Aquatic exercise offers unique opportunities to improve mobility, strength, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being for individuals living with chronic health conditions. But how do we adapt our programs to meet the diverse needs of participants while keeping classes safe, effective, and engaging?

This interactive workshop is designed for aquatic exercise instructors who want to expand their knowledge and confidence in working with individuals living with chronic conditions. Participants will explore how common conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, and respiratory conditions can affect exercise participation and how the properties of water can be used to support movement, improve function, and reduce barriers to physical activity.

Through practical examples, exercise modifications, and programming strategies, instructors will learn how to adapt intensity, movements, and class formats to accommodate different abilities and health considerations.

Participants will learn to:

• Understand how common chronic conditions affect physical activity and exercise tolerance.

• Recognize the benefits and limitations of aquatic exercise for different health conditions.

• Identify safety considerations, precautions, and signs that an exercise should be modified or stopped.

• Adapt aquatic exercises to accommodate varying mobility, strength, balance, and endurance levels.

• Develop inclusive, engaging aquatic programs that encourage long-term participation.

The goal: To give aquatic instructors the knowledge, practical tools, and confidence to make every class a welcoming and beneficial experience, regardless of a participant's health challenges.

Presenter Bio – Bonnie Hopps

With more than 40 years of experience in the fitness industry, Bonnie Hopps is a passionate and dedicated fitness professional who truly embodies the spirit of lifelong movement. Approaching 80 years young, Bonnie continues to inspire others through her enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment to helping people live healthier, more active lives.

Throughout her career, Bonnie has made a lasting impact on the individuals she teaches and the fitness community as a whole. Her expertise and passion for aquatic exercise have provided her with opportunities to present internationally, sharing her knowledge and experience with fitness professionals beyond Manitoba.

Bonnie believes that fitness is about much more than exercise. It is about building confidence, fostering connections, improving quality of life, and demonstrating that physical activity has no age limit.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, dedication, and more than four decades of inspiring others, Bonnie was named the recipient of the Manitoba Fitness Council's 2026 Award of Excellence – Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bonnie Hopps is a local and international presenter on Chronic Disease and exercise.