Gone are the days when getting a productive workout meant relentlessly pounding the pavement or endlessly climbing stairs. As exercise science evolves, better options for maintaining fitness are naturally surfacing across the board, and one such option is water walking. Be it in a natural water feature or an aquatic center, water walking can be a fantastic workout that’s both fun and easy on the body.
One of the best places to experience this unique and low-impact exercise is The Cove™ – a scenic spot just a short drive 30 minute North of Dallas. The inviting large body of water adds a therapeutic element to the workout, allowing participants to benefit from the cool temperatures and rejuvenating effects of the water.
Getting Started
The beauty of water walking is its simplicity; there’s no need for fancy equipment or elaborate techniques. Simply walking in the water is enough to feel the benefits of a low-impact workout. You can walk in water that’s at least knee deep, but The Cove™ offers a unique experience: participants can wade in up to their waist, engaging more muscle groups and increasing calorie burn. From there, it’s simply a matter of rhythmically striding through the water, paying attention to posture and breathing patterns.
Benefits
Water walking can provide a broad range of health benefits. It strengthens the muscles of your legs, glutes, and core, while being gentle on the joints. The resistance of the water itself also increases calorie burn and builds endurance. Additionally, participants can travel across a lengthier distance when compared to regular walking, without dealing with the rigors of harsh pavement. Engaging in this exercise can also improve overall cardiovascular health, and is a great stress reducer thanks to its soothing nature.
Exercise Variations
Beyond the basics of striding through the water, there are a few ways to amp up the workout and add variety. Incorporating aqua jogging is a great way to boost the intensity of a low-impact exercise, and aqua aerobics routines can help ensure an all-round fitness engagement. As you become more comfortable, consider increasing speed slightly, raising your knees higher as you walk, or alternating between front, back, or side stepping to keep things interesting. And, of course, don’t forget to incorporate some gentle stretches to make sure muscle groups remain supple.
Stay Safe and Hydrated
No matter if you’re walking in a serene natural body of water or a state-of-the-art aquatic facility, it’s important to stay safe and hydrated. Make sure to take frequent breaks in between water walking sessions, both to rest and take a moment to drink some water. Additionally, be sure to apply sunscreen if participating outdoors, and be aware of any sea life that may be present.
Exercising in the water is a fantastic way to improve physical fitness with much less strain on the body. Water walking at The Cove™ can be a unique and enjoyable experience, surrounded by a serene and picturesque setting. Whether you’re a beginner to exercise or a seasoned pro looking for something new, water walking can offer a multitude of benefits. Start your journey to health and wellness by striding through the calming water.