures
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Online Education is moving to the AKWA SHOP!
Need more CECs? In fact, do you need a lot of CECs and can’t get to an event? Relax! We are bringing the CECs to you! Online Education is moving from the Members Only area of the website and into the AKWA Shop.
Stay tuned for some big changes regarding AEA Online Education in March.
Speaking of online education - were you aware that AEA certified instructors can take the Human Kinetics/AEA Online Prep Course and receive 11 CECs? Combine that with the revised 2 CECs each for the CPR and AED and you are good to go for two more years.
How do I find out more about this? GOOD QUESTION! The answer to this is found in our FAQ section of the website. See below!
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Wow! I didn’t know that.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions – 2010 Revamp
The FAQ section of the website is often under utilized by AEA fitness professionals. We have just revamped this section and you will definitely want to check out this important AEA reference as it will likely answer most of your important questions. Tired of renewing your membership and certification on different dates? Find out how you can merge the dates. If you have more than 15 CECs can you carry over CECs into a new renewal period? There are no workshops near you. How else can you earn CECs?All these questions and MANY more are answered in the FAQ section of the website.
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AEA WEEKEND EVENTS
March is always one of the busiest months on the AEA Education Calendar and this month is no exception. It is not too late to learn from an AEA Aquatic Training Specialist and get registered for CEC workshops coming near you! There is still space in the pool for all of these workshops and you can register until day of as long as space permits.
March 7 Houston, TX – Workshop with Monique Acton
March 14 Metairie, LA – Workshop with Laurie Denomme
March 14 Virginia Beach, VA – Workshops with Mark Grevelding
March 21 Visalia, CA – Workshops with Julie Seamster
March 21 Greensburg, PA – Workshops with Lori Sherlock
March 28 West Deptford, NJ – Workshop with Marti Boutin
March 28 Cincinnati, OH – Workshops with Laurie Denomme and Mark Grevelding
March 28 Greenville, SC – Workshop with Kimberly Huff
Keep in mind that in most regions an AEA event is only scheduled once a year, twice in larger markets. Please plan for your CECs accordingly.
FAQ – Why are there no scheduled AEA Weekend Events near me?
AEA sets up weekend events by request only. If you are interested in hosting an AEA event at your facility and would like to receive a host request form, please email Mark Grevelding, AEA’s Programs & Promotions Coordinator: mark@aeawave.com
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WHO’S WHO - IAFC’s Official 2010 Ambassador
She’s blonde, she’s tan, she’s vibrant, she’s outgoing and if you have been to IAFC before there is a good chance you know who she is! She is one of the most photographed people at IAFC, always getting her picture snapped with instructors from around the world. Is she a presenter? Nope. She is a medical technologist and AEA certified instructor from Lancaster County, PA, and she teaches aqua classes at Ephrata Community Center. Her name is Stephanie Spangler and she is the official 2010 IAFC Ambassador.
Below, Stephanie shares some comments about IAFC.
Favorite IAFC moment?
Every year since 2003 has had many favorite moments, but without a doubt IAFC 2009, when Angie and Troy surprised all of us with their wedding, was my absolute favorite moment. When it was expressed that they wanted their IAFC Family to be a part of their special day – WOW, I had tears and goose bumps!
What do you like most about IAFC?
IAFC is such a unique experience, one like I have never had before. I attended other aquatic workshops prior to IAFC and never, never, ever did I feel so welcomed and accepted by a group of people, let alone fitness professionals as I did and continue to feel at IAFC. I love meeting new people and seeing friends from prior events. I know that I may NOT be able to travel the world, but for that week the WORLD comes to me! To be able to experience various cultures throughout the U.S. and over 30 countries has just been phenomenal. The AEA staff and IAFC presenters are FIRST CLASS and so are the presentations and related materials. The vendors are awesome. Everyone is wonderful. And since we have been at the Wyndham for several years, it is also great to revisit the hotel staff and catch up with their lives.
What advice do you have for a new IAFC attendee?
Take advantage of everything you can. Just know that someone is ALWAYS there for you if you need any assistance. Don't be shy! (Like me-Ha Ha!) And definitely go to the Welcome reception so you can meet some new friends.
Stephanie will be on hand for the IAFC Welcome Meet & Greet for New Attendees on Wednesday, April 21 from 8:00am-9:00am. She will be assisting Laurie Denomme, AEA’s Assistant Director of Operations, coordinate this must attend session for new IAFC attendees. Even if you have been to IAFC before, you can still register for this session, meet other IAFC attendees and swap info so that you have an IAFC buddy to attend meals and social events with.
Speaking of IAFC friends, some of Stephanie’s friends wanted to make a few comments on what makes the 2010 IAFC Ambassador so special.
“I am in awe of the way she lights up, laughs and makes every person she meets feel special and loved. Stephanie is always ready, willing and able to help out anyone and everyone. She is so full of laughter and love.”
Brad Cole – New York, NY
“I feel so blessed to be able to call Steph one of my dearest friends. It's hard to imagine we only see each other once a year! She is one of the most loving, giving, sincere and accepting people you will EVER meet. I so enjoy watching her work her magic with the newcomers and old-timers alike at IAFC!”
Yvette Peterson – Martha’s Vineyard, MA
“Stephanie is our international friend maker. When you meet her you will never forget her. Could it be her spiky blond hair? Could it be her radiant smile with the coordinating lipstick! Yes, but mostly it's the way she makes friends from all over the world. We love her! She is our ambassador to life lasting friendship.”
Julie Pressler – Fort McCoy, WI
"Her energy, sense of humor and laughter are infectious and her warmth and friendship are often sought out by those who don't even know her. I am honored to call her my "friend" and look forward to making more memories with her at IAFC."
Kristina Doucette- North Berwick, ME
Don’t forget to register for the Welcome Meet & Greet. Stephanie will teach you how to be an international friend maker!
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TRAINING IDEAS
New Trends - Synch Inspired Programming
By Mark Grevelding (with contribution from Julie See)
Synch inspired programming is a seemingly a natural evolution for the aquatic fitness industry as demands for more challenging programming increase and the industry becomes more accustomed to the use of music and dance choreography.
Deep water aquatic fitness programs have for the most stayed vertical, almost as if to completely separate itself from its horizontal counterpart – swimming. However, that is all changing. The swimming industry is taking a big interest in the aquatic fitness industry and vice versa. A large percentage of AEA certified instructors have swimming backgrounds and they are blurring the boundaries between vertical and horizontal with programs that incorporate both. There are also AEA professionals who have a background in synchronized swimming and they are introducing their students to a fun blend of aquatic fitness and synch programming.
One of those professionals is AEA’s Director of Education Julie See. Julie will be presenting a session at IAFC 2010 called In Synch. She taught the In Synch master class at IAFC 2009 and there was such an interest that her master class was converted to a workshop and put on this year’s schedule.
Julie says she had never heard of synchronized swimming until she joined the synchronized swim team at West Virginia University in her freshman year. “I fell in love with the blend of dance and swimming as well as the opportunity to perform,” says Julie. She also adds that it was the most challenging training she has ever done, which is why she wanted to introduce it in her classes. “Fusing synch with vertical aquatic fitness creates an incredible workload for the core and upper body and it creates a fun and interesting workout,” she says.
At IAFC 2010, I will be teaching a session called Aqua Vertizontal. No, I was NOT a synchronized swimmer but I did watch some Esther Williams movies. Actually, Aqua Vertizontal is my homage to my love of deep water core training and my gymnast background. Last year at IAFC I taught a deep water class and executed a move I called a Half Gainer. Well, this year it is a half gainer with a full twist and a back to front shoot thru!
Aqua Vertizontal will actually feature several deep water combinations that go from vertical to horizontal and back to vertical, which creates an abundance of core and agility challenges. In Synch and Aqua Vertizontal are not for all populations and both Julie and I share the philosophy that base line moves should be taught first, before offering the more challenging synch/vertizontal options.
Below is a sample combination along with teaching instructions from both IAFC 2010 programs.
In Synch by Julie See
(Offered at IAFC on Saturday, April 24 at 7:45am)
Everyone’s favorite technique from In Synch blends a traditional synchronized swim skill blended with a popular water fitness combo.
- Tuck & ¼ Roll, supine to modified prone 4x
- Water Wheel, Full Circle
I teach it in modified format first, to keep the hair dry, allow better visibility and provide a less advanced core-challenge. With the Tuck & 1/4 Roll, the supine position can be envisioned as sitting in reclining chair with hips low in the water and knees bent. To prevent lumbar hyperextension, the prone position is modified with feet angled toward the pool bottom. Keep the same simplified supine (reclining chair) position for learning the Water Wheel, which involves moving your body 360 degrees with power sculling of the arms.
If and when participants are ready, progress to achieving a fully extended hip position on the Tuck & 1/4 Roll – both prone (body slightly angled to keep the face out of the water) and supine (body at the surface)! This provides a far greater challenge by adding more resistance and greater emphasis on the core to maintain proper spinal alignment. With the Water Wheel, although the knees are flexed, the hips are rotated to one side allowing the body to remain supine on the surface of the water – so be prepared to get your hair wet!
Aqua Vertizontal by Mark Grevelding
(Offered at IAFC on Friday, April 23 at 11:00am)
Layer 1 – Beginner version – all vertical
Ski x 4 (8) Jog x 8 (16) Ski x 4 (8)
Layer 2 - Intermediate version – vertical to horizontal to vertical
Ski x 4 moving sideways up to horizontal – feet to the right side (8)
Jog x 8 staying on your side – horizontal position (16)
Ski x 4 moving down to vertical position (8)
Repeat the combination with the ski moving up – feet to the left side
Layer 3 - advanced version – vertical to horizontal to vertical with full circle jog at horizontal
Ski x 4 moving sideways up to horizontal – feet to the right side (8)
Jog x 8 staying on your side – horizontal position - in a full counter clockwise 360 circle/wheel (16)
Ski x 4 moving down to vertical position (8)
Ski x 4 moving sideways up to horizontal – feet to the left side (8)
Jog x 8 staying on your side – horizontal position - in a full clockwise 360 circle/wheel (16)
Ski x 4 moving down to vertical position (8)
Julie and I hope to see you at IAFC!
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HEALTH & NUTRITION FOR YOU
Healthy Snacking for High Activity
By Adita Yrizarry
With IAFC right around the corner, a good example of high activity is a day in the life of an IAFC attendee. Proper meal planning will assure that you have plenty of energy for the array of wonderful classes you will partake in. First and foremost, keep in mind that the best combination for snacks and meals will be a high quality carbohydrate from fruits and vegetables, combined with some protein and fat. The carbohydrates will give you the energy to charge forward, the protein and fat will make sure that the calories are dispersed over time as opposed to all at once. You wouldn’t want to lose steam in the middle of a class! Although “protein bars” or anything similar seem to be the simplest snack to keep in your bag, it is important to remember that not all bars are created equally. IAFC attendees are going to be working extra hard, so make sure that your foods provide you with the best nutrition possible to keep your engines at full gear. Most bars are overly processed and although the package may emphasize a nutritional powerhouse, what your body actually does with it is another story. I prefer bars that are minimally processed, such as Organic Food Bars, Lara Bars among others. Ideally, I would save the bars for emergency food and bring with you and array of raw nuts and fruit. If for some reason nuts are not your thing, Applegate Farms has some great pre-packaged chicken and turkey slices and if you get stuck just remember that Whole Foods is just down the road from the Wyndham!
Side note: Full conference IAFC attendees will also have plenty of opportunities to eat healthy at IAFC sponsored meal functions, including lunches on Thursday and Saturday, breakfast on Friday, as well as dinner on Friday. These meals always feature vegetarian options and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Be sure to check off your meal functions when selecting your sessions.
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Living with Less Stress - Relaxing with Ai Chi
By Ruth Sova
In years past I was very driven to ‘go go go’ (achieve more, accomplish more, be more productive, etc.) and I did accomplish a lot. I would zip through the day with my eyes on the clock and my ‘to do’ list. Our culture only values people who are productive. When we become non-productive we no longer have value.When Jun Konno first taught me Ai Chi I ‘worked’ it – I moved with tension and took the range-of-motion as far as I could, but gradually Ai Chi started to work me. It began to restore balance in my life by incorporating mind, body and breath control.
Our world is so addicted to productivity that we feel guilty if we’re not doing something. Taking time to slow down and reflect, as we do in Ai Chi, opens us to new possibilities, nurtures us and restores balance. The bonus is that practicing Ai Chi will in the end make you more focused and productive!
Below is a comment from an Ai Chi practitioner that I think sums up the experience.
“Ai Chi allows time, space and air for freedom from concentrated chaos. With each breath comes more centered and deeper relaxation into myself. It feels like I’m taking hundreds of fragments and putting myself back together. When it’s over I feel like I’ve been on a vacation. I love integrating eastern philosophy into our western work ethic in order to give ‘permission’ to be whole rather than fragmented. It’s great!”
Paula Briggs, Morgantown, WV
Ruth will be helping IAFC attendees unwind after a long day of sessions on Thursday, April 22. Ruth and Jun Konno will be leading an Ai Chi mini session from 7:30pm-8:00pm. NEW this year at IAFC are the Unwind mini sessions at the end of each day, which feature yoga, Ai Chi and other relaxing programming. Be sure to look for the session by Ruth & Jun, as well as other Unwind programs in the IAFC brochure.
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