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WATER WALKING - SIDEWAYS

Improve cardiovascular fitness and lateral lower body strength through sideways walking movements.

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

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with feet shoulder-width apart and spine neutral.
  2. Walk sideways in the water at a comfortable pace.
  3. Then walk back the other direction to where you started.
  4. Maintain upright posture and steady breathing throughout.
  5. Start with 1 lap and work toward a goal of 2 laps.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Walk sideways slowly and smoothly. Keep body upright. Maintain steady pace. Breathe continuously.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute lower limb injury or balance issues. Modify if experiencing hip pain.

Additional Safety Notes: Walk at comfortable pace. Stop if you experience pain. Use wall support if needed.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase distance. Increase walking speed. Add arm movements.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease distance. Decrease walking speed. 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