Water walking, a seemingly simple yet highly effective exercise, is gaining in popularity as people discover the amazing benefits. This low-impact activity offers a refreshing twist on traditional walking, providing a whole new dimension to your fitness routine. Whether you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, reduce stress, or simply enjoy time in the water, here are the best seven reasons to start to introduce water walking into your movement practices:
1. Low-Impact Cardiovascular Workout
Water walking is an excellent way to get your heart pumping without putting excessive stress on your joints. The buoyancy of the water supports your body, reducing the impact on your knees, hips, and spine, making it an ideal exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular fitness without the risk of injury.
2. Full-Body Workout
Unlike regular walking, water walking engages your entire body. As you move through the water, you’ll work your legs, arms, core, and even your back muscles. The resistance of the water requires more effort to move forward, effectively toning and strengthening your muscles as you go.
3. Enhanced Balance and Stability
The water’s natural instability forces your body to constantly adjust, improving your balance and stability. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re someone who’s at risk of falls, as it helps build confidence and reduces the likelihood of accidents.
4. Improved Circulation
Water walking stimulates circulation, due to the water pressure acting as a massage for the legs. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with circulation issues or those recovering from injuries, as it promotes blood flow and accelerates the healing process.
5. Weight Management
Water provides natural resistance, making your muscles work harder. This increased effort burns more calories than regular walking, making water walking an effective choice for weight management and fat loss.
6. Social and Recreational Benefits
Water walking can be a social activity when done in groups or classes. Sharing the experience with others can boost motivation and create a sense of community.
7. Versatility and Accessibility
Water walking can be adapted to your fitness level and preferences. You can adjust the depth of the water, speed, and duration to tailor the workout to your needs and goals. Plus, it requires minimal equipment – a swimsuit and some water-friendly shoes are often all you need, although we always recommend using gloves to get even more benefits from your workout.
Want to get started with water walking workouts? WECOACH Workouts provides a printable collection of workouts to help you mix up your water walking routine. This collection includes targeted workouts for mobility, strength, cardio and balance, plus, you’ll be able to track results using our 6-minute walk test. Purchase the collection here, or become a member to get this and everything else in WECOACH Workouts.
