1606 – Ai Chi Experience

Beginner / Symposium 1-hour Pool Only

Sanibel, FL / Tuesday, June 29, 2010 – 6:50-7:50 pm – 1.0 credit hour equal to 1.0 CEC/.1 CEU

(Pool: 6:50-7:50 pm)

Faculty: Bonnie Hopps, Arthritis Foundation Instructor/Trainer

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Ai Chi is a water exercise and relaxation program that has been created to help aquatic practitioners and students enjoy the water in a flowing yet powerful progression. Aquatic exercise instructors, personal trainers, and aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners will find Ai Chi beneficial for them and their clients. It is an efficient exercise program that increases oxygen and caloric consumption simply with correct form and positioning in the water, it is a perfect relaxation technique for highly stressed, over-challenged clients, and it is ideal for creating improved range of motion and mobility. Ai Chi, created by combining Tai-Chi concepts with QiGong and Watsu® techniques, is performed standing in shoulder depth water using a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso.

NEEDS IDENTIFICATION:

We have so many programs available to us that are limited to those who can move well. This program was created for the less mobile or those looking for relaxation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

· Follow the simple Ai Chi progression.

· Explore the concepts of moving with nature, benefits, and general information.

· Experience the trunk stability movements with guidelines on proper pelvic mechanics.

· Demonstrate a sample workout progression for an average, apparently healthy adult, which can be modified for special situations.

FACULTY: Bonnie Hopps, Fitness Program Coordinator for The Arthritis Society, Manitoba division, has been certified by Dr. Paul Lam in Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Update Course, Tai Chi for Arthritis Part II Course, and Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor’s Course. She is also certified as an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Instructor/Trainer, Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Instructor/Trainer.