While we would love to have Fluid Running instructors all over the world, we know the struggles associated with pool programming. With the success of our DIY On-demand version of the Fluid Running classes, we began testing the audio workouts in a group setting, calling it Fluid Running Virtual Group. Sayre Froelich, Aquatics Supervisor at Wilmette Park District, a suburb of Chicago, reached out to us hoping to get a couple of instructors trained to teach the classes. We shared with her the Virtual Group concept, and she immediately saw the benefits of this flexible and affordable programming. I asked Sayre to answer some questions about her experience with Fluid Running Virtual Group.
Jennifer Conroyd, Founder, Fluid Running
Can you tell us a little about your experience with Fluid Running last summer at The Wilmette Park District?
Fluid Running was wildly popular during Wilmette Park District’s pool season in 2022! The Fluid Running Team was super helpful and accommodating with setting us up for program success. We worked to get the buzz started early by promoting the program through newsletters, social media posts, in-class announcements, and hosting a couple of teaser classes. The big push helped because when registration opened, class space filled up. Class maximums were even increased. Throughout the summer, the Fluid Running Team was consistently checking in to make sure we had all the resources we needed to keep things running smoothly. From a programmer’s perspective, this was one of the easiest projects I’ve ever implemented into a schedule. I knew Wilmette’s community would be excited about the new offering and jump right in!
“Fluid Running was wildly popular during Wilmette Park District’s pool season in 2022!” – Sayre
What was the response from the participants?
The community’s response to Fluid Running Virtual Group was overwhelmingly positive! Participant demographics were incredibly varied. There were folks that were looking to stay active during an injury, some were wanting to move but not have the impact of running on land, and others were looking to take advantage of the summer’s weather to exercise outdoors. It might have even converted a few water aerobics diehards! The demand to host more classes came after just the first week. Always a good sign.
How was it from an operational/staffing standpoint?
To reiterate what was stated above, from a programmer’s perspective, this was one of the easiest projects I’ve ever implemented into a schedule. The biggest obstacle was finding the “sweet spot” class times. Once the Fluid Running Team and I had ironed out the logistics of class registration and the individual registration on Fluid Running’s website, the rest was simple. Also, if I ever ran into any issues, they would follow up within 24 hours (a lot of the time even less). Introducing a new class format, especially when adding “water” can always come with a few hiccups. After identifying a few instructors and explaining the class, they were on board as well. Having instructors complete the online training and attending an in-person class really brought the goal and format into focus. The Fluid Running Virtual Group really took the pressure off from needing to choreograph their own classes. They just scrolled through the Fluid Running app, chose the day’s workout, pressed play, and provided the energy (and technique pointers).
“from a programmer’s perspective, this was one of the easiest projects I’ve ever implemented into a schedule” – Sayre
Would you recommend it to other pools? If so, why?
I’d absolutely recommend Fluid Running Virtual Group to other pools! The program can benefit anyone no matter their age or level of fitness. The provided workouts make class organization simple and motivating. Fluid Running Virtual Group is the program that you did not know your pool needed, but now you know!
“Fluid Running Virtual Group is the program that you did not know your pool needed, but now you know!” – Sayre
