Yoga Articles Walking Exercise

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...which can be done in a lake, pool, or ocean. Since there is more resistance in water, muscles are built and strengthened as you water walk.

To begin water walking, stand straight with your chest lifted and shoulders back. Start moving forward slowly and let your heel come down first followed by the ball of your foot. Make sure that the back is straight and keep the muscles in your stomach tight. Take eight steps forward and four steps back to work the different groups of muscles. Move your arms back and forth and let your palms feel the pressure of the water as you turn your hands. Let your arms move opposite to your legs. When you move your right leg forward, bring your left hand in. Water walking shoes are available from a variety of manufacturers. The use of these water walking shoes provide more grip and keeps the feet protected.

Water running as part of an athletes training regime has many benefits. Sometimes an injury may not allow a person to run on a surface that is hard and so water running can come in handy. In deep water running, the feet do not come in contact with bottom of the pool, but the technique is similar to normal running.

If you want an accurate workout regime, a pedometer will be useful. To use it in water walking you will need to get a water-proof pedometer. Water-proof pedometers are not made by many manufactures and tend to be expensive. Instead you could try placing a regular pedometer in a plastic case and try water walking. Count your steps as you water walk and check after you finish that they match the reading on your pedometer. If it does you can make use of this method.

Before you begin water walking remember to start with a warm-up and end with a cool-down. In spite of being in water, drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Water walking supports the weight of the body and reduces the pressure on the joints, diminishing pain. Studies show that you can burn more calories water walking than land walking. For a 30 minute workout you will burn 264 calories through deep water walking and 340 calories through deep water jogging. You can avoid problems like exhaustion from the heat during summers by exercising in water and can continue water walking during winters by switching to a heated pool.

Read more articles from the Walking Exercise Category.