Until recently, when I heard the term “pool running”, I pictured older ladies splashing around and chit chatting about their medical woes. I had read about injured runners taking up pool running to keep up their endurance but never gave it a second thought. When I was offered the chance to try out the Fluid Running Program, right about the same time that my achilles acted up, I assumed it was destiny.
I received the Fluid Running program bundle in exchange for a fair review. I was not compensated for this post and all thoughts are my own.
Pool Running with Fluid Running
Fluid Running offers “app based, fully coached deep water workouts” (Source) that you can do on your own time in any body of water. The H2Go system comes with an adjustable flotation belt, waterproof headphones that easily pair to your phone and access to the pool running workouts via the app.
As I have been rehabbing my achilles and thus, not running as many miles lately, I was eager to give this pool running this a try. After a quick watch of the demo video and download of the app, I was ready to hop in and give it a try.
First impressions
I felt a little goofy at first but once I settled into my form a bit, I started to get the hang of the motions. Coach Jennifer Conroyd guides you through each workout with fantastic cues on body positioning. She is both encouraging and motivating without being over the top.
I was surprised by how challenging the workouts are. Not only are you moving your legs while running, but you are getting a full body cardio workout with all of the arm movements. Working against the resistance in the water for almost an hour is not easy. My butt and arms were sure feeling it the next day!
How much cardio is it?
As you are coached through the workout, you are encouraged to check your heart rate a number times. I was surprised to find that my heart rate was right in the same range that it is while running. The heat and humidity have been tough for running this summer and I like the option of staying a bit cooler while working out in the pool. I am not sure how many miles the workout would equate to but I was working pretty darn hard for almost a full hour.
So you are not a swimmer?
You do not need to be a “swimmer” to pool run (although obviously having basic swim skills is necessary). The flotation belt suspends you in the deep end of a pool and you can tether yourself to a lane line so you stay stationary while you “run”. My hair really never got very wet. The waterproof headphones stream the guided workout right to you.
Is pool running only for injured runners?
No! Although, I started using Fluid Running while I have been healing my achilles, I now know that it is something I will continue with. As I mentioned, pool running is a great way to get in a long run in the heat of the summer while staying cool. I am also a person who would love to add another day of running to my schedule but my body does not always cooperate. Adding in an extra day with pool running will be a great way to bump up my running fitness.
I am definitely a fan and plan to continue my pool running with fluid running. Tried pool running? Questions about this guided workout? Shoot them my way!
Linking up
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Having a guided workout seems to be the best way to start pool running. I had no idea how high it would get your heart rate!
I had no idea either! I would not like it as much without the coached aspect
Loved this review. I’ve never tried pool running, but I’ve wanted to a couple of times. My husband’s uncle ran track in college, and he used pool running as he rehabbed and injury while training. He actually gained more fitness pool running than his teammates did running on the road. I think it’s a great example of just how great pool running can be!
I have heard other stories like that. I think pool running can keep you fit and take away some of the abuse of road running
I can swim though I am not a swimmer but would totally give this a try!!!
Yes it’s perfect for you!
I think I’ve found my new workout! It’s a great way to cross trail but still be running. I do wish I had a pool that was a little closer, though my hubby manages to make it to the local public pool three days a week so I guess I could join him.
I really think you would like it! It will surely be nice to stay a little cooler too. I always wish I could run more days a week and this is a way for me to.
Okay, but you have to have your phone near you, right? And then you need something to hold your phone so it doesn’t get wet, right? Not to mention my phone just doesn’t always hold a good connection with anything. 🙁
Luckily my body seems ok with 4 days of running.
It does sound interesting though!
I had my phone on a chair about 10 feet away and it worked perfectly. The headphones that came with it have a volume control on them but I did not need to adjust anything during the workout.
I love that they offered coached workouts for the pool – that was one question I had. I’ve never tried pool running so I wouldn’t even know what to do in the water, lol. Good to know that there’s something you can follow to make sure you’re doing it right and getting an effective workout.
I would not have known what to do either! That’s one of the reasons why I never tried it before
I did pool running when I had PF and was training for Big Sur. I found it to be an amazingly effective workout! I just did my own thing, but I sure like the idea of a program to keep me on track. Great review.
I think you would love this program! I worked way harder than I would have on my own and stayed in for a lot longer. I hope to keep it in the rotation
Pool running is a very tough workout if you do it correctly. Sometimes, I feel my effort lagging and have to really pick it up to get the HR where it should be. I think this is where the app and coaching would come in handy! I’m going to watch for a sale or let me know if they give you a discount to share! 😉
Yes exactly I would not have worked anywhere near as hard or as long without the coached aspect
I will see what I can do!
I’ve never heard of this but will definitely check it out! It’s still SO HOT here in Houston!
It’s so hot here too and I have loved having this as an option and on an extra run day.
I’ve tried pool running but without the gear. It didn’t last long because I couldn’t get the right kind of workout. I feel like the gear would have been a huge help and i love that they also gave you waterproof headphones!
I don’t think I would have liked it without the gear and the guided workouts. The whole package is what makes is so great
Really interesting about the heart rate! This sounds like a great option. I love that they provide the headphones and guided workout.
Yes the guided workout was key for me
I wish I had better access to a pool for this. Love the workout!
Yes you do need a pool 🙂
What a fun workout! Nice to switch up your routine
It sure is!
Ahh, the dreaded pool running. I love to hate pool running. It’s so good for you cardiovascularly, but damn, it usually means you’re injured. If you get really REALLY good at pool running, try it without the belt!
I think I would do it even if I was not injured just to get another day of “running” in. I don’t think I could do it without the belt! Can you??
Even though I’m not really a water gal, I’d be all over this workout…if I had access to a pool. Our town pools are all closing this week (with school starting) and don’t really offer free time in the deep end for something like this. I guess I could access the college pool…but my work schedule is pretty full during the hours of operation. Excuses aplenty, right? 😉
I do think you would like it. It’s very challenging but you do need a pool. It will be harder for me once all the pools close too
Ok this is super fascinating. How have I never heard of this before?! I must try. But I don’t have an indoor pool so I suppose this would be summer only for me. What a great option!!
It’s a fabulous option and I wish I had found it sooner myself
This is super cool! Even though not meant for injured people I think it’s a great activity if you are injured like yourself!
Yes it is perfect for injured runners and non injured as well
How fun! This looks like a perfect option for the summer!
It’s fabulous for summer. I am enjoying it
I’m intrigued! I would love to try this. I’m not a swimmer so this is perfect!
I hope you have a chance to try it sometime it’s a lot of fun and a great way to mix it up
This is awesome. I had to laugh though because when I think of pool running, I think of old ladies too. Too funny.
Great review. May have to look this back up after we get our pool in.. some day.
Funny but true!
This looks like such a cool program! I am sure it would really help me right now as I let me knee heal!
Thanks for sharing!
I bet it could. Check it out
I used to ‘pool run’ as a kid, but it was more when I was kinda bored and wanted to keep moving. I should try it again, but for real! great idea!
You might enjoy it!
How cool that you found another way to get the “miles” in without the wear and tear on your body. You’ve got the added bonus of a pool in your back yard.
Yes it sure is helpful! Wish I had found it sooner