We sat down with Rob, one of Sydney's leading Aqua instructors, to learn more about his unique journey into the world of Aqua Aerobics and Group Exercise, his teaching philosophy, and his passion for building a strong community within his classes.

Rob has been teaching Aqua for 15 years, but his path to becoming an instructor was far from typical.

Originally working in the corporate world, Rob made the bold decision to transition into the health and wellbeing industry - a move he has never regretted.

R: "I was in IT, and I just never looked back once I moved into group exercise," he recalls.

Rob's dedication to improving people’s health and wellbeing is evident in his personal achievements as well. He started his journey by losing 52 kilos through daily BODYPUMP classes, an experience that profoundly impacted his teaching approach. It was an easy transition to begin teaching as a BODYPUMP instructor.

Aqua classes first caught Rob’s attention due to the high demand. Curious but initially sceptical, he decided to give it a try. However, his first impressions were less than enthusiastic.

R: "I did the training, but I found it wet, cold, boring, and honestly, I didn’t enjoy it at all," he admits.

He completed the Aqua module, attended six classes, and had to write about his experience, but found the classes basic and repetitive, where he spent more time watching the clock than watching the class.

However, everything changed when he attended a class led by Dina, who would later become his mentor.

R: "I found Dina and thought, ‘OMG, this is what I’ve been looking for!’"

Dina's dynamic teaching style reignited his passion for Aqua, and he knew he had found his calling. Although Dina eventually moved into a corporate job, her influence on him was profound, shaping the type of instructor he aspired to be.

He began his Aqua career at the City of Sydney's Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre and Cook + Phillip Park Pool in 2007. Today, Rob teaches an impressive 30 classes a week across various City of Sydney aquatic centres, including Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Victoria Park Pool and still to this day, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre.

Rob's classes are anything but ordinary. He has introduced innovative elements like Aqua HIIT, attracting a younger audience in the evenings, and even incorporating battle ropes into the pool workouts.

R: "Aqua isn’t just for older people," Rob emphasises. "I program classes so everyone can work at a rate that’s comfortable for them, but also keep up, making it inclusive for all."

A key aspect of Rob’s teaching is his commitment to variety and creativity.

R: "I need to change the choreography - a different class every day. I program 10 different classes a week, and it’s become second nature now," he explains.

What sets Rob’s classes apart is the personal connection he fosters with his participants.

R: "The community culture of the class is so important," he says. "Everyone is welcomed by name, and I can tell you the first and last name of everyone in my class.

“It’s all about creating a fun and inclusive space and not just for the people in the pool! I will also involve the lifeguards, the duty manager, and people in the other lanes. Seeing them tapping their toes to the music always gives me a kick."

Rob goes beyond just teaching; he actively builds relationships, encouraging participants to connect with one another. He organises activities and events outside of class, such as birthday celebrations and outings in Centennial Park.

R: "Knowing the person next to you makes you more comfortable - it’s not a stranger you don’t know."

Rob’s passion extends beyond traditional Aqua classes. He’s involved in teaching various types of Aqua, including shallow Aqua, deep Aqua, and warm Aqua, which focuses more on hydrotherapy and mobility. He’s also dedicated to working with seniors, particularly those in nursing homes, helping them improve their quality of life through focusing sessions on balance, bone density, and mobility.

R: "Seniors are my jam," he says with a smile. "They have goals which are all about improving their quality of life. It’s so rewarding to work with people who are focused on maintaining their independence."

This year Rob has been recognised with a first-time nomination for the AusActive Aqua Fitness Professional of the Year. He will be competing against seven other professionals in his category, with the winners to be announced on 11 October 2024.

R: “I am immensely proud of this nomination as it recognises my 15 years of dedication to Aqua Exercise.

“I would like to think I was nominated because my focus has always been on community, fun, and inclusivity. I strive to create a challenge for everyone while also addressing the mental health and social needs of my participants. It’s especially rewarding to help seniors - who often feel isolated and unmotivated - reconnect and feel part of the community again.”

Rob continues to inspire and uplift his class participants. His creative approach and ability to put his own spin on classes make his sessions both effective and fun. It is why his classes are always fully booked, week after week.

Looking to the future, Rob is content and finds immense reward in the connections he makes with his members. He also plans to focus on training and mentoring other Aqua instructors.

In the world of Aqua Aerobics, Rob has found his true calling, and his journey from IT to becoming a leading group exercise instructor is a testament to the power of following your passion and the impact it can have on others.