WHERE THE SCIENCE OF FLOURISHING MEETS THE WATER
SplashDance:
What a Feeling!
Water-based movement is one of the most underused tools for wellbeing, connection, and vitality. SplashDance brings the research of positive psychology into the pool — combining evidence-informed aqua fitness with the science of joy, character strengths, and social connection. Available as a published book, a live class, and an organizational program.
THE BOOK
The science of joy in the water
Published in July 2024, SplashDance: What a Feeling! draws on decades of research in positive psychology, movement science, and aqua fitness to show why water-based exercise is uniquely powerful for wellbeing, mood, and human connection. Practical, evidence-informed, and grounded in Elaine's 30+ years of applied research — it's a guide you'll return to.
“I feel so much gratitude to Elaine. Every day for the last two years, I do the splash exercises she designed for me“
– Dr. Martin Seligman, Author & Director of the Penn Positive Psychology Center
THE PROGRAM
Aqua Fitness Meets Positive Psychology
Designed for all fitness levels, this innovative program promises not just a workout but a joyride through the captivating rhythms of water to lead you toward flourishing health. With the expert guidance of Dr. Elaine O’Brien, discover how fun and fluid movements in the water can significantly boost your energy, strength, flexibility, agility, and overall mood
Each splash-filled exercise is scientifically designed to enhance your well-being, foster enduring happiness, and revitalize your spirit. Get ready to make waves towards a healthier, more joyful you.
SplashDance as a live experience.
Elaine brings SplashDance to organizations, fitness centres, aqua programs, and communities as an in-person program — movement-based, evidence-informed, and genuinely fun. It's positive psychology in the water: playful, purposeful, and surprisingly powerful.
The SplashDance Experience
A joyful, facilitated aqua fitness session weaving movement, music, and positive psychology into one unforgettable class.
Bring SplashDance to your pool!Bring It to Your Organization
A multi-session program for fitness centres, community pools, healthcare organizations, and senior living facilities. Customized to your context and community.
Dive into SplashDance!Read, Discuss, & Play
A facilitated experience built around the book — for organizations, clubs, and wellbeing programmes.
Start your Book Club!What Readers have to say
A masterclass in aqua fitness
As an aqua fitness instructor, I am always looking for new ideas and perspectives on training in the water.
The routines in Splash Dance are innovative, easy to follow and backed by science. I especially liked the creative takes on many foundational exercises as well as the emphasis on the importance of maintaining a strong core for stability and safety. The author not only has a good understanding of the physical benefits of exercising in the water, but she effectively illustrates the psychological rewards that go along with it. This book was very uplifting and demonstrates the special community that participates in water fitness.
A very motivating book to get started exercising in water
Dr. O'Brien's book is such a motivational tool for getting started in and continuing an aqua fitness routine. She clearly makes the case for the benefits of aqua fitness - physical, mental, emotional, community, etc.
She details how to get started, how to use specific movements and intensities to achieve your fitness goals, how to create a personalized aqua fitness program. This book really is a playbook for both aqua fitness students and instructors. I've been doing aqua fitness for 3 years and I learned so much from this book. I encourage you to dive into “Splash Dance”. It will change your life.
This book is a game changer!! Loved it!
Splash Dance explained exactly what I was experiencing in my aqua fit journey. Dr. O'Brien thoroughly and eloquently maps out how to get the most out of water fitness. Both physically and mentally, regardless of age or fitness level you may be.
This book is inclusive for anyone and everyone who feels the need to get moving. Aqua fitness has changed my life. I encourage anyone to read this book to find the inspiration to get in the water and start moving. I promise you won't regret it.
The Magic of Water
Dr. O'Brien's book is a love letter to water. Some of us who find our way to the water experience the positive effects on our minds and bodies she describes. The real beauty of water is that we can all enter it-regardless of who we are or our fitness level.
Water is both rejuvenating and calming. Dr. O'Brien shows us how to become one with water. Thank you for your expertise and guidance! What a feeling!!!
Bring SplashDance to your organization.
Keynotes, workshops, consulting, and programs, start with a 30-minute discovery call.