FlowMotion and all that the mats have to offer is a relative newcomer on the fitness scene. Things like personal gyms, stationary bikes, treadmills, and other outdoor equipment have existed for decades to help people get outside, stay fit, and feel better. And what’s more, they have been very good at doing just that. But as people grow and change, it is only natural for them to look outside the norms and search for something new, something exciting, and something they can share with their friends and families.
For a few years, paddleboarding was just that thing. The ability to stand up on the water and push a paddle through the resistance brought excitement to the bellies of those participating. It was an excellent way of being in nature and getting exercise in an unusual way. Which is why it exploded as much as it did. It wasn’t just fun, it wasn’t just that you were in nature, it was also because it was a great workout. And then from there, innovation happened.
Inflatable boards began to pop up on the scene. Now consumers were able to take their boards anywhere they chose. They could pack them in their bags and shoot down to Costa Rica to paddle on sunny shores during the winter, they could take them across the continent and find themselves in southern California, or even locally to their favorite lake, river or beach. But it didn’t stop there.
Eventually, the boards continued their innovation and out of our sister company Evolve, the FlowMotion Fitt mat was created. Now the ability to enjoy difficult exercise on the water could be done so inside in an aquatic facility environment. By connecting the mats to the swimming lanes, participants now had a stable, yet challenging platform to bring their usual gym workouts to the water. With the added benefit of balance and core strengthening, FlowMotion has gained popularity.
But not everyone has heard of us and all we have to offer just yet. This is why we have decided to put down our program offerings for everyone curious about FlowMotion to see. We hope this will convince those who are still not sure about plunging into this new take on aquatic fitness to take a class and enjoy fun on the water!
Boot Camp
The first and most famous workout on the mats is, of course, boot camp. This 45 min to 1-hour workout combines cardio and strength to give the participant the most complete workout on the mat. Often involving such exercises as burpees, pop-ups, squats and pushups, these somewhat simple movements are elevated in difficulty and in their ability to burn fat and gain muscle by adding in having to maintain balance on the un-stable mat. In addition, teachers will often push their participants by having them jump off the mats and into the water (if they choose to of course) and have them climb back onto the board. This may seem simple in theory, but the strength and cardio required to do this repeatedly will push even the fittest students to their maximum effort.
As a bonus, Boot Camp classes will also integrate other equipment such as floating medicine balls, resistance bands attached to the mat, and the occasional jump rope for those who excel in balance. The classes can be tailored to the audience so the level of difficulty is measured only by your willingness to push yourself. But rest assured, by the end of the class you will feel the results of having to push yourself through these exercises while at the same time maintaining a stable core on the mat. These classes are the absolute BEST way to get yourself into the best shape of your life!
Yoga
If you are not into high-intensity cardio or strength training programs, then maybe yoga will pique your interest. Following a traditional flow, and for those with an understanding of the practice of yoga, such sequences as the Sun Salutation 1 or Sun Salutation 2 are implemented in the class, allowing students to feel the poses while at the same time challenging them on the unstable surface of the mat. If you haven’t guessed it by now, the added benefit of being in a FlowMotion class is the ability to tighten and strengthen your core while at the same time still participating in a traditional class. The surface of the water combined with the mat makes all the difference. The unique surface will give seasoned yogis a brand new challenge as well as leave beginners with a better understanding of the practice and an advantage when they take a class in a traditional studio.
Meditation
When a class reaches the end of a yoga sequence, often they are guided into what is called savasana. This pose is essentially laying down on your mat with your eyes closed and your face to the sky. Participants are encouraged to relax their faces, their bodies, and their minds into the pose, allowing whatever thoughts to arise and letting them go. Essentially, this is a form of meditation and an excellent way to relax after a physically taxing class.
In addition, such participating FlowMotion centers such as Shamrock Swim Club in Massachusetts have also decided to unhook their student’s mats from the swim lanes allowing them to silently drift around the pool as they swim in the waters of their own minds in relaxation. Also, classes can consist of an entire session where participants are taken through a guided meditation as they silently drift through the pool. It is often described as a serene experience allowing the body and the mind to completely reset to face the challenges of the next day.
Kids Parties/Summer Camps
Kids love pools. Kids love parties. Combine the two and it’s made for an exciting afternoon. Consisting of the usual layout, mats are lined up in the swim lanes and attached appropriately. From there, instructors or supervisors will guide the children through a simple, yet fun workout usually involving inflatable balls, tennis balls or other pool appropriate equipment. If the kids do not wish to participate in a guided class, they can have fun in the free-roam portion of the party or camp, where instructors will allow them to jump on and off of their mats, meeting friends on theirs, and testing their balancing limits by jumping around with others. Often, we like to throw a jump rope in the mix and see how many consecutive tries are successful. This can be a fun and engaging activity for kids as well as a great cardio exercise. Whatever is done on the mats during one of these events, rest assured the kids will leave tired, happy, and satisfied with their time on the water.
Swim Team/Dive Team Warmups
Since our classes take place in aquatic fitness centers and sometimes on college grounds, we often run into the swim and dive teams of that respective center or school. By noticing our classes, coaches were able to see the clear benefits we were providing our clientele. Understanding the mechanics involved with standing and exercising on a mat, the coaches soon became interesting in getting their teams on them to either warm-up before practice or to concentrate on certain muscle groups to improve their team’s technique and strength. A FlowMotion Fitt class can be a great supplement to any swim team if they are looking to improve dexterity, strength, and balance.
1-on-1 Personal Training
Besides Boot Camp, 1-on-1 personal training may be the best way to experience what it feels like to be on a FlowMotion Fitt mat. While these classes are tailored to the individual and their needs, they still maintain the classic hallmark of a boot camp class: cardio exercises such as burpees, jump squats, and on/offs, and strength with traditional squats, pushups, and lunges. Working individually with a trainer will increase your attention and allow the instructor to personally guide you through the workout. This will increase the rapidity clients will see in their fitness and health levels. Get outside the gym and into your body by becoming familiar with a fitness mat on the water!
Renting Mats
A major benefit of owning our mats for fitness centers is the ability to rent them to outside organizations, civilians, or for events. While this may not be specifically for participants looking to take a class, this can be a great way for an aquatic center to make additional revenue while classes are not taking place. For example, the University of Maryland has rented its fleet of mats out for campus fitness events and even pool social nights. So, for those centers with a lingering uncertainty of whether FlowMotion Fitt mats are a good investment or not, look no further than this example. These mats bring interest to an aquatic center and because of this, opportunities are almost always readily available.
And for those with a curious mind, an example of a Boot Camp workout on the water could look something like this:
Boot Camp and Swim
Swim 50 meters
30 squats
Swim 100 meters
20 mountain climbers
Swim 150 meters
10 pushups
Swim 200 meters
5 Burpees
Repeat 3 times
This simple, yet effective workout allows students to understand their bodies, how they can better pace themselves and where they are with their endurance. It’s both challenging and fun!
Conclusion
The FlowMotion Fitt mat is the next step in the evolution of the standup paddleboard. By introducing an inflatable mat to aquatic fitness centers we have opened the door for a new level of fitness and excitement. Whether you choose a traditional Boot Camp style workout, want to gently flow through a Yoga sequence, or find the thrill of working with a personal trainer 1-on-1, participants are always left feeling like they have accomplished something difficult at the end of class. And of course, they always leave with a smile on their face as well. Be sure to check out where our mats are available in your area or contact us for more information and we can guide you in the correct direction!