Benefits of Water Treadmills

These fully integrated underwater treadmills allow for correct simulation of land-based biomechanics with sprinting, marching, shuffling and back-pedaling activities. It also helps to reduce joint and muscle pain with its low impact on the joints.

Oftentimes after surgery, patients must refrain from weight bearing exercise on land, but the buoyancy of water allows for lengthier sessions to enhance cardiovascular endurance. According to a TAMU study, alternating these workouts with on-ground strength training can help to increase muscle tone and improve cardiovascular strength.

1. Increased Flexibility

Underwater treadmills use conveyor belts submerged in a pool to simulate water treadmills land-based walking, running and sports activities. They provide a great workout for healthy individuals or can be used for rehabilitation for people suffering from muscle or joint related ailments.

Using the water for exercise increases flexibility and improves posture, balance and strength. For those recovering from hip or knee injuries and surgeries, the water allows them to work on their muscles without putting too much pressure on their joints.

In addition, the buoyancy of the water reduces impact shock. The water also creates resistance, which is great for strengthening muscles. Depending on the speed and depth of the water, different resistance levels can be achieved. Some models have hydro-jets that aerate the water, creating more resistance.

Some horses may be hesitant to exercise in a water treadmill at first, but most become accustomed to it after a few sessions. The handlers of the horse will have to keep the exercise sessions short and frequent, so that the horse doesn’t overexert. It’s important to make sure that the machine has an emergency exit in case the horse becomes panicked.

2. Reduced Stress on Joints

As a result of the natural buoyancy of water, exercising on an underwater treadmill is less stressful on joints and bones. In addition, the resistance of the water helps to build strength and correct faulty postures developed post-injury.

In addition, depending on the level of the water, a patient’s body weight may be reduced by up to 75 percent — which reduces impact forces on an injured joint. In addition, the adjustable water temperature allows a practice to customize a workout for each individual patient.

The exercise group agreed that assessing the posture during a session is essential in order to identify features of the gait pattern which indicate ‘quality’ movement, and to trigger either a decrease in the water depth or speed, or an end to the session. Ideally, the goal of any therapy programme is for the horse to return to overground locomotion that is similar to what it would have been had it not been subjected to the training regimen.

3. Increased Muscle Tone

Using an underwater treadmill increases muscle tone as you walk, run or perform other exercises. This is because of the added resistance of the water. It is also a great way to burn calories without the added stress on joints and muscles.

Studies show that walking on a water treadmill can increase balance, range of motion and strength. This allows you to move more easily and reduces pain in your hips or knees after a injury or surgery.

Some of the latest systems include adjustable water levels and jets to add resistance. They are sleek, portable and fit well in clinics and home gyms. They can be used by people of all ages and abilities. Athletes have also started to use them because they provide a better workout than on land and help them recover more quickly after hard training sessions. In addition to walking on a treadmill, these units can be used for specific stretching, ROM, strength and balance exercises prescribed by a physical therapist. This will improve flexibility and endurance and help you get back to your sport faster and in better condition.

4. Better Cardiovascular Health

Running in the water is a low-impact activity, so it can be used by runners who would otherwise be unable to perform high-impact exercises without pain. Water treadmills also allow users to run at a lower percentage of their body weight and increase resistance, so they can get a good workout in while avoiding excess pressure on joints.

Often, after a surgery on a lower body part, patients are required to take a break from all weight-bearing activities. But with the water treadmills help of an underwater treadmill, people can start exercising again much sooner, which helps to reduce psychological stress and improve overall quality of life.

In addition to being beneficial for rehabilitation, these treadmills are also useful for training athletes and helping them improve their performance on land. They can be used for walking, jogging or even full-out running and offer a number of benefits that improve muscle tone and cardiovascular health. The resistance jets on the water treadmill can also be adjusted to vary the level of difficulty of a workout, making it appropriate for athletes of all abilities and levels of injury.

5. Reduced Risk of Injury

Many patients or athletes find that walking and running on a traditional treadmill is too hard on their bones and joints. By using an underwater treadmill, the impact of exercise is significantly reduced, making it easier for you to walk or run without putting too much stress on your body.

Depending on the water level, an underwater treadmill can reduce your body weight by as much as 80%. This helps to reduce the amount of stress on your bones and joints, so you can train longer and more frequently, without causing injuries.

Exercise on a water treadmill can also help to improve suppleness and stride length, while increasing core strength. Plus, it burns calories too! While the number of calories burned will vary from person to person, it’s important to remember that water treadmill training is a great way to increase your aerobic activity, which can help you lose weight and tone your body.