AQUATIC AEROBIC GAMES
Combine moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise with playful movement patterns in water to engage children and adolescents.
How to Perform
- Stand participants in chest-deep water with adequate spacing between each child.
- Lead a series of short aerobic games, such as responding to color or direction calls by quickly marching, jogging, or side-stepping to designated spots in the pool.
- Include simple chasing or tag-style movements in a controlled area, emphasizing quick but safe changes of direction.
- Alternate 1–2 minutes of active game play with 30–60 seconds of slow walking or gentle swaying in the water.
- Rotate through several different games to maintain engagement while sustaining an overall moderate-to-vigorous effort.
Key Execution Cues
Remember: Encourage quick feet and big arm movements, emphasize
safe stops and turns, and keep instructions simple and repetitive.
Safety & Precautions
Important: Avoid very high speeds in children with poor safety
awareness or high fall risk; adapt complexity for attention or behavioral
challenges.
Additional Safety Notes: Monitor closely to prevent collisions, keep games within a clearly defined shallow area, and adjust rules immediately if behavior or fatigue increases risk.
Exercise Modifications
Make it Harder (Progressions)
Increase game duration, add more complex movement patterns or cues, or reduce rest between game bouts.
Make it Easier (Regressions)
Use simpler, slower games with fewer direction changes and longer rest intervals.