When I moved from New Zealand to the Caribbean, I was at a crossroads, both professionally and personally. I had previously owned Nitro, a renowned cocktail bar known for its innovative liquid nitrogen drinks.
With 24 years in hospitality and a background in amateur boxing and rugby, fitness has always been a constant.
After leaving the bar industry, I became a beverage consultant at a 5-star resort. Then COVID-19 hit. The island went into lockdown, leaving only about 100 employees behind. The uncertainty weighed on everyone’s mental health. To help, I started two fitness programs, providing structure, community, and a much-needed outlet.
When my contract ended, the resort invited me back—this time as part of the fitness team. It was a pivotal shift, allowing me to focus on health and wellness.
My role quickly became about more than leading workouts; it was about forming genuine connections. Clients shared their goals, challenges, and personal stories, making each session more than exercise.
“My ego has always fuelled my fitness approach—lifting heavier, pushing harder, constantly competing. But as I matured, that aggressive training style became less appealing. I found myself bored, wondering: What’s the point? Why am I punishing my body? What’s next?”
The answer came when the resort’s spa offered me the chance to train in KunAqua under Wayne Lèal. This low-impact yet highly effective approach was unlike anything I had experienced.
After decades of rugby, boxing, and CrossFit, my body had taken a beating. Entering my 50s, I no longer needed extreme training—more innovative training.
KunAqua has transformed both my fitness philosophy and how I train others. Resort guests appreciate how water workouts reduce joint stress compared to land-based exercises.
The Meditative Walk component enhances muscle balance, cognitive focus and posture through controlled steps and breathwork.
One guest remarked, “The slow, intentional movements tested my balance. I was surprised by how challenging it was.” Another shared, “Focusing on my steps and breathing made it easy to clear my mind.”
The HIIT and Fat Metabolism segment elevates heart rate, promoting fat loss and cardiovascular health. Guests progressively build endurance, and I introduce resistance tools like swimming paddles to challenge them further.
My favourite part is Strength Training. Water provides up to twelve times the resistance of land-based exercises, making even bodyweight movements incredibly effective. Props add variety, challenging both my guests and me.
Each session ends with a floating Shavasana under the Caribbean sun, where swimming noodles keep guests effortlessly afloat as they relax.”
Takeaway
KunAqua will be a game-changer in the fitness world. Although I was never drawn to yoga, I appreciate how Wayne has integrated yogic philosophy into the training.
Breath awareness and mindfulness are key, especially during Meditative Walking. The density of the water naturally slows movement, allowing time to focus on breath control, muscle activation, and fluid motion.
KunAqua is now a key part of my daily routine. Seeing how it positively affects me, the guest, and my friends shows me how valuable and effective it is as a fitness program.
I want to create my own KunAqua retreats and workshops, giving others the chance to experience the empowering benefits of water.
My goal is to build a space for movement, health, and meaningful connections—one that fosters positive change.