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PADDLE WALKING - FORWARD RESISTANCE

Improve cardiovascular fitness and lower body strength through paddle-assisted walking movements.

Focus Lower Body
Pool Depth Fully 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. Walk forward, holding the paddles in front of you.
  5. Maintain steady breathing and upright posture throughout the walk.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Hold paddles at 90-degree elbow angle. Walk smoothly with paddles providing resistance. Maintain steady pace.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute lower limb injury. Do not force beyond comfortable range. Modify if experiencing balance issues.

Additional Safety Notes: Maintain balance with paddle support. Stop if you experience pain. Use secure grip on paddles.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase distance or duration. Increase walking speed. Increase paddle size or angle.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease distance or duration. Decrease walking speed. Remove paddles or reduce resistance.

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