Wellington resident Janell Bonner recently became the first certified AquaStrong trainer in Florida.
AquaStrong, a new aquatic fitness workout that’s sweeping the nation, is now available to Palm Beach County residents. Bonner, a personal trainer and master water instructor, became a certified AquaStrong instructor on May 20. She is currently doing private sessions and setting up classes for September in Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens.
“AquaStrong is an amazing workout that not only challenges you physically, but also mentally,” Bonner said. “I have taught water fitness for more than 20 years, and I feel this workout is for anyone. I think AquaStrong will help a younger age group begin to enjoy water exercise classes. It will take away the myth that water exercise is only for older people.”
AquaStrong is a balance and strength-based water-fitness class that uses inflatable, tethered Aqua Strong boards in a facility’s pool for a total-body, core-strengthening workout for all fitness levels.
This training modality challenges the body to maintain proper postural control and alignment while moving through a series of transitional movements on the board, increasing balance, strength, endurance, flexibility and focus.
The lightweight boards used in an AquaStrong workout are similar in feel to stand-up paddle boards. Each is shaped like a yoga mat and designed to tether to either existing lane lines or to a unique tethering unit designed specifically for a facility’s pool.
The boards feature comfortable neoprene handles, which can be used to connect resistance bands for a variety of exercises. Students can also hold the handles and do reverse sit-ups. Boards can be personalized to reflect the facility or community center where classes are taking place.
Additional trainers will be certified in AquaStrong on Aug. 26 at the Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens. For more information about training and classes, contact Janell Bonner at (561) 310-1160 or janellbonner@gmail.com.
