Pool Walking vs. Land Walking: Which One Is Better for You?

When it comes to staying fit and active, walking is a fantastic exercise choice that offers numerous health benefits. However, have you ever wondered if walking in a pool is more effective than walking on land? Both pool walking and land walking have their unique advantages, making it important to understand the differences. Keep reading as we explore the benefits of each form of walking to help you make an informed decision about the best option for your fitness routine.

What Is Pool Walking?

Pool walking, also known as aquatic walking or water walking, is a form of low-impact exercise that involves walking in water, usually in a swimming pool. Pool walking can be done at different depths, from waist-high to chest-high, depending on your preference and fitness level. Pool walking can also be done with or without equipment, such as water shoes, flotation belts, or resistance bands.

What Are the Benefits of Pool Walking?

Pool walking has many benefits for your health and wellbeing, such as:

• Reducing stress on your joints and muscles – Water provides buoyancy, which reduces the impact of gravity on your body. This means pool walking puts less stress on your joints and muscles than land walking, making it ideal for people with arthritis, osteoporosis, or injuries.
• Improving your cardiovascular fitness – Water provides resistance, which makes your heart and lungs work harder than land walking does. Thus, pool walking can boost your cardiovascular fitness and endurance as well as burn more calories than land walking.
• Enhancing your balance and coordination – Water challenges your stability, which makes you engage your core muscles and improve your balance and coordination, so pool walking can prevent falls and injuries as well as improve your posture and alignment.
• Relaxing your mind and body – Water has a soothing effect on your mind and body, which can reduce stress and anxiety. Pool walking can also be a fun and social activity, since you can enjoy the company of family and friends while you’re exercising.

What Are the Benefits of Land Walking?

Land walking, the traditional form of walking on solid ground, has its own set of advantages that make it a popular choice for many people:

• Convenience – Walking on land is easily accessible, since you can step out your front door and start walking. You don’t require any special equipment or access to a pool, making it a convenient and practical exercise option.
• Variety of terrain – Land walking allows you to explore various types of terrain, such as parks, trails, and urban environments. Walking on different surfaces challenges your muscles and engages different muscle groups, providing a more comprehensive workout.
• Weight-bearing exercise – Unlike pool walking, land walking is a weight-bearing exercise that can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It stimulates the skeletal system, contributing to overall bone health.

How Can You Choose between Pool Walking & Land Walking?

Pool walking and land walking are both great ways to exercise, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for you depends on your personal preferences, goals, and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between pool walking and land walking:

• Your health condition – If you have any joint or muscle problems, pool walking may be better for you than land walking because it reduces the stress on your body. However, water can harbor bacteria and germs, which can cause infections if you have any cuts or wounds on your skin, so if you have any skin or respiratory problems, land walking may be better for you than pool walking, as it avoids the risk of infection. 
• Your fitness level – If you’re new to exercise or have a low fitness level, pool walking may be better for you than land walking, since it provides more support and resistance for your body. On the other hand, if you’re more experienced or have a high fitness level, land walking may be better for you than pool walking, since it provides more challenge and variety for your body.
• Your fitness goals – If you want to boost your cardiovascular fitness and burn more calories, pool walking may be better for you than land walking because it makes your heart and lungs work harder. But if you want to increase your flexibility and range of motion, land walking may be better for you than pool walking, as it works more muscles and joints.
• Your availability and convenience – If you have easy access to a San Diego swimming pool and enjoy exercising in the water, pool walking may be better for you than land walking, since it’s more fun and relaxing. If you don’t have access to a pool or prefer walking outdoors, land walking may be better for you than pool walking, since it’s more accessible and natural.

Pool walking and land walking are both excellent forms of exercise that can benefit your health and wellbeing. The best option for you depends on your personal preferences, goals, and circumstances. You can also try both and see which one you like better, or alternate between them for more variety and balance. Ideally, you could incorporate both pool walking and land walking into your fitness routine to enjoy a well-rounded exercise regimen. The variety will keep your workouts interesting, challenge your body in different ways, and help you achieve optimal fitness results. The most important thing is to stay active and enjoy yourself!

If you’re ready to transform your backyard into the perfect place for the whole family by adding a pool, call on the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. We’re the experts in pool design San Diego homeowners have trusted for more than four decades. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786 to learn how we can help you create the perfect design with just the right features that make your pool the one you’ve always dreamed of.