In deep-water running, you run more or less in place in water deep enough so that your feet don't touch the bottom of the pool. A floatation belt keeps your head comfortably above water so you can breathe, but your arms and legs remain submerged. "You do sort of travel a bit, floating this way and that," says Solkin. "You don't stay in one place. You sort of stay in your own little area."

How does the workout compare to your usual run? "It's harder in terms of the effort because of the resistance of the water," says Solkin, "but there's no impact, so it's safe in terms of injury prevention." You probably won't be able to get your heart rate as high in the water as you would on land because you can't turn your legs over as fast. And there's not a lot of variety involved-no changing scenery, no hills or turns. You can add some variety by angling your body differently, pumping your arms higher or shortening your stride, says Solkin, but really "the most you can do is go slower or faster. And it's really tough to go fast in the water."

Because you're basically running in place, and probably without the distractions of the treadmill, such as headphones or television, mental imagery is important. Better yet, look for a deep-water running class at your gym, or see if a class is offered through a local running club. A group aqua run gives you the camaraderie of bobbing around in a pool with other runners, and the instructor can lead you through a workout with more focus than you might muster on your own.

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