When I first heard about pool running, I thought it was for injured runners or grandmas. Boy was I misinformed. After “diving” into pool running the last 2 summers, I’ve realized it’s a great way to stay cool and get a workout. (This post contains affiliate links)
Pool Running 101
Is pool running only for injured runners?
While pool running is a fantastic way for injured runners to stay in shape, pool running is for everyone. In fact, new runners and experienced runners can benefit from adding in some pool running into their schedules. Pool running can provide a fantastic cardio workout without the beat down of more miles.
Is pool running really a workout?
You bet it is! The added resistance of the water allows you to get an upper body workout while mimicking the lower body movements of running. It’s a excellent way to get another run day in without the impact. I was surprised by how high my heart rate got and how breathless I can become by pool running.
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Do I have to be a good swimmer to pool run?
While it’s important to have basic swim skills while exercising in the pool, you do not need to be Michael Phelps to benefit from pool running.
What equipment do I need? How deep does my pool need to be?
Running in shallow water does create impact so it is recommended to run in deeper water where your feet will not touch the ground. A simple flotation belt that will keep you afloat and upright is all you need to get started. Additionally, this also allows you greater range of motion to move your arms the way you would while dry land running and allows for more cardio intensive workout. Some people like to add hand weights for more of a challenge.
If you are looking for a more structured pool running program, I’ve been using the Fluid Running System for 2 years and I am a huge fan. Fluid Running is an app based program with access to a wide variety of coach guided pool workouts. You can purchase the complete program including the flotation belt, waterproof headphones and guided workouts or just purchase the workouts. Founded and coached by Jennifer Conroyd, an ironman and 15 time Boston Marathon finisher, it’s a solid program and a great workout. I am looking forward to using mine often this summer.
Tell me, have you tried staying cool with summer pool running? What did you think?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Rachel, Jen , Sandra and Lisa
Interesting post, Deborah! I have never done pool running, but I believe you when you say it’s a solid workout. Also very joint-friendly and great to prevent injuries.
And the perfect workout for a summer day!
very joint friendly. Hope you have the chance to try it sometime
You know I’m a huge fan of pool running, having used it to train for the Big Sur marathon! I wouldn’t hesitate to use it again!
I remember when you used it back then! It’s just a perfect way to keep in shape in the summer time too
A pool workout sounds divine right about now – it’s been so hot here this week!
It sure has and it’s only June
I wish I had access to a pool to try this! I have done a lot of “pool walking,” but I’ve never had the opportunity to try running (in the requisite deeper water).
I hope you have a chance to sometime it’s fun
I wish I had a pool so I could. Although truth be told, I’d probably just swim then. 🙂
Both are good!
I have never done this before, but it seems really cool. Any exercise in water is pretty intense. and this would be no different.
Yes it is intense. I think you would really like it
I had to do pool running when I had bad tendonitis in my foot. I have to admit I am not a fan lol!
It is really hard!
Don’t have a pool but I would try this if I had. Not a fan of swimming.
Hope you have a chance to sometime soon
I think pool running sounds, well, cool! I don’t have a pool and all the public ones are still closed, but I really would love to try this.
I think you would like it. Hope you have a chance to try it sometime. Are you allowed to use the pool at work?
I’ve only done pool running while injured, but it is a really good workout! The main reason I dont do it more is because I dont have access to a pool. (Well, we have a community pool but it’s always filled with kids- and its closed this summer).
it is a great rehab tool as well
You’re so right! A pool workout is really hard with all that resistance. It’s a great way to stay in shape.
Yep for sure
I SO wish I had a pool to do some pool running this summer! Whomp whomp. But I agree, pool running is a fabulous option, and I direct my runners to the pool if they become injured! It’s great for rehab and staying fit in general!
Definitely! Hope to get in there this weekend for a workout
Pool running is such great exercise. I need to get the equipment to do it in our pool, since I can’t use the gym pool to do it anymore!
No gym for me either this year but I am also glad that I can do it at home
Pool running sounds like a lot of fun. I never tried it but definitely will once pools open here. I bet this workout burns calories and fat like crazy 🙂
And keeps you cool while doing it!
We are heading out of town to visit my mom next week and I was a little stressed about my workouts. She has a pool and this is the perfect exercise for me!! I do low impact exercises and I wouldn’t have thought to do this. Great idea!
Oh great please let me know how it goes
What a cool idea for summer! I def thought it was just for injured runners but now I see how useful it could be year-round. Now I just need to work on the Hubby about that home pool:-).
Yes that would be handy with the kiddos
Great post! I love to spend time in the pool during the summer. Pool running is my favorite workout because it’s been so hot these days.
It can definitely keep you cool!
Hey Deborah, I also misunderstood the term ‘pool running’ at first like you. I laughed hard at first. How someone might run on a pool? Anyway, I got interested about it later and decided to gather some insight. Actually, I stumbled upon here whilst searching about pool running online. Pretty interesting it is, isn’t it?
But a trainer once told me that if you do not sweat much while exercising, maybe you aren’t doing it right.
I tried it too. I didn’t felt it much. What do you think about it? Is it really as effective as regular running? if it is, then what about all the fuss of exercising and sweating?
It is different than running but also a good workout without the impact