Aqua Cycling: The New Way to Spin in the Water
More and more people are choosing to exercise in the pool. Beyond swimming itself, there are several disciplines with less impact on the joints and many benefits at a cardiovascular level. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about aqua cycling or water biking.
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What is aqua cycling?
Yes, you can! You can definitely ride a bicycle in the water with no problems! In addition to being very fun, aqua cycling (which emerged in Europe but currently has fans all over the world) is extremely beneficial for your health. Basically, aqua cycling is spinning in the pool.
Bicycles – especially designed for the water – are placed side by side in a pool at a depth of up to 120 centimeters (about 4 feet). This way, the upper part of the body is out of the water but the legs are underwater.
Aqua cycling is a similar exercise to spinning class since it includes intervals, speed, strength, and rest periods. The sessions last approximately 45 minutes and are accompanied by upbeat music to give the pedaling some rhythm.
While swimming and water aerobics are still popular exercises, the truth is that aqua cycling is gaining more and more followers in the world of fitness.
This fun way of exercising is suitable and safe for all ages. In addition, each individual can choose the intensity that they desire. In other words, each individual can go at their own pace.
So, what equipment and accessories do you need to go cycling in the water? A swimsuit (for women, it’ll be more comfortable if it’s a one-piece suit; for men, it’s a good idea to choose a fitted and stretchy suit that’s tighter around the thighs) and water shoes.
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Benefits of aqua cycling
Aqua cycling, or spinning in the water, is a discipline that undoubtedly attracts the attention of many people. Even if you’re skeptical, take a look at all the benefits that aqua cycling has to offer:
1. Tones the muscles
Riding a bicycle is an excellent exercise for toning the legs and buttocks. In addition, spinning is also good for working the upper body: abdominals, arms, pectorals, and back.
2. Increases strength and coordination
As you are pedaling, you’re strengthening your muscles. Additionally, you also increase your coordination by making your muscles practice working together more. It may seem insignificant, but the simple act of stretching one leg while bending the other is already a challenge for your body.
3. Improves cardiovascular health
Cycling in the water is a very complete cardio exercise since the heart must pump more blood and the lungs have to oxygenate the body faster. The underwater environment of these dynamic classes demands even more from your body.
4. Reduces impact on the joints
One of the reasons why people decide to do water sports is because the impact on your joints is much less than on land. In addition, when you’re submerged underwater, it doesn’t feel as if you’re working that hard. As a result, you seem to feel less tired.
5. Helps you lose weight
A 45-minute aqua cycling workout can help you to lose an average of 450 calories, although it depends on the individual. Nonetheless, aqua cycling is an ideal workout for those who want to lose weight.
6. Helps reduce the appearance of cellulite
With aqua cycling, you’re stimulating the circulation in your legs and moving your lower body quickly and with intensity. As a result, cycling in the water is perfect for combatting cellulite or sagging in the buttocks and thighs.
7. Helps to reduce stress
Being in contact with water is already reason enough to feel happy and forget about your problems. If you add that advantage to all the benefits of exercise, it’s easy to understand aqua cycling is a ‘grounding’ activity for many people. In fact, aqua cycling can really help you to eliminate the tension and stress of the day.
8. Aqua cycling creates connections between people
Aqua cycling is a group activity that has many benefits on an emotional level. It allows you to make friends, keep in contact with other people, talk to people you don’t know, etc.
Don’t hesitate to try this new workout and enjoy an aqua cycling session. Spinning in the water will become your favorite workout once you start seeing the results. At first, try taking it slow. With some practice, you’ll be able to keep up with the others. Most importantly, have fun!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Di Masi, F., Silveira, A. L. B., Braz, M. A., Gatica, S. L. A., Borreani, S., Brasil, R. M., & Dantas, E. H. M. (2014). Efectos de un programa de aquagym en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de La Actividad Física y Del Deporte.