This Deep Dive takes you inside the world of the S’WET™ Squad to explore how they’re reshaping aquatic fitness education. From specialized certifications like Shallow, Deep, and the innovative Silver program for active older adults, to free host training weekends, to virtual workshops that go beyond exercise and cover branding, self-care, and even AI literacy — S’WET™ is building a full ecosystem for both participants and pros. Whether you’re in the pool or leading from deck, this episode unpacks how structured water training is pushing the future of fitness toward specialization, innovation, and long-term career growth.
Ever wondered why one fitness class feels like an effortless dance and another leaves you splashing in confusion? In this deep dive, we explore how teaching styles in aquatic fitness shape everything — from the joy of feeling perfectly in sync to the frustration of splashing off-beat. We break down the two dominant approaches: choreography-driven classes, where energy, music, and movement come together like a water dance party, and coaching-based methods, like S’WET™ (Structured Water Exercise Training), which prioritize skill-building, adaptability, and personal progress. You’ll discover the strengths and challenges of each style, the hidden pressures instructors face, and how participants’ experiences can shift dramatically depending on the method. Whether you crave the buzz of choreography or the empowerment of coaching, this episode will help you understand what works best for your fitness journey — and why the how of teaching is just as important as the workout itself.
Real stories. Real results. As these testimonials show, certified S'WET™ Instructors aren’t just teaching fitness — they’re changing lives. In the Netherlands, Etienne Go’s students reported not just physical gains but mental clarity, reduced stress, and even a drastic drop in physiotherapy needs — from twice a month to just four times a year — thanks to improved posture and core strength. In Massachusetts, Susan Lambert’s S'WET™ Silver classes built enthusiasm and demand by safely addressing balance and mobility issues through techniques like unilateral training and structured breaks, fostering both physical progress and community connection. And in Virginia, Carla Gregor’s personalized coaching led a client to lose 20 pounds, reduce dependence on a cane and orthotics, and regain the ability to climb a pool ladder — a huge step toward independence. The impact is profound. With expert guidance, aquatic fitness becomes more than exercise; it’s a pathway to independence, resilience, and lifelong wellness.
The recently added Smart Circuits online workshop is led by S’WET™ Lead Master Trainer Katy Coffey. Instructors learn how to design results-driven, total-body workouts using minimal or everyday equipment. Learn three flexible circuit formats that leverage water resistance, dynamic instability, and clever hydrodynamics to target arms, legs, and core—no racks of dumbbells required. From cut-up noodles to laundry mesh bags, every tool is used with purpose to maximize intensity and engagement. This virtual, pre-recorded workshop is perfect for busy instructors, including recorded video, detailed notes, a bonus full-length workout, and 3.0 AEA CECs. Get ready to get creative, keep classes fresh, and deliver powerful workouts, even with limited resources!
Step into the future of aqua fitness with AI 101 for Aqua Pros Online Workshop. This hands-on workshop is designed to empower professionals with the power of artificial intelligence! Whether you're looking to craft compelling blog posts, streamline class planning, elevate your branding, or spark fresh creative ideas, this session will show you how to harness free, user-friendly tools like ChatGPT and Canva. Discover how AI can save you time, boost your productivity, and help you stand out in a crowded fitness market—all without needing to be a tech expert. CEC DETAILS: AEA: 3.0 This workshop package includes: Previously recorded video presentation Workshop notes CEC form
Protect Your Voice, Protect Your Career: Struggling with a sore throat after class or constantly yelling over your music? You’re not alone — and there’s a better way. Join Water Workout Guy Chris LaCour for Instructor Self Care Online Workshop: a practical and empowering workshop on instructor self-care. You’ll learn: Vocal warm-ups and cool-downs to keep your voice strong, clear, and injury-free Stretches to support full-body wellness before and after class Proven techniques to reduce strain and stay healthy from head to toe This session goes beyond fitness moves — it’s about protecting your most important tool: YOU! CEC Details: AEA: 3.0 Your workshop package includes: A previously recorded video presentation Downloadable workshop notes CEC form for credit BONUS: Full-length workout video
Let's dive deep into the S'WET™ Personal Training online workshop, one of eight new virtual workshops from the S’WET™ Squad, designed to help aquatic fitness instructors move beyond choreography into structured, rep-based training. The workshop emphasizes six versatile movement sets that target strength, cardio, and endurance simultaneously, allowing instructors to track progress and adjust intensity. Created by Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour, S’WET™ PT focuses on professionalizing aquatic training with measurable results, making instructors more marketable for both group and one-on-one sessions. The workshop provides 3.0 AEA CECs, includes a recorded presentation, detailed notes, a CEC form, and a bonus full workout video. Ultimately, it equips instructors with a structured framework and advanced techniques to elevate aquatic fitness while sparking ideas for crossovers into land-based training.
Joining us from across the pond are TWO very special guests, Lynda Keane & Haylley Pittam, co-founders of the UK-based Aquatic Rehabilitation and Exercise Academy, otherwise known as A.R.E.A. This mother-daughter duo with a combined 45 years experience and higher education in aquatic fitness offer their insight on everything from injury prevention and soft-tissue therapy to pre/post natal programming and the importance of proper pelvic care.
After trying out a S'WET class for himself, skeptical he would break a sweat let alone love the workout, NYC based DeJuan Lewis became AEA certified, and started teaching aquatic fitness classes shortly after. DeJuan credits his experiences as an actor, musician, and behavioral coach to strengthening his skills as an instructor.
Sharlie Peterson is the creator of Shockwave Aqua Fitness in Topeka, Kansas. She has been an aquatic fitness instructor since 2017 and is currently teaching at Shawnee County Parks & Rec and GreatLIFE Fitness Facilities, where she also serves as the Group Fitness Coordinator. After being diagnosed with a rare stomach disease, Sharlie turned to aqua fitness and lost tremendous weight, but also gained incredible clarity to battle issues with self esteem and depression.
Craig Yaniglos is the Chief Financial Officer for a public school district in Northeast Ohio, as well as an Aquatic Training Specialist for the AEA. Craig joins us to share some creative tips for aquatic fitness facilities struggling with their budgets to help raise money and awareness for their communities. We also discuss how investing in specialized programming can draw new participants and memberships to a facility.
Adrienne Poullas is the Aquatic Coordinator of the Hubbard Community Pool in Hubbard, Ohio. She shares her aquatic fitness journey from a student to instructor and now her dream job, as director of the facility. Adrienne also explains how aqua fitness helped her lose 50 pounds after her second pregnancy and why she recommends the aquatic environment for all expectant mothers.
Katrien Lemahieu is the founder of Kataqua, an aquatic educational institute in the Netherlands. She also co-developed popular aquatic programs like BioExercise and HydroRevolution. As an international presenter, Katrien joined us to discuss how aquatic fitness differs across the globe and why finding your passion to teach is crucial for a successful career.
Joining us today is Mark Grevelding, founder of Fitmotivation, the incredible online video and streaming resource for aquatic fitness instructors as well as PoolFit, a brand new app that allows consumers to easily download aqua workouts and use them poolside. Mark joins us to discuss his journey in the fitness industry over the last 25 years and why he believes if you're currently just a land instructor, why you should think twice about cross-training in the water.
Joining us today is Katy Coffey, Senior Director of Aquatics for the YMCA of Greater Boston, and an aquatic fitness instructor for over 20 years. Katy joins us to discuss the power behind word choice, and how combating the stigmas of aquatic fitness starts by re-evaluating your class names. She also shared exciting news about the upcoming launch of a brand new format she's developed using HIIT and mixed martial arts along with aqua combat gloves!
Joining the program is the first ever certified S’WET™ instructor, Christopher LaCour. Chris has been an aquatic instructor and personal trainer for the last 7 years, as well as a professional vocal coach and actor in New York City. He stopped by the Aquaholics Bootcamp to explain how he's staying healthy and happy during this pandemic and offer examples of instructor self-care you can do from home.
Joining us today is Ashley Bishop, a Continuing Education Provider for Group Fitness Instructors and an Aquatic Training Specialist with the AEA, a Zumba Jammer for Zumba Fitness and she leads her own workshops under her company BagelFit! Jenni Lynn and AJ learn what time management techniques Ashley uses to remain focused on her goals, especially during these uncertain times.
In our very first episode, the creator of S'WET, Jenni Lynn Patterson LaCour and social media manager and podcast partner A.J. Meyers join forces to discuss all things aqua!