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Walking in a Winter Waterland

Take it to the pool and give aqua fitness a try.

Baby, it’s cold outside—and a great time to go walking in a nice, heated indoor pool. You’ll get the same fitness perks as you do walking on dry land.

In one study of women in their 50s and 60s, those who walked on an aquatic (underwater) treadmill got the same health benefits as those who walked on an above-water machine—but the joints and muscles of the participants felt less achy and sore during and after the water workout. Another study of college-age runners found that these trained athletes experienced the same heart and lung benefits whether they ran on a regular treadmill or an aquatic version.

Don’t worry: An aquatic treadmill isn’t needed—just walk back and forth across the width of the pool with your head and neck above water. Wear water shoes if you need cushion comfort or traction.