Walking and running are great ways to get a cardio and lower body workout, but the repeated landing of the feet on hard paved surfaces or on a treadmill may make it hard to reap the benefits if a person has issues with his or her weight, problems with their joints such as arthritis, or is recovering from surgery or an injury due to the aggravation of their pain. Water workouts such as swimming or aerobics provide low-impact exercise with the added benefit of gentle resistance and the soothing warmth of the water which can help relax muscles and lead to deeper stretching as well as increased range of motion. But achieving a really challenging cardio workout in water can be difficult.

Combining the rigorous training of running or walking with the benefits of warm water exercise is the AquaGaiter Aquatic Treadmill System. It operates just like a land-based treadmill except that it’s been designed for underwater use. Its hydraulic power pack with a variable speed pump allows it to be used in a warm water pool, and the pneumatic speed control allows users to exercise at speeds from .5 to 5 miles per hour at depths between three and five feet. Suction cup leveling pads keep it level and stable on the floor of the pool while the user runs or walks on the generous 22 inch by 58 inch running surface. Other water-friendly features include a frame made of durable polypropylene, a PVC-monofil polyester tread belt, safety step rails, and a large digital display that tells the user's distance, speed, and time. The entire AquaGaiter is 72 inches long by 36 inches wide by 68 inches wide and weighs in at a total of 300 pounds. The power pack runs on a 220 VAC single phase 30 amp circuit. Installment requires no special tools; simply drop it into the pool, level it out, and it’s ready to go.

Once it’s installed, users will get a comprehensive workout thanks to the hydrostatic pressure, or the pressure applied by the weight of the water. In addition to the cardio exercise from the walking or running, the water resistance strengthens the muscles in addition to increasing range of motion. The warm water, usually heated to about 95 degrees, helps the muscles to relax, breaking the cycle of pain created when the body tries to protect painful areas by tightening the muscles around them, leading to cramping and impaired blood flow which increases the pain and leads to even more tightening and cramping. Impaired blood flow impedes the body’s ability to heal itself after surgery or an injury as well. When a person can perform cardio workouts without pain, weight loss and management become easier, too. 

The AquaGaiter is absolutely ideal for use in pools at rehab and physical therapy facilities along with utilization at spas, wellness clinics, athletic training centers and health clubs. Since it brings about good results for a wide range of customers, it becomes a selling point for the for-profit facilities. Everyone benefits, but mostly the patients, athletes, and clients who can return to their lives more quickly as a result of its use. 

Fran Jablway,
Senior Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO