Water walking and swimming are both great cardio exercises, but which is better for you? Well, it really hinges on on what you’re looking for.
Water walking is a great low-impact cardio exercise, gentler on your bones and joints, making it perfect for arthritis, osteoporosis, or fibromyalgia. It’s also great for pregnant women, people recovering from an injury, and seniors. Swimming is also great for your cardio but more intensive and builds your muscle strength.
In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between the two. So read on if you want to learn which suits your exercise needs.
In this post we'll cover:
Discover the Benefits of Taking a Dip
Water is a lot denser than air, which means that exercising in it requires more effort than doing the same exercise on land. That extra resistance can help you challenge and strengthen your muscles in ways that you wouldn’t be able to with a land-based routine. Plus, it can help you burn more calories, which is great news for anyone trying to lose weight.
Low-Impact Cardio Exercise
Water walking is a great low-impact cardio exercise, which means it’s gentler on your bones and joints than swimming. That makes it a great option for those with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or fibromyalgia. It’s also a great choice for pregnant women, people recovering from an injury, seniors, and anyone new to exercise.
Raise Your Heart Rate
A 2015 study found that walking in water can raise your heart rate more than walking on land. That means it can give your heart and lungs a great workout. Plus, another study found that water walking can help lower blood pressure, especially for those just starting out with exercise. And a study of patients with spinal stenosis found that 12 weeks of water walking improved their balance and muscle function.
So What Are You Waiting For?
If you’re looking for a way to get fit that’s gentle on your body, water walking is the perfect choice. Not only will you get a great workout, but you’ll also be able to challenge and strengthen your muscles in ways you wouldn’t be able to on land. Plus, you’ll be able to burn more calories and lower your blood pressure. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and take a dip!
What Do You Need To Get Started With Water Walking?
What You Need
Getting ready for a water walking session doesn’t require much gear, and most gyms will have what you need. Some fitness centers may even have water treadmills or elliptical trainers that you can use. If you’re planning to do water walking at a gym or as part of a class, all you’ll need is a towel, swim cap and, if you’re feeling fancy, a pair of goggles.
What You Might Want
If you’re planning to do water walking on your own, you might want to get some of the following items:
- Strap-on wrist or ankle weights
- Hand webs or resistance gloves
- Foam dumbbells
You can find these items online, so don’t worry about having to go to a store.
What You Don’t Need
You don’t need to worry about getting a life jacket, a snorkel or a pair of flippers. Water walking is a low-impact activity, so you won’t need any of that stuff. Just make sure to wear a swimsuit and you should be good to go!
How to Take a Dip in the Deep End
Getting Started
If you’re looking to take the plunge and start walking on water, the best place to start is waist-deep. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you get your feet wet:
- Keep your core and back muscles tight and your posture straight.
- Shoulders back, chin up, and eyes forward.
- Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning too far forward or to either side.
- When you walk, press into your heel first before rolling your weight onto your toes.
- Swing your arms as you walk.
Diving Deeper
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to take it to the next level. Here’s how to make a splash in the deep end:
- Start off slow and gradually increase your speed.
- Don’t forget to keep your core and back muscles tight.
- Keep your head up and eyes forward.
- Press into your heel first and roll your weight onto your toes.
- And don’t forget to swing those arms!
Before you know it, you’ll be walking on water like a pro!
Swimming: Not the Best for Weight Loss
Swimming is a great way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. If you weigh 125 pounds, you’ll burn around 300 calories in 30 minutes. If you weigh 155 pounds, you’ll burn 372 calories. And if you weigh 185 pounds, you’ll burn 444 calories.
But here’s the catch: swimming doesn’t raise your body temperature or speed up your metabolism like land exercises do. So while you’ll burn some calories while you’re in the pool, you won’t get the same after-burn effect.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to lose weight, you’ve got two options: eat less or move more. And if you’re looking to move more, land exercises are the way to go. They’ll get your heart rate up, burn some calories, and give you an after-burn effect that’ll help you shed those extra pounds.
The Benefits of Swimming for Muscles and Joints
Strengthen and Tone Muscles
Swimming is a great way to get your muscles in shape. It’s like a full-body workout in a pool! The water provides resistance, so you’ll be toning those upper body muscles in no time. Plus, since you’re not carrying your body weight, it’s a great way to improve flexibility without stressing your bones.
A Weight-Bearing Exercise Alternative
If you’re looking for a weight-bearing exercise, but don’t want to put too much strain on your joints, then swimming is the way to go. According to the Merck Manual, walking is a great way to strengthen your bones, but it’s not so great for those with obesity or joint conditions like arthritis. So if you’re looking for a low-impact exercise, swimming is the way to go.
Have Fun While You Exercise
Swimming is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. You can splash around, do some laps, or even play a game of Marco Polo. So if you’re looking for a way to get fit without feeling like you’re working out, then swimming is the way to go!
FAQ
Is water walking as good as swimming?
Water walking is a great alternative to swimming. It offers many of the same benefits, but with a lower risk of injury. Water walking is a low-impact exercise that can help strengthen your muscles, improve your balance, and increase your endurance. Plus, it’s a great way to get your heart rate up without putting too much strain on your joints.
So, is water walking as good as swimming? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints, then water walking is a great option. If you’re looking for a more intense workout, then swimming may be a better choice. Either way, both exercises offer a great way to get in shape and stay healthy.
Conclusion
Water walking is a great way to get a low-impact, full-body workout. It’s a great option for those who want to challenge their muscles, burn calories, and lower their blood pressure. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
So, if you’re looking for a unique way to get fit, why not give water walking a try? It’s a great way to get your HEART pumping and your muscles working and better than swimming for seniors or those with muscle conditions.
