The Benefits of a Pool Treadmill
Walking or running on an underwater treadmill (also called aqua jogging) is becoming a common therapy for people with joint pain and disabilities. It’s also a great way to get in shape with a low-impact cardio workout that burns calories.
The weightlessness of water and natural resistance allow you to achieve a full lower-body workout, core conditioning, and cardio training all at once. It’s an excellent recovery exercise for athletes and patients.
Increased Mobility
A pool treadmill enables you to enjoy low-impact running, walking and fitness activities that are great for your body. The speed of the underwater treadmill adjusts from a gentle walk to an invigorating run, giving you a workout that’s tailored to your abilities, health and goals. And you can take your workout to the next level by turning on the swim current for increased resistance against your core, leg and upper body muscles.
For those suffering from a knee, hip or back injury, water exercise is a safe and effective way to improve strength and mobility without stressing the injured area. According to a study by Utah State University, patients with osteoarthritis (OA) report fewer pains and more mobility after performing treadmill exercises in the water.
The buoyancy of the warm water makes it a safer option for people with joint issues or disabilities. The water also reduces muscle fatigue and provides a natural gait pattern, allowing you to strengthen your legs and feet with less risk of further injury or pain.
An iPool with a built-in underwater treadmill turns your home gym into an effective workout center for your entire body, helping you lose weight while strengthening your core and leg muscles. It’s the perfect workout for people who want to stay healthy and active all year round.
Reduced Pain
Walking and running in a pool treadmill engages the same muscles as on land, but because of the weightlessness and resistance of water, it is much easier on joints. This is why it’s the perfect solution for pain management, recovery and rehabilitation.
People with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis often avoid exercise, especially walking and jogging, because of the stress on their painful joints. However, the buoyancy of warm water allows pool treadmill them to bear as little as 20% of their body weight in chest-deep water. This reduces muscle stiffness and soreness, increases joint flexibility and strength and improves balance and gait.
Water treadmills are adjustable, so you can use them without the water current or with it for a more challenging workout. You can also change the speed of the treadmill and the water current to match your fitness goals. This makes them a great option for everyone from beginner to professional athlete.
The patented Endless Pools Hydrostride treadmill is the ideal choice for your home pool. It can be installed in less than a day during new construction, and it allows you to accurately simulate walking, running and sports-specific movements by adjusting speed and the intensity of the water’s resistance. Walk or run at your own pace to get a full lower body workout, core conditioning and cardio training with minimal impact.
Enhanced Flexibility
The natural buoyancy of water reduces weight and pressure on joints, while providing resistance, making it easier to exercise and more comfortable for those with joint pain. The water’s thermal properties also relax muscles and increase pool treadmill flexibility. This allows for improved range of motion, which can help to prevent or heal injuries by allowing the muscles to stretch more easily.
Water treadmills are typically built right into physical therapy pools. They can be adjusted to a variety of speed settings, including the ability to run against a water current. The current provides a workout challenge that will engage core, leg and upper body muscle groups.
This makes the equipment ideal for athletes of all ages and fitness levels, especially those who have a difficult time performing traditional land-based workouts. Moreover, the machine can be used by people with limited mobility, helping them to regain strength and improve balance. According to Utah State University research, seniors with osteoarthritis report less pain and enhanced mobility after completing aquatic treadmill exercises.
A pool treadmill is a great investment for your home, as it can be used year round and is made from durable materials to withstand submersion in the iPool. With the help of an underwater treadmill, you can get a complete lower body workout and cardio training that will strengthen your legs, back, abdominals, and core.
Enhanced Recovery
The buoyancy of water provides a natural support system to your body, reducing the amount of stress placed on joints. This can be particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from arthritis or other joint problems. Water treadmills also allow for exercise to be performed at a higher intensity than would be possible on land, burning more calories.
For athletes who suffer from injury, the use of a pool treadmill can enable them to continue training as soon as they’re able to do so without putting too much pressure on their joints and bones. A recent study conducted by TAMU found that runners who alternated between resistance training and underwater treadmill workouts saw greater improvements in their lean body mass than those who just did resistance training.
In addition to the physical benefits of water exercises, they can help to improve mental health as well. For example, a recent study showed that patients who took part in aquatics experienced significant reductions in anxiety.
Veterinary orthopedic and neurology rehabilitation technician Jessica Bowditch has noticed that dog patients who use the hospital’s pool treadmill often become more calm and relaxed after exercising on it. She also maintains the equipment by cleaning it, adding chemicals and changing filters. Depending on the level of salt or freshwater used, she also adds chlorine (which can make dogs vomit or have diarrhea if ingested in large amounts), bromine or copper to maintain the water quality.
