Many people think that aqua jogging is only useful for injured runners. Even more sportsmen consider it a humiliating activity, something you can only bear if you were injured – just for the sake of healing – but never to try (needless to say, enjoy) in your regular life.
Some of what is being said about this activity is true: it does look awkward and boring. However, despite many common misbeliefs and rumors, it’s not only good for injured folks! If done correctly, healthy runners can improve their strength, endurance, and posture with this workout technique – treated unfairly by so many.
If you you’re ready to change your mind or at least give it a shot, let’s try to give it some credit and learn more about benefits of this (commonly underestimated) training.
What does it even mean?
All right, we are still here in this article, so let’s get to the facts.
There are so many activities that include running in the water. Pool running, water jogging… Even if it all seems the same at the first glance, there is a difference to it. Let’s go by explaining the details of our ‘training of interest’.
Aqua jogging implies running in the water – deep enough, so your feet don’t actually touch the bottom of the pool. This aspect of aqua jogging is quite beneficial for those folks who did get injured during their regular workouts or marathons. There is no chance of sudden pressure on your feet nor a possibility of falling down on the ground. Thus said, this activity is safe for almost any kind of injury that runners might get.
However, there might be some kinds of injuries, which might not match with this activity too well (for example, due to the water resistance). In order to make sure your body is ready for some jogging, talk to your doctor before going for it.
How to?
The truth is, probably nobody nails swim jogging correctly right from the start. When you get into the pool and start running for the first time, you’re probably blast off quick as a turtle, legs feeling weird and everything being way too awkward.
There are a few things to keep in mind to actually turn this into a useful (and maybe even enjoyable) activity.
Think about breathing
Just as if you were running on the ground, you need to regulate your breathing. Keep it slow, deep, and steady, in harmony with your moves.
Keep it straight
Unlike the actual jogging where your posture allows you to lean forward, the clue to do water running correctly is to keep your back and upper body straight – that will increase the efficiency of your workouts.
Distance differs
Don’t expect yourself to run the same distances as you do on the ground. Water is a completely different matter with a higher level of resistance – so expect yourself to be slow. Do not compare your regular pace to the one you will have in the pool.
Bottom line
Apart from all the worries, aqua jogging has proven to be a useful and efficient tool to help injured runners get back on track and even to improve performance of healthy folks. So, set aside the stereotypes and don’t be afraid to look awkward – it’s going to pay off!