About the Yako-Paddles: The hand-held paddle equipment utilizes omni resistance (consistent drag and work throughout the range of motion). Paddles should be held lightly with thumb and forefinger so that the hand circulation is not compromised. Paddles may be held north south or east west depending on the desired intensity of the exercise. Also, if pulling down to the side of the body we recommend north to south position so you do not touch or graze your thighs. Keeping arms tight when swinging down and back will help with shoulder position and function. Be sure to start with vents open and then progress to advanced closed vents. Note that you must turn the cone at the top of the paddle (where there is a little lip) not at the bottom with the key. The key allows the cones to be become disassembled. How to disassemble these (sheet in box).
Be sure to warm up completely prior to engaging in advanced strengthening exercises. We recommend total body movements such as walking, skis, kicks, jax, rocking or cycling movements. Be sure to travel this moves forward, backward and sideways to work around the body. When adding upper body strength exercises – start with one to two sets of 8-25 repetitions and gradually increase to 3-5 sets or as able. Add some active recovery sets in between muscular strengthening sets. Note that Yako paddles may float on top of the water when exerciser needs to rest or recover their muscles or simply to add variety to the workout. When training upper body strength, always keep the shoulder joint submerged and protected when utilizing advanced strengthening exercises. This will provide natural traction with the hydrostatic pressure of the water’s buoyancy. Additionally submerging the paddle optimizes resistance and muscular work. A variety of exercises should be performed for total body health and muscular benefits. Do not simply push and pull the paddles back and forth in both directions (with speed only). Optimizing muscle works means working the movement biomechanically with the proper joint action. Be sure to push down into the water’s resistance rather than simply lifting up with buoyancy. Simply utilizing speed really uses only momentum so be sure to start a movement, use the intended joint action and then stop the movement to re-engage the muscle effectively. Paddles may be opened or closed with the vents to add more drag resistance. Start with open and work up towards closed cones or vents. Ideally, focus strengthening the weak muscle groups to help with muscular balance and joint stability. Strengthening a muscle means trying to work the muscle to become fatigued so that muscle is repairs and becomes stronger over time. Each individual and muscle group may have unique strength thresholds so work at an individual’s personal best. Be sure to provide some active stretching sets at the end of a program (without paddles).
Paddles & Cuffs may be utilized both shallow and deep depths. WaterART recommends wearing a buoyancy belt with deep water workouts when using cuffs and paddles because of the added drag and sinking of the body. We recommend wearing water shoes when exercising so that downward resistance is maximized and also in shallow water there is better traction and support of the feet to travel and generate more work or intensity.
About the WaterART Resistant Leg Cuffs: This equipment was primarily innovated for lower body strengthening or cardiovascular training by creating extra drag and surface area throughout the movement. However, these may be utilized on the wrists for upper body strengthening exercises if the person especially if someone is new to exercise or needs to train with less resistance prior to added the paddles.
The Resistant Cuff allows the legs to assume a natural position while the lower body drags through the water. The equipment sinks so it does not aggravate knee problems (as opposed to buoyancy equipment that may float up and add more compression to the knee). Resistant cuffs come in one size but may be gentle pulled apart to wrap around the ankle. Ideally, the first time wearing pull apart holding either end of the neoprene cuff and Velcro to better open the solid cuff outer area. Pull apart or stretch gently as needed. Should your ankle be sensitive an ankle sock may be worn under the cuff. Always be sure the knee or joint is soft (not locked) when performing any exercises. All movements may be progressed to add the Resistant cuffs. Start with about 5-10 minutes and then gradually build your workout duration. Especially when wearing shoes with resistant cuffs, there is significant lower body work which typically is assisted with buoyancy may be easily resisted for better caloric expenditure and lower body functional strength. Additionally, cuffs may be worn on wrists for easier intensity or variety especially for upper body strength exercises. With all new equipment, try a few exercises your first session and then build gradually with both quantity and intensity of exercise. There are unlimited ways to kick up your workouts to gain the most results in the least amount of time. Here are a few videos that utilize the cuffs in our over 378 program library. We number our videos since there are many shallow, deep or even land programs. check out V298, V299, V301,V302, V307, and water walking is awesome with paddles & cuffs check out V308, V309,
Check out our video library for how to use equipment safely and effectively.
Added Value Combination Kits
Our goal is to only carry the best possible products, programs and tools for fitness professionals and consumers so that our industry may develop and flourish. We want to help people with fitness and realize that fitness is a lifetime sport.
his aquatic fitness gym kit includes everything you need to progress a total body program. Learn how to turn your pool into the gym of the future (water gym!).
Whether you are new to water exercise or a pro, this kit gives you the tools to help you improve your cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. Workout at least 2-3 times a week and discover the fountain of youth! Strengthen your muscles to support your joints and add functional weight bearing to your routine.
For instructions on how to use each piece of equipment beneficially, consult our awesome educational video library and laminated reference cards for more information and exercise ideas & techniques
This Combo Paddles & Cuffs kit includes:
- Pair of Yako- Paddles.
- Pair of WaterART Resistance Cuffs
- Laminated Reference Card for poolside
- WaterART Purple Net Carry Bag with handles
- V298 How to Use Paddles & Cuffs (via WaterART Fitness Educational App streaming )
THANKS FOR PURCHASING WATERART AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO GROWING THE INDUSTRY WITH EDUCATION & MOTIVATION.


