Aquatic exercise is a fast-growing segment of the fitness movement, and one of its fastest growing components is water-walking, according to the United States Water Fitness Association.

Because water's buoyancy counters the downward pull of gravity, exercising in water takes the weight and strain off of the joints. This makes water exercise low-impact or no-impact, depending on how deep you go in the water. Water provides resistance - 12 times the resistance of air - so working out in water has a strengthening effect. Water also helps with balance and removes the fear of falling, making it a good choice for people who are overweight, pregnant, or elderly, as well as those who have arthritis.

As the demand grows, more pools are roping off sections for water-walkers - check out a pool near you for a whole new kind of fitness routine.

Next week we'll list some tips for getting the best results from water exercise.