Posted on 12 Jun 2017
Please note: this is an old article
It was published in June 2017, so the information may be out-of-date.
Aquamoves Team Member Linda McKenzie has been nominated in the 'Group Exercise Instructor Award' category for outstanding achievement.
Aquatics Recreation Victoria (ARV) hold annual awards for outstanding achievement in the aquatic and fitness industry. You may remember our very own Bec Parris won the Group Exercise Instructor award last year!
Linda has been a BodyBalance instructor at Aquamoves since 2009. She started at Aquamoves as a member and quickly developed a passion for BodyBalance. Linda found BodyBalance a great way to take time out, focus on being in the moment and relax during challenging times. From that time onwards she was drawn to wanting to help others.
Linda’s strengths lie in her gentle, genuine, caring and personable nature. She is calm, friendly, welcoming and has the ability to connect with all age groups and ethnicities. Linda integrates calm with higher energy to match the tempo of the class. She recoginises every class is different and is influenced by the energy of the group and the responses of the individuals. Linda has the natural ability to read the needs of the group and adapt her class to bring out the best in the participants.
Linda believes that participating in exercise is not about aesthetics but about how it makes you feel and helps you through your day. Linda has continued to take a regular BodyBalance class at Aquamoves, but has also moved into working with older adults and those managing chronic illness.
Here's what older adult Rosemary Mitchellmore had to say about Linda:
Rosemary Mitchellmore has been coming to Linda’s strength classes for eight to nine years. Rosemary is in her 80s and is the eldest in the group. She is married and lives independently with her husband. They have no children or younger adults in her life. Linda has become a trusted confident to Rosemary – the voice of a younger person. Rosemary suffers from frequent falls. Linda has taught her how to get up after a fall and she now practices this at home.
According to Rosemary, Linda is helpful and gets to know everyone's limitations and easily adjusts exercises to suit. She understands and has empathy for the elderly and is easy to talk to. Linda helps people with their problems, not just physical issues. Rosemary enjoys her sessions with Linda, especially the good exercise, fitness, fun and fellowship within the group; “she definitely keeps us fit".
Rosemary says “I wouldn’t miss the classes with Linda for anything” and that Linda “thoroughly deserves an award for the dedication she demonstrates to her classes and the positive impact she has on our lives.”
The Shepparton community continues to benefit greatly from Linda’s dedication and generosity. She has created lasting change amongst members of her classes enhancing the wellbeing of many in the community through meaningful social connection, practical health education and nutrition and physical exercise.