Aquatic Exercise Association

Obesity: Aquatic Exercise & Special Population Series

Course Developed by Tinoca Senra, MS, & Renata Tarevnic, PhD
Contributing Author and Editor Julie See, AEA Director of Education

Obesity can be a consequence of several genetic, physiological, environmental, and psychological factors resulting in an excess accumulation of energy in the form of fat in the body.    Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 years and over (more than 1.9 billion adults) were overweight. Of these, 13% were obese (over 650 million).

 In this course, you will:

• Consider definitions and prevalence of overweight and obesity.  
• Discuss methods for assessing obesity and the associated health consequences.
• Better understand that obesity is a complex disease influenced by many factors, which needs to be treated at an individual level and a societal level.
• Learn ACSM exercise guidelines and explore how aquatic exercise is a beneficial training format.
• Explore practical aquatic exercise programming tips and tools for better serving this population 

Course content also includes 3 video segments to assist with aquatic programming ideas and a 20-question quiz to test your understanding of the materials.

Courses materials developed for AEA by:

Cristina Senra (Tinoca), MS, is an AEA Training Specialist, Ai Chi Trainer and Star 2 International Trainer for Anti-Gravity. Owner and CEO of Mundo Hidro, she has received Portugal’s Instructor of the Year (2002), AEA’s Aquatic Fitness Professional (2005), Career Achievement Award (2012) and Top 10 IAFC instructor (2019).

Renata Tarevnic, PhD, is a teacher at the Federal University Rio de Janeiro.  She holds a master’s in physical education and a PhD in experimental and human biology.  She is a trainer for Mundo Hidro; author of fitness DVDs and books (including the Aquatic Fitness Manual for Pregnant Women); exercise instructor for pregnancy and post-partum; and Top 10 IAFC instructor (2019). 

Julie See, AEA’s Director of Education, shares 30+ years of experience in the fitness industry.