Aqua Instructor Tip - Hip abduction not “hitting”? Try this bent-knee tweak.

Hip abduction is one of those “simple on paper” moves… until you watch half the class struggle to get enough speed (and feel) with a long straight leg. So here’s my tweak for this week’s Aqua Tip: bend the knee and lift the foot behind the body at about 90 degrees. Shorter lever = easier to generate power = far better chance they’ll actually feel that outer thigh + inner thigh work. And then we make it even more interesting and effective by adding the upper body. 💥 The move + 3 options Option 1 (the surprise ‘easier’ start) Bent-knee abduction/adduction with both arms lifting out to the sides. Option 2 (same pace, more challenge) Hands on hips, no arms. Option 3 (my favourite for balance + brain) Opposite arm to leg out to the side, it’s a brilliant opposing-force pattern. The standing leg has to stabilise, the working leg lights up the glute, and the inner thigh gets a proper job on the pull-in. 💥 Cue it like this ✅Bent knee stays at 90 degrees (heel behind you) ✅On the return: knees/thighs come together (watch the leg that wants to drift in front) ✅Speed matters: it’s not a slow “wave about”, it needs enough tempo to stimulate the muscles (get in the pool and find the right tempo) ✅Arms (when used): long straight arm, fingers extended, thumb tucked, push out with the back of the hand, pull in with the palm, and make that pull-in powerful 💥 Where I’d use it in a class I love this in a recovery section between HIIT blocks because it’s lower-impact yet still provides a strong focus on strength. 💥Pool deck teaching tip (so it lands for everyone) ✅Start two feet grounded: practise the arm pattern with all the hand cues ✅Add one heel lifting behind (knee bent) while the arms keep moving ✅Add the abduction/adduction, and over-demonstrate the pull-in (make it obvious!) ✅Progress through Option 1 → Option 2 → Option 3 And for you on deck: have a support nearby if you need it. Balance is a skill, and we also want to model it safely and confidently. Join aqua expert and group fitness educator Marietta Mehanni as she shares practical tips and techniques to refresh your teaching and keep your classes moving with purpose! Whether you're after fresh ideas or want to fine-tune your cueing, you'll find inspiration here. Want more support? If you're an aqua instructor looking to grow your confidence and expand your teaching toolkit, the Aqua Mentoring Membership is for you. You'll get access to resources, session breakdowns, class ideas, and a community that understands the challenges and joys of teaching in water. 👉 Get started with 30 days FREE access to Aqua Mentoring here: https://www.mariettamehannieducation.... For more resources, workshops, and education, visit: 🌐https://www.mariettamehannieducation.... #AquaFitness #MariettaMehanni #AquaMentoring