A New Workout Method For Those Who Are Injured, Have Pain, Or Dislike Land Running


Fluid Running System

According to Founder and Certified Fitnesss Trainer, “Fluid Running mimics the same biomechanical form as running on land with no impact. Deep water running burns 30-40% more calories than land running because water is denser.”

Fluid Running is a serious high-tech aquatic workout developed by certified trainer Jennifer Conroyd after she was injured and needed to keep running to prepare for a marathon. The Fluid Running workouts use a flotation belt and Bluetooth, waterproof headphones that connect with the Fluid Running app in order to hear music-backed workouts, from beginner to advanced, which are led by certified instructors. These interval-based workouts range from 30-90 minutes and include running and nine other challenging movements. A user’s phone stays safe and dry wrapped in a towel or gym bag. These workouts are performed in the deep end of a pool, or even a lake or bay. The Fluid Running form keeps the workouts in one place, so no swimming is involved.

Who is a candidate for Fluid Running?

There are many reasons why and categories of people who choose to do an aquatic workout. Running in the pool is great for people who have injuries or are rehabilitating. Pregnant women love it because it doesn’t jar or overheat the fetus. People who don’t like the feeling of sweating have no worries in the water. If a client has extra weight, there is no danger of putting additional pressure on joints since everyone is weightless in the water. Athletes do it because they can get a full-body, cardiovascular workout and reduce the risk of injury. For those who want to lose weight, running in deep water burns 30-40% more calories than running on land because water is 800 times denser than air. For those looking to jumpstart an exercise program, they can go at their own pace in a beginner-level workout without the intimidation factor of a class situation. People of all ages and fitness levels can do these workouts as long as they are comfortable in deeper water, and it is not neccessary to be an advanced swimmer or runner. Unlike other forms of at-home gym equipment, Fluid Running takes up virtually no space. Its components can fit in a gym bag.

How does it work?

Using a special flotation belt, get into the deep end of the pool (or bay or lake), hit “play” on the headphones and begin one of the Fluid Running workouts. The workouts are interval-based and combine deep water running with several other movements that keep the Fluid Runner engaged and challenged. While serious runners have known the benefits of “water running”, many complained about a lack of mental stimulation. Fluid Running has evolved the concept with Bluetooth, waterproof headphones, an app, and specific workouts led by certified trainers that are geared for all fitness levels. The water needs to be deep enough so that your feet do not touch the bottom when you are running in the upright position. Upon receipt of the equipment, install the Fluid Running app, watch the instructional videos, download the included workouts, and pair the new Bluetooth, waterproof headphones. All workouts are audio so there is no need to be watching a screen. See the program in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zarlxUJkDfc

How does Fluid Running compare to running on land?

In terms of form, Fluid Running mimics the same biomechanical form as when running on land. What’s different is the impact and calorie burn. With Fluid Running, there is no impact. There’s no such thing as low impact running on land. Many of Fluid Running’s participants are avid runners, but running on land can cause joint stress and injuries. Fluid Running lets people enjoy the benefits of running with none of the harmful impact. Movement in cool, circulating water helps improve range of motion while cushioning the joints and reducing inflammation. Water is 800 times denser than air and when Fluid Running leg, core, arms and upper body muscles are engaged which is why deep water running burns about 40% more calories than land running.

What is the science behind aquatic running?

Running in deep water, combined with hydrostatic pressure enables the stimulation of metabolic and neuromuscular systems, followed by their corresponding physiological adaptations allowing both to maintain and improve athletic performance. Aquatic exercise can also play a beneficial role in an athlete’s recovery, helping to prevent as well as heal muscle damage and soreness following tough workouts. According to Jennifer Conroyd, “exercising in the water can help bone density: The resistance of the water just from physical movement places a demand on the skeletal system, causing a load on the bones. Once the bones are subjected to this stress they are forced to respond and increase muscle tension. This entire process results in stronger and denser bones.” Overweight people: Aquatic exercise would seem to offer the safest and most protective environment for these individuals because of the buoyancy effects of immersion, which minimizes the risk of joint injury.

Cost: $199.00 for the complete system available for purchase on http://www.fluidrunning.com

Jennifer Conroyd is the founder of Fluid Running, a deep water running fitness company. Jennifer is an A.C.E. certified personal trainer, a USATF certified coach, and has an Exercise in Medicine credential from ACSM. Jennifer is an accomplished athlete having completed the Ironman and has run 16 marathons, qualifying for the Boston Marathon 15 times. Jennifer created Fluid Running after an injury left her unable to run in preparation for the 2010 Chicago Marathon. She ran exclusively in deep water for the six weeks leading up to the race, and not only finished that marathon but qualified for the Boston Marathon. Fluid Running offers group classes that Men’s Journal voted one of the Best Workouts in America. She was named a finalist for the 2018 Women in Tech Founders award. Jennifer is a graduate of Miami University. She resides in Chicago and is the mom of three adult boys.

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