Meet Andrea Velazquez

We recently connected with Andrea Velazquez and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from the decades long crusade to change the perception of aquatic fitness in the US. It is a constant battle to change stereotypical misconceptions surrounding “water aerobics”. We all envision old ladies with flowered swim caps when exercise in the pool is brought up in conversation. I have been on a mission to reach different demographics with awareness, education and experience. One person at a time.

We are water. As humans, it is intrinsic to us, to move as natural and fluid as water itself. My goal has always been to bring awareness and understanding of how aquatic immersion can help us physically and mentally.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I grew up in Washington Heights in the 70’s and 80’s, in a 2 bedroom apt with 6 people, numerous cats, hamsters and gerbils. The only local pool access was Highbridge, which was only open in the summertime. My mom would take us to Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club in the Bronx to swim, as she used to be as Swim Instructor there. I loved it. So basically it’s her fault I am like this now…
I joined my Humanities High school swim team in lower Manhattan. Our pool was in the sub basement, so it was quite an interesting experience. Practically every morning we would scoop out a floating rat and then hop in the pool for practice. I was never fast as a competitive swimmer. But I absolutely loved the water. I swam competitively throughout college. One day during an internship at a local Y, I took a water aerobics class. Grandmas and grandpas were having a blast, using empty milk jugs as equipment. It dawned on me that this was what aquatic fitness was, and the thoughts of what it could be started to grow. In 2005, I attended my first International Aquatic Fitness conference, which opened my eyes to how open minded the rest of the world is in comparison to the US when it came to exercise in the water. Here we still catered to the older population, and mostly female. The rest of the world included all ages, males and females. My goal and vision to change the perception of aquatic fitness in the US began that year. How can I get people in the pool who are not water people, or who think its just for Grandma? How can I get them to see how much better they will be on land if they just add water?

I have been immersed in the Aquatics Industry for over 25 years. I graduated with a BS in Recreation from SUNY Cortland. I am a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Yonkers NY, creator of AVAquatics, Master Trainer with Indigo Aquatics, and hold multiple certifications, foremost AEA and ACE. I represent various aquatic specialties, including SAF Aqua Drumsvibes, Acquapole, and HydroRevolution. I am a Starguard Instructor and Starfish Aquatic Institute faculty member. I have presented at numerous conferences nationwide on the topic of how to change the perception of aquatic fitness.

By using different equipment and creating unique workouts based on scientific research, aquatic fitness can cater to everyone, including teens, young adults, middle age, etc. Bring the gym to the pool. I am not taking away your gym time. I am improving your land activities by utilizing the waters unique properties. What makes you better on land is what you do in the water.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Understanding the physical properties of water and its differences in relation to land (gravity)
Understanding the impact water has in our lives, spiritually, psychologically and physically
Surrounding myself with people who know more than me so I can constantly learn ( I still have so much to learn!)

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The challenge I continually face is changing the perception of aquatic fitness. I want people to understand that the time you spend in the water contributes to better movement on land. The water slows you down, enabling you to see your muscular imbalances. You are able to improve functional movement patterns. Your joints are able to move 3 dimensionally, giving your body the opportunity to “flow”, to lengthen and strengthen. Motion is lotion. You function better on land. The hydrostatic pressure of the water helps your fluids move internally. Your parasympathetic nervous system is activated. Heart beats slower (about 17 beats lower than land), breath is full, happy hormones come surging in, lifting your mood, helping you to mentally relax.

You do not have to be a swimmer at all, you do not have to get your hair wet, you do not have to be injured, and you definitely do not have to be an elderly person to experience the physical and mental benefits of an aquatic fitness workout. Prehab, rehab yes. of course. Quality of life, absolutely.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

These pics are all mine

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Local Highlighter Series

We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and

Highlighter Series
Who taught you the most about work?

Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger