If runners could train on the moon, it would neutralize their nemesis: gravity. At one-sixth of Earth’s gravitational pull, running would no longer deliver those pounding jolts to every joint and tendon. The growing popularity of underwater treadmills has brought the advantages of reduced-gravity exercise down to earth.
The natural buoyancy of water reduces the negative effects of gravity on the body. It also provides continuous, gentle resistance in all directions that can accelerate muscle development with far less risk of injury. Many people include low-impact, high-resistance exercise in their personal fitness programs.
Amateur and professional athletes are also using underwater treadmills in their formal athletic training. A runner can now practice at full competitive effort with little risk to knee and ankle joints. Some entire athletic teams train together by running underwater on a series of underwater treadmills. The treadmill technology may be permanently installed in one specific pool or completely portable.
While aquatic treadmills reduce the risk of injury for serious athletes and everyday exercisers alike, they offer a life-changing ray of hope and a pathway to healing for many who might not be able to use a land-based treadmill. The aquatic alternative is an invaluable resource for people who are recuperating after an injury and wish to restore lost abilities while assiduously avoiding re-injury.
Physical therapy patients are using the underwater treadmill to address various musculoskeletal problems in a gentle manner. This low-stress exercise machine is also ideal for rehabilitating many post-surgery patients. The reduced effects of gravity make it possible to begin rehabilitation efforts sooner after an injury or surgery. Long before some patients can walk at their full weight, they could begin aquatic workouts at a reduced body weight with less stress and pain.
Underwater treadmills provide such effective rehabilitation results that humans are not the only mammals reaping the benefits. The low-impact resistance training of the underwater treadmill is widely used to rehabilitate both cats and dogs; a correspondingly larger treadmill is used to treat injured horses. With humans and animals alike, underwater treadmills simulate normal walking conditions and are ideal for retraining the natural gait. Gait training is notoriously difficult before a patient is strong enough to resume walking independently. Low-gravity exercises make it possible to begin rehabilitation well before reaching this stage and help accelerate its arrival.
The underwater treadmill is revolutionizing low-impact exercise and sports medicine. Aquatic treadmill exercise increases cardiovascular stamina and muscle strength without the injury risks of normal exercise. In the field of rehabilitation, corrective exercises can now be initiated much earlier, accelerated more gradually and employed more safely.
For healthy users, the underwater treadmill offers a better, safer method of exercise and training. Those recovering from injury or surgery can expect a faster recovery, less pain and a quicker return to healthy activity.
