Going Vertical:  Benefits of Aquatic Exercise Marketing Tool 

Lori Sherlock, Ed.D, ATRIC, AEA Training Specialist, CSCS, Wavemaker Coach

West Virginia University

Increase your membership and participation rate by teaching members and community partners about the benefits of aquatic exercise.  As aquatic professionals, we understand the impact that the aquatic environment has on the people that utilize it for recreation, fitness, and therapy.  This powerful message can be shared with others. Utilizing a simple handout, brochure or flier to increase your communities knowledge about how the water can help so many individuals in so many ways provides a community service while growing your membership.   This information may also be further developed into mini clinics that serve your members by providing exercise and knowledge (Sue Nelson, Total Aquatic Programming).  In this issue of Going Vertical, I will provide you with some tools that you can share with your members, community and fellow aquatic professionals.  

• Resource #1:  Handout to print or email to members, potential members, community partners, and potential aquatic member influencers.  

• Resource #2:  Informational handout for medical professionals including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and chiropractors.

• Resource #3:  Information to include in email blasts, on social media or newsletters.  

These resources are you to use freely to expand the knowledge of your community about the benefits that aquatics can provide across the age spectrum and continuum of care.  You may add your facility logo and use these directly for marketing and education.  If you have any questions about the resources, please do not hesitate to reach out.  

Links to Resources:  

https://aeawave.org

https://waterexercisecoach.com/ 

https://totalaquatic.llc 

https://medicine.wvu.edu/exercise-physiology/bachelor-of-science-bs/future-students/curriculum/aquatic-therapy-area-of-emphasis/ 

Citations for Resources:

1. Carter, H. H., Spence, A. L., Pugh, C. J., Ainslie, P., Naylor, L. H., & Green, D. J. (2014). Cardiovascular responses to water immersion in humans: impact on cerebral perfusion. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 306(9), R636-R640.

2. Becker, B. E., Hildenbrand, K., Whitcomb, R. K., & Sanders, J. P. (2009). Biophysiologic effects of warm water immersion. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 3(1), 4.

3. Becker, B. E. (2009). Aquatic therapy: scientific foundations and clinical rehabilitation applications. Pm&r, 1(9), 859-872.