Water walking is a low-impact exercise that combines the benefits of walking with the added buoyancy of water, reducing stress on joints while strengthening and building muscles. It’s popular with people of all ages and fitness levels, including the elderly, overweight, those with arthritis, and athletes. Classes can be found at local gyms and health clubs, and flotation devices can be used to help non-swimmers stay afloat. Water walking can be done in the deep or shallow end of the pool, and additional levels of resistance and intensity can be achieved with aquatic equipment. Pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions should consult with a physician before trying any type of hydroaerobics.
Walking on water is a form of hydroaerobics in which people walk through water. Low-impact exercise combines the benefits of walking with the added buoyancy of water. Since walking in water provides a higher level of resistance than walking on land, it works to reduce stress on joints while strengthening and building muscles. The pushing and pulling of the water also works to improve flexibility and aid balance.
Water walking classes are springing up as people of all ages and fitness levels seek an effective cardiovascular workout. Water walking classes are especially popular with the elderly, the overweight, those with arthritis, and those with mobility issues. Pregnant women and those with lower back pain also often advocate exercise. Even serious athletes are reaping the benefits. For elite athletes, water-based exercises can be used as a form of active recovery between intense land, sharpening, and speed workouts.
You can walk through the water in a pond, lake or even in the ocean. However, most of the time, aquatic exercises are done in indoor pools, allowing people to exercise in hot, cold, or inclement weather. Knowing how to swim is not a requirement to walk in the water. Flotation devices can be used to help non-swimmers stay afloat in the water.
Structured classes are not a necessity for walking on water. Those new to the exercise may want to consider a class led by a qualified instructor to help them learn the basic steps and ensure safety. Classes can usually be found at local gyms, health clubs, and senior gyms.
Water walking exercises can be done in the deep or shallow end of the pool. For beginners, the shallow end is often used as the deeper water provides a more intense workout. The basic movement of walking on water involves walking forward just like walking on land. Participants stand in waist-deep water and walk forward, focusing on planting their entire foot on the bottom of the pool with each step. Core muscles are activated with every movement, and arms swing from front to back for a full-body workout.
For added variety, water aerobics can incorporate walking backwards or sideways. Additional levels of resistance and intensity can be achieved with water bars, kick boards, ankle weights, and additional aquatic equipment. Water walking shoes can also be used to provide increased traction and grip for walking across the pool floor.
Regardless of the reasons you decide to try water walking, exercise can be used to improve overall fitness without causing joint pain. However, even aquatic exercise is not without its potential consequences. Pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease should consult with a physician before trying any type of hydroaerobics.
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