about us

Hi, I'm Stu Davidson, we're glad you found us. Back in 2007, I moved to Miami from Sarasota, and with the change, I had a novel idea about personal training in the water. After doing extensive research, and getting my certification, I created AquaFit Sports Therapy and launched AquaFit Miami. Here's a link to a 2017 article in VoyageMIA.

From 2008-2020, I trained well over 10,000 hours in the water with hundreds of clients in their pool up and down Miami Beach, SOBE, Miami & area (click the link to see some of the properties I've worked at) ranging in age from 9 to 92 years old, training in the ocean to the three local Ritz's in every imaginable scenario, I have pretty much seen it all.

First, COVID shut everything down, and in 2021 I moved back to Sarasota, then due to my health issues, I had the time and became a student of circumstance, soaking up all I could learn and experimenting with newer ways of training in the water. When you are diagnosed with a neurological condition that can be life-threatening, I was motivated by my interest not to be a victim but to champion my condition. My journey in healing myself will only be a benefit to healing others.

My compassion, approach, and understanding of physical limitations and breaking ceilings is an understatement. In the past two years alone, I have recovered from three surgeries; Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF) neurosurgery in January 2023; quad tendon tear knee surgery in January 2024; and most recently just after Hurricane Milton I was in a bad accident and broke six ribs, my clavicle and punctured a lung and recently had clavicle open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery in November 2024 which I am still recovering from. So, I'm battle-tested, and mother-approved! Having that kind of perspective and experience is invaluable, on top of all my previous work, including all the science in expediting recovery.

I very much enjoy teaching groups and classes, but my specialty is working one-on-one, combining various techniques that fit well with the client. I leverage several aquatic drag resistance training methods, for the lower and upper body, using all kinds of aquatic resistance gear (I'm always looking for the latest) to aid in helping my clients be the healthiest version of themselves and exceed their goals.

My passion is the water, and connecting with people who want to put in the work to improve their quality of life, regardless of their age or fitness level. They, too, understand the value of what working in the water can do. I truly hope to continue doing this work here in Sarasota and well beyond.

Stuart Davidson, Founder

flexibility • power• balance • tone • resistance

Get ready for smiles, laughter, fun, and a safe and enjoyable aquatic workout with a very talented professional!

Janelle Gilbert has 20+ years of experience as an Aquatic Fitness Instructor, Swim Instructor, and Lifeguard, and has created several popular aquatic programs her clients love. 

Janelle calls Sarasota home and shares her passion for aquatics with a community of all ages and levels. For her, creating aquatic fitness programs and helping every person enjoy the water (even non-swimmers) is her passion.

For over ten years, she was a United States Water Fitness Association Aquatic Instructor and sat on the USFWA Committee for two years.

With twenty years as an American Red Cross Lifeguard, as well as an Aquatic spokesperson, Aquatic Facility Manager, and Lifeguard Instructor, Janelle also has extensive experience working with Autism, Parkinson's, Dementia, Cancer, Cardiac Survivors, and more.

Current additional certifications include ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Basic Life Support, and Certified Pool Operator. 

She incorporates aqua therapy and aquatic healing into her sessions, ensuring a holistic approach to fitness.

Janelle Gilbert, Master Instructor

Recent studies are in WATSU, Ai Chi, Qi Gong, and Senior Fitness where Janelle prides herself on adaptive water fitness programs for anyone with fear issues, special needs, or other challenges.

Janelle also provides a range of water fitness classes and water resistance therapy sessions that cater to various needs, including those looking for a structured water class in an aqua gym environment.

business hours

by appointment only
we are closed sundays and major holidays

map service area

when booking online, please first confirm your location
we offer primary, secondary, and extended service areas*

*Please note: secondary & extended service areas are color-coded and require a compensatory travel fee, payable on date of service. The fee is listed for each designated area.

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