Aqua Jogging is exactly what it sounds like…it’s jogging…in the water…but there is actually more to it than that. If you’ve suffered certain kinds of knee or leg injuries that keep you from running on land while you recover, aqua jogging can actually be an excellent alternative to help you stay fit.

If you just flat out love the water, aqua jogging is a perfectly viable alternative to going for a run to stay in shape as well.

Here are a few tips to help you get started…

First, a question: Can you swim?

If you can’t, you can still Aqua Jog, but it is recommended that you look into buying a flotation device to help support you in the case that there is a problem while you are working out.  Alternatively, you could simply aqua jog in waist deep water.  There are Aqua Jogging vest available in most sports stores, so they might be worth checking out…but are not essential to the aqua jogging process.

Where to Aqua Jog

A large, swimming pool, usually at the deep end so that your feet aren’t touching the ground.  If you are in a public swimming area with a life guard in attendance, be sure that he/she can see you, just in case you have any problems.

How to Aqua Jog

It sounds simple, because it is simple.  You simply jog…except you do it under water.  What this does is provide a no-impact workout that exercises the same muscles as if you were running on land.  It is tiring, and unlike normal running, it is much easier to lose your balance in the water.  You must have a good, solid, balance form to stay afloat.  If you are not a particularly good swimmer, this is the reason you need the vest.

You can hold on to the sides of the pool if you wish, but for a more aggressive workout, you can also aqua jog with your hands free.  This will make it slightly harder to stay afloat, and will increase your overall workout.

Fatigue Sets in Quick

Keep in mind that you will get tired much faster doing this than normal jogging.  It is very important that you do not over extend yourself, or continue when you don’t actually have the energy for it.  Water can be dangerous…even the pool at the YMCA, so be careful, and don’t get yourself in trouble in the deep end.