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PADDLE ALTERNATING ARM PRESS

Strengthen individual arm muscles through alternating paddle pressing movements.

Focus Upper Body
Pool Depth Partially Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment Yes

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with feet shoulder-width apart and spine neutral.
  2. Hold the paddles in front of your body with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle.
  3. Keep the paddles in the water.
  4. Push the right paddle forward until your elbow is straight slowly.
  5. Pull the right paddle back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat using the left arm. Complete prescribed repetitions on both sides.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Push paddles forward alternately. Straighten arms fully with each push. Pull back smoothly. Feel arm muscles working.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute arm or shoulder injury. Do not force beyond comfortable range.

Additional Safety Notes: Do not force the push. Stop if you experience pain. Keep movements controlled.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase repetitions. Increase movement speed. Increase push force.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease repetitions. Decrease push force. Slower movement pace.

Attribution

Source TypeBook
Original AuthorOhio State University Wexner Medical Center
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationAquatic Exercises
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypeBook
Additional InfoOhio State Wexner Medical Center Physical Therapy Education