A Tidal Wave Of Support
Aquatic-fitness classes explode in popularity thanks to a dedicated instructor
By Mike McLaughlin
Photos: Mike McLaughlin
Envision 112 people in a pool jumping and shooting baskets, pulling aqua dumbbells through the water and thrusting them into the air, while doing kicking exercises underwater. They smile, laugh, and sing along with the music as energetic instructors run them through a three-hour event. The 2022 Sunflower Aquathon at Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center in Topeka, Kan., was the largest outdoor, aquatic-exercise event in the nation.
Few people have more passion for aqua fitness than instructor Sharlie Peterson, who contracts with Shawnee County Parks + Recreation to teach classes and hold special events at five of the department’s aquatic facilities. The owner/proprietor of Shockwave Aqua Fitness, Peterson has developed a fiercely loyal following, having gained national and international recognition for her classes and events.
The fun music and variety of water-based fitness activities appeal to everyone from college students to baby boomers, so much so that, according to Statista in 2018, 10.52-million individuals participated in aqua-fitness activities.
Peterson’s 5K Water Walks in the lazy river at the Aquatic Center are so popular that the 100 spots sell out, and a second event is scheduled for the following day. Her Sunflower Aquathon and Patriotic Bootcamp around the Fourth of July draw hundreds of people each year.
Low Impact, High Intensity
Aqua fitness allows participants to exercise at their own pace and intensity, while offering a much lower-impact form of exercise. While in the water, a person’s body weighs one-sixth of what it weighs on land. This is critical for people with injuries, mobility issues, or weight concerns.
But, Peterson says, “Low-impact does not equal low-intensity because the resistance of the water requires 50-percent more effort.” She adds, “The faster you move through the water, the greater the resistance you create.”
Peterson’s regular aqua-fitness classes at county parks include the following:
H2o GO—one hour of cardio to keep the heart rate up to burn calories and body fat.
Aqua Jam—a fusion of cardio, kickboxing, and dance set to music.
Aqua HIIT (high-intensity interval training)—a more strength-focused class that can be taken at any level, with modifications offered.
Aqua Boot Camp—an advanced class that uses the entire length of the pool, combining cardio and strength training with new fun exercise tools, including water dumbbells.
Aqua Turbo—kickboxing with choreography.
Wall Werk—use of pool walls to assist with exercise.
Aqua Jump—underwater trampoline fitness.
Under Peterson’s tutelage, the Aquatic Center was among the first in the nation to use underwater trampolines. She also uses underwater cycles for spin classes and underwater boxing poles for kickboxing. According to Peterson, a half-hour of Aqua Jump burns as many calories as a two-hour walking workout on land. This is due to the resistance of the water combined with the intensity of bouncing from the trampoline.
One participant in Peterson’s classes who rides his bike 50 to 80 miles per day called the Aqua HIIT class a tougher workout than his cycling routine.
The popularity of the classes has required her to train additional instructors to teach aquatic-fitness classes at several aquatic centers and pools in the county.
Personal Turns Professional
Peterson’s personal health journey led to her passion for aquatic fitness.
She was once named water-fitness instructor of the month by Swim and Sweat aquatic apparel after she shared her personal story of overcoming health challenges to become a certified instructor and launch successful new programs.
A decade ago, Peterson was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a stomach condition that affects the body’s ability to digest food, causing excess weight gain. Her mother, an aquatic-fitness instructor, encouraged Peterson to try a class. Another colleague encouraged her to become an instructor, based on her energy and personality. It was then that she began teaching, first in Wichita and now in Topeka.
For two years in a row, Peterson has been voted best fitness trainer or instructor in the Topeka Capital-Journal’s Best of Topeka voting.
Reach Peterson at shockwaveaquafitness@gmail.com.
Mike McLaughlin is the Communications and Public Information Supervisor for Shawnee County Parks + Recreation Department. Reach him at Mike.Mclaughlin@snco.us.