The Benefits of a Water Walking Machine
Water walking machines are ideal for people with painful joints or conditions that make high-impact exercise difficult. They provide buoyancy, reduce stress on the joints, and improve balance.
Add ankle or wrist weights to increase resistance for a more challenging workout. You can also try using a resistance parachute or hand paddles, available online.
1. Reduces impact on joints and muscles
Walking in water provides a low-impact workout that works many of the same muscles as walking on land. Plus, you burn more calories — it takes more energy to move through water than air. Many YMCAs, fitness centers and Arthritis Foundation offices offer classes to teach you how to get started with this workout.
If you’ve been injured, the buoyancy of walking in water can help you start physical therapy sooner than on land. This decreases the stress on your joints and helps you learn to walk again without putting additional pressure on your damaged knees, hips or back.
Studies have shown that aqua treadmill walking improves strength and increases cardiovascular endurance. The natural hydrostatic pressure of warm water reduces pain, relaxes muscles and improves flexibility. Combined with the adjustable resistance of the water treadmill, these effects can boost a patient’s on-ground physical stamina.
2. Increases strength
Whether you call it Water walking machine water walking, aqua running or hydrotherapy, walking or jogging in the water dramatically reduces stress on the joints. At the same time, it provides a challenging workout that tones and strengthens the muscles.
In one study, researchers found that a slower walk in water at hock or stifle depth resulted in a higher muscle power demand on the two thigh muscles than walking at shallower waters levels. The results indicate that the increased workload may be due to a greater resistance in this water level.
Water-walking is a great exercise for all ages and fitness levels. For a beginner, try a class led by an instructor to ensure proper form. You can also add wrist weights, foam dumbbells or resistance gloves to your routine for a more challenging workout. For an extra challenge, try walking backward or sideways to work your adductor muscles (the inner and outer thigh muscles). Water walking is an excellent workout for the upper body as well. Try walking forward with your right foot leading and then bring your left foot to meet your right.
3. Reduces stress on the joints
Walking in water provides a lower-impact cardio exercise than traditional walking on land, making it more gentle on your bones and joints. You can also walk faster in the water than on land, and the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on your muscles.
In addition, walking in water burns more calories than walking on land. It is also a great option for people with arthritis because it helps improve joint mobility and strengthens the leg muscles. The warmer temperature of the water (usually 82 to 88 degrees) can help soothe joint pain and increase comfort.
Studies have shown that arthritis patients who participate in regular water exercises are able to increase their level of physical activity. This increased mobility allows them to engage in other healthy activities like strength training and walking, while reducing pain and stiffness.
Walking in the water is a good way to maintain your fitness levels while recovering from an injury. To increase the intensity of your workout, try using a flotation device or swinging your arms as you walk. You can also find a water walking class at your local YMCA or fitness center to train with an instructor and make new friends.
4. Increases flexibility
The hydrostatic pressure exerted by the water supports the body weight while enhancing stability. This increases muscle and joint flexibility, decreases edema and promotes circulation. It also strengthens muscles, enhancing the cardiovascular system and increasing endurance. In addition, the water’s resistance levels can be adjusted and jets can add to the intensity.
Water walking is a great option for people with arthritis or chronic back or knee problems. It can also be used for general exercise and weight loss. For more intensive workouts, you can use wrist or hand weights, foam dumbbells, or resistance gloves with your walking machine. You can also vary your workout by adding side lunges to work the adductor muscles in your inner thighs.
Aqua treadmills are often found at fitness centers or gyms, and they’re a popular tool for rehab and recovery. They’re also used by professional athletes and sports teams to improve performance after injuries or surgery. You can even find these machines at home, making them a great choice for those who are looking to start or return to a regular workout routine after injury.
5. Improves balance
Water walking is a good exercise for strengthening and toning the legs. Whether you’re in the pool or at the gym, this workout is great for anyone. Walking in the water can increase your balance and help you stay stable. It also helps you build up the muscles around your joints.
Water treadmills are a great option for people who want to do walking or running without putting too much stress on their knees, back and other Water walking machine joints. They’re also used by professional athletes and are a common form of rehabilitation after injuries and surgeries.
Using the Water Walker Treadmill SPA is a great way to get a great workout and improve your fitness level. Many water walker machines have adjustable resistance levels, which can be adjusted depending on your level of fitness. They also have workout programs and can be used to track your progress. You can also add other exercises to your water workout, such as wrist weights or foam dumbbells. This can help you increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups.
