The oldest medicine in the world
Hippocrates knew it two and a half thousand years ago: "Walking is the best medicine." Modern medicine agrees — but adds one important condition: it matters where and how you move.
In Marienbad, this is not about an air-conditioned gym. It is about movement in an environment that heals by itself — the forests of the Slavkov Forest, an elevation of 630 metres, air saturated with phytoncides, and a silence you cannot find in the city.
Terrain therapy: exercise on prescription
Terrain therapy is a tradition in Marienbad dating back to the 19th century. It is not a stroll — it is medically prescribed walking along paths with a defined gradient, length, and elevation gain.
At your initial examination, the spa doctor will recommend a specific route based on:
- Fitness level — from flat walks to steep climbs
- Diagnosis — cardiovascular patients follow different routes than orthopaedic patients
- Goals — rehabilitation, weight reduction, strengthening the circulatory system
Why does it work better than an ordinary walk?
Terrain therapy combines three factors that do not come together in the city:
- Controlled exertion — uphill sections train the heart, downhill sections strengthen the joints
- Forest environment — phytoncides from conifers demonstrably increase NK cell (natural killer cell) activity in the immune system
- Clean air — fewer allergens, less particulate matter, more oxygen
Nordic walking in the spa park
Nordic walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise for spa guests. Walking with poles engages up to 90% of the body's muscles — compared with 40% during regular walking.
In Marienbad, Nordic walking trails lead directly from the spa park into the surrounding forests. The paths are marked and graded by difficulty:
- Green — flat, 2–4 km, suitable after surgery and for seniors
- Blue — gentle incline, 4–8 km, moderate fitness
- Red — challenging, 8–15 km, for active athletes
Water exercises: movement without strain
For those with joint problems or recovering from surgery, the spa hotels offer exercises in pools filled with mineral water. Water buoyancy relieves the body of 90% of its weight — you move easily and without pain.
Water exercises are particularly effective for:
- Rehabilitation after hip or knee replacement
- Back and spinal pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Weight reduction (water provides resistance while protecting the joints)
What the science says
Longitudinal studies published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology show that regular terrain therapy in a spa environment:
- Lowers systolic blood pressure by 8–12 mmHg after 14 days
- Increases cardiorespiratory fitness by 15–20% over 3 weeks
- Reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) levels by 23%
- Improves sleep quality in 78% of participants
Movement plan for a spa week
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Initial examination | Park walk (2 km) |
| Tue | Group exercise | Terrain therapy — green trail |
| Wed | Water exercises | Drinking cure + rest |
| Thu | Nordic walking (5 km) | Sauna + relaxation |
| Fri | Terrain therapy — blue trail | Individual exercise |
| Sat | Trip to Kladska | Free programme |
| Sun | Morning yoga in the park | Final consultation |
Who should come?
An active spa stay is suitable for virtually everyone — from convalescents to athletes seeking active recovery. We especially recommend it for:
- Those over 50 — prevention of sarcopenia (muscle loss)
- Sedentary professions — restoring healthy movement patterns
- After injuries and surgeries — supervised rehabilitation in nature
- Athletes — recovery and training at altitude
More about activities in Marienbad and planning your stay.
