Sports Facility Programming Idea: Pool Running
There’s always a segment of your target client base who can’t do the full-intensity workouts you typically offer. Maybe they have an injury or a medical condition that is limiting their workouts temporarily. Or, maybe they prefer low-impact workouts for personal reasons. Do you have a fitness training solution for them?
One of my newest eSoft Planner clients does. It’s called “deep water running.“
Deep Water Running Program
Western Springs Service Club is a private swim club in Western Springs, Illinois. They feature swimming pools, areas for volleyball and soccer, and more. In addition, they host a swim team and swim instruction, as well as fitness for adults. Deep Water Running is their newest fitness class. It’s a small group program that purports to have all the benefits of running on land without the pain and stress caused by the impact of a road or sidewalk. Interestingly, you don’t even need to know how to swim to take advantage of this class, because the workout is done upright.
“It’s like a more intense water aerobics,” said Western Springs Service Club Aquatics Director Kasey Cavoto. “It’s been pretty popular.”
What is Deep Water Running?
Western Springs Service Club’s class is officially licensed through the program Fluid Running. Here’s an introduction to Deep Water Running from the Fluid Running site:
Deep water running is an innovative, enjoyable way to train your body without the harmful impact of running on land. Marathon runners, fitness buffs, and people looking for new ways to work out while having fun are turning to deep water running exercises. With deep water running, it doesn’t matter if you’re injured, suffer from chronic pain, are overweight, or are already in peak physical condition — everyone has something to gain from adding deep water running workouts to their fitness routine.
This wonderful new method of training can be done with a trainer individually or in a group setting. Group classes usually run for about an hour and are choreographed to energetic music, much like a spin class, creating motivating alternation between therapeutic aerobic jaunts and challenging sprints. Deep water running is designed for all types of people, including non-swimmers.
I started looking into “pool running online” (also referred to as “aqua jogging”) and found plenty of glowing testimonials from runners. (For example, this athlete said he ran personal bests after two weeks of pool running while he was injured.) Essentially, pool running consists of maintaining upright running technique under water. Sometimes, it’s with the use of a flotation belt (I thought this post offered a helpful explanation).
Even if you don’t have an aquatic facility, you still may be able to offer this type of program through a strategic partnership with a nearby aquatic facility or community pool. Generally, most facilities are happy to host coaches in their pools if it means being able to offer unique classes that bolster revenue and reach new members. (Before you call to pitch your new partnership, make sure you read this article about sports facility partnerships.)
Conclusion
Do you offer pool running? Do you offer another, low-impact fitness option for your clients? Leave a comment or send me an email and let me know how it’s working for you. I don’t have a pool at my own facility. However, I like the idea of offering a program for athletes and adults who can no longer take advantage of my other programming.
If you want to see how Western Springs Service Club members can schedule and pay for their pool running classes online through eSoft Planner, request a free demo and I’ll show you how it works.
