AI CHI
Ruth has been fortunate to be the leading spokesperson for this relaxing and centering aquatic technique. Click for more.
PRESENTATIONS
Ruth travels worldwide to present workshops, lectures and keynotes. Most of her presentations are about aquatic therapy, rehab or fitness. She also does several business topics and motivational keynotes. To learn more about the topics please click here.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
Ruth has several books, DVDs and other products. For more information, please click here.
About RUTH
Experienced Aquatic Rehab and Therapy Professional Who Cares!
An internationally recognized leader in the health and fitness industry, Ruth is dedicated to the growth and betterment of the industry through her tireless research and development efforts. She has founded eight successful businesses and holds numerous awards and honors in the industry. She educates and energizes audiences with her presentations on personal growth, entrepreneurship, health, fitness, wellness, running a business and aquatic rehab and fitness.
In 1994, she founded the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute, Inc. (ATRI) a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the professional development of health care professionals involved with aquatic therapy. ATRI offers continuing education courses at conferences and workshops that advance the knowledge and skills of the aquatic therapist. Click here for more information about ATRI or visit www.atri.org.
She has emerged as an internationally recognized leader in the aquatics industry. She is the founder and past president of the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), a non-profit international association serving as a clearinghouse for all aspects of the aquatics industry. In 1987, she saw a need for an organizing body in the aquatics field and she founded AEA to fulfill this need.
WHO SHE IS
AUTHOR
As an esteemed author Ruth Sova has had the privilege of writing and creating … (click to read more)
- Over 170 articles on health, aquatics, business, wellness, leadership
- Eighteen books
- Numerous educational DVDs and CDs
SCHOLAR
Ruth Sova has has never stopped learning throughout her career …
(click to read more)
- M.S., University of MichiganB.A.
- Northern Michigan University
- The Institute for Aerobics Research
- Certified Maternity Fitness, Inc.
- Certified Gold Certification from the American Council on Exercise
- Grduate of The Aerobics Seminar, The Aerobics Center, Dallas, Texas
- AAHPERD Aquatic Council Senior Fitness Instructor Credential
- Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry Certified
- Aquatic Exercise Association Certified
INDUSTRY LEADER
As a respected expert Ruth Sova has participated in many advisory groups … (click to read more)
- The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in Wisconsin
- The Circuit of Reebok Professionals and Specialists (CORPS)
- U.S. Senatorial Business Advisory Board Steering Committee
- Advisory Board of Disability International Foundation
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
For Ruth Sova success was also something she achieved many times on a personal level … (click to read more)
- Who’s Who in United States Executives
- Facilitated a multidisciplinary committee, and wrote the definition of aquatic therapy
- Facilitated a multidisciplinary committee, and wrote and published Standards for the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry
- As a member of the Wisconsin Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness, nominated and presented the Outstanding Wisconsin Citizen Award.
- Worked with the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Kinesiotherapy Association, and the Aquatic Exercise Association to begin work on a multi-disciplinary Aquatic Therapy Program.
- Created a Position Statement for the public availability of pools for the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
- Created and incorporated non-profit organization for the betterment of aquatics, the National Aquatic Coalition.
- Created and incorporated Ai Chi International, a non-profit organization to decrease pain
- Wisconsin State Representative for IDEA
- IDEA Foundations’ national certification committee
- IDEA Leadership Council
- Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
- Water Exercise Specialty Committee of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
- FOCUS (one of Wisconsin’s largest professional women’s organizations) – current member, past president and chairman of the board
- Business and Professional Women’s Organization – past president
- National Association for Female Executives – Network Director
- Reebok Aerobic Championship – presentation judge
- Reebok Corps – advisory staff
ENTREPRENEUR
Ruth Sova allowed her entrepreneurial spirit drive her business success … (click to read more)
- Ruth is involved or connected with several other businesses and organizations.
- AEA (www.aeawave.com). Ruth started the Aquatic Exercise Association in 1985. Angie Nelson and Julie See took over AEA in 1993 (when Ruth’s family needed her) and have done wonderful things with it. Angie, Julie, Anne Miller (ATRI), and Ruth are close friends and the companies continue to work closely together.
- DSL (https://squareup.com/store/ruth-sova). Ruth started a company in 1976 that produces all her DVDs, books, etc. It’s called DSL. Now it publishes other people’s products as well.
- The Fitness Firm. Ruth started The Fitness Firm in 1976. Phyllis DeCoste now owns the company.
- The Jalkanen Foundation. Before Ruth’s Dad died, he and her Mom set up a charitable foundation. He died before it could get funded so Ruth is sometimes available to speak in trade for a donation to the foundation.