← Back to Exercise Catalog

SIDE STEPPING - CARIOCA WALK

Improve cardiovascular fitness and lateral lower body strength through carioca stepping movements.

Focus Lower Body
Pool Depth Fully Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment None

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with feet together and spine neutral.
  2. Step out to the side with your left foot, and then step your right foot across in front of your left foot.
  3. Step out to the side again with your left foot, and then step your right foot across behind your left foot.
  4. Go back in the other direction, alternating crossing in front and then behind the other foot.
  5. Move at a controlled pace and maintain balance throughout.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Step slowly and deliberately. Cross feet smoothly. Maintain balance. Keep upright posture.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute lower limb or balance injury. Modify if experiencing coordination difficulties.

Additional Safety Notes: Move at comfortable pace. Stop if you experience pain. Maintain balance throughout.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase speed. Increase duration. Increase range of motion.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease speed. Decrease duration. Use wall support.

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