To perform this aquatic exercise, one should stand in water up to the waist or chest and keep the shoulders straight, and move slowly forward unless placing the front foot in the water at the bottom of the surface.
Walking on water is part of hydrotherapy This is a very old practice, popular in ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece, and Rome, that was used in both alternative and conventional treatments. The therapy was used for pain relief, joint pain, arthritis, relaxation, skin improvement, and mental well-being. According to The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, walking in water can increase heart rate more than walking on land, which can provide a better workout for the heart and lungs.
Benefits of walking on water
Fight stress and anxiety.
Being in the water relaxes and de-stresses you naturally as water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to tune into “rest and digest” mode.
Weight loss
Walking in water requires more effort, as water is denser than air. This can help burn extra calories. According to experts, walking in water can burn up to 460 calories per hour.
An effective workout for people with joint problems.
Walking on water takes advantage of the body's natural buoyancy, making movements less stressful on joints. This can help people with arthritis lose weight and those with joint or muscle injuries recover. Water can help relieve stress on joints.
Heart health
Walking on water is also an amazing exercise for your heart, as it can help increase your heart rate, as well as lower your blood pressure. It also reduces overall stress, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
Improves muscle health
When you walk in water, it provides you with greater resistance than in the air, which means you work your muscles and strengthen them. It also improves your flexibility and can help you build muscle faster than walking on land.
Better brain health
Walking in water helps improve neural connections and stimulate sensory receptors that can drive brain health.
You can also try walking faster in the water to make the exercise more challenging or do aqua jogging.
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