At the time I hated getting 'sweaty' so I figured aquajogging would get me some exercise, while at the same time keeping me nice and fresh.
During aquajogging you wear a belt around your waist, which keeps you afloat. And then you start running through the swimming pool. And let me tell you, it's exhausting.
When I got out of the pool, my legs felt like rubber.
Aquajogging can be a great alternative to running
Since then I've put my fear of sweat aside to become a Runner. And I've read a lot about how aquajogging is great for runners. Because aquajogging helps you exercise your running muscles, without giving them a pounding at the same time.
Underwater treadmills: more than an alternative to running
But now there's a whole new and exciting way of using the water to improve as a runner!
The good people of HydroWorx have created underwater treadmills!
You don't have to wear a belt to stay afloat, because the water doesn't come higher than your waist. And in front of you there's a little tv, showing your feet running. I've always loved to watch myself being sporty! Underwater running has got all the advantages of aquajogging, and then some more.
You can see a video of runners using the underwater treadmill on www.underwaterruntolondon.com. There you can also read about the use of their underwater training by Coach Alberto Salazar and Oregon Project Runners, Galen Rupp and Mo Farah (Both will be Olympians in London).
The advantages of underwater running
Underwater running is a great way to improve yourself as a runner, because you run against the resistance of the water. Running on land is a breeze after that!
No injury can stop you now!
We all know how hard it is for an injured runner to patiently have to wait before he or she can run again. You get anxious and fidgety, and worried. But thanks to underwater running injuries don't mean you have to stay on the couch anymore. You can still work out, because when you're in the water, your body is only bearing 25% of your body weight. So it's much easier on your joints and muscles.
I think it's a great invention! What do you think?
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