Fun & Fitness: Underwater Cycling

Imagine a workout session that enables you to stay fit, doesn’t leave you with sore muscles, and one that you have serious fun engaging in — this is underwater cycling. Engaging in an exercise routine that you enjoy is likely to give you more health benefits and it does not leave you feeling as tired and drained as other workouts. You can have fun and keep fit with aqua spin classes.

 What is Underwater Cycling

Underwater Cycling, also known Aqua Cycling, is an enjoyable low-impact water exercise that involves cycling in water on a Hydrorider Aqua Bike. Cycling underwater helps reduce the impact of cycling on the body while aiding joint mobility and strengthening the body.  Underwater cycling is perfect for anyone with muscular, joint, or weight problems and suitable for those want to exercise without knee pain or further joint damage.

How It’s Done

The Hydrorider Aqua Bike is submerged in 1.2-1.6m of water. It is as easy as riding a bike.  You just sit on the bike, slip your feet into the pedal cages as you start pedaling.

The Hydrorider Aqua Bike features a flywheel with four paddles that offer smooth, gradual changes in resistance while increasing cycling speed. The Hydrorider has the largest paddle available in the market for the greatest resistance underwater. This resistance increases as you increase your cycling speed. The seat and handlebars can be adjusted horizontally and vertically to help you set the perfect position for your body depending on your height, leg length, and arm reach to make your aqua cycling experience more comfortable.

There are many riding positions. You can enjoy a seated ride, climb, or stand. However, one, more unusual is the recumbent style position, where you cycle in a low cycling position of the back of the Aqua Bike. This reduces impact on your muscles and joints as 90% of the body is submerged and buoyant in the water. This recumbent style position enables a range of motion even in severe cases of inflammation, limited mobility, or post-trauma or surgery. The structure of the Aqua Bike structure enables rotation alignment, and the high cycling speed increases the benefits of the water’s Hydrostatic pressure on the body. Please do not try this position on your mountain bike or exercise bike at home. 

Variations of cycling position can help improve the physical functioning of support structures of the body, i.e. bones, muscles, and joints. The water's buoyancy helps decompress joints, by providing a weightless feeling during the activity and puts less impact on the joints. Also, the warmth of the water relaxes the muscles which reduce stiffness and pain and enables recovery.

Why Enroll in an Aqua Spin Class?

Aqua spin classes are the ultimate fitness regimens because they are high-intensity but fun to be in. During an aqua spin class, a certified instructor will lead you through a 45-minute interval class, which includes a warm-up, different cycling positions, underwater arm resistance exercises, and stretching, all set to paced music. The constant movement of your body boosts your heart rate and forces your muscles to work harder, which can help you burn up to 800 calories per hour. The water's hydrostatic pressure massages your muscles to help improve your body’s circulatory function and help your body heal. The result? A holistic workout that leaves you feeling toned, fitter, tighter, and relaxed —not terribly sore.

This under-water workout is awesome for just about anyone, whether you love the beach and a water environment, trying to shed a few kilograms, have an injury or your are sore from training, pregnant, or just wishing you got more wear out of the swimsuits you bought this summer. 

If you don’t have an underwater spin class near you, it can be done at home in your home pool. However, ensure you consult with a professional aqua spin class instructor so they’ll guide you on how to exercise properly. 

Benefits of Underwater Cycling

Engaging in underwater cycling has immense benefits, including;

• It is a fun workout

• Strengthened cardiovascular health

• Improved circulatory function

• Improved musculoskeletal health

• Higher calorie burn

• Aids in toning muscles

• It is kind on muscles and joints

• It helps reduce stress and anxiety

• Improves sleep health

Interested In Trying Underwater Spinning? Here’s What You Need To Know

• What to Wear: You can just wear your regular swimwear, or whatever you feel comfortable in. Note that you will get wet. Although you may only be submerged up to your chest or neck, they will definitely be splashing that can get to your hair. Chances are, you already have the right clothes to wear to an aqua spin class.

Also, wear comfortable shoes. Wearing shoes is a must for you to safely use an Aqua Bike. Reef shoes that drain water quickly are highly recommended. Ordinary speakers absorb water easily and they can get damaged and cause calf pain.

• What to bring: Bring a bottle of water. Keeping hydrated while exercising is important, even when you are exercising in water. If the pool that you will be exercising in is outside in the sun, do not forget your sunscreen and/or a hat to protect you from the sun. 

Also, bring your smile; aqua spin classes can be extremely fun. 

Have Fun and Stay Fit

Underwater cycling is a high-intensity but low impact exercise that has immense benefits on your body. Make sure you look for a professional instructor to engage in underwater cycling in the safest and most beneficial way. Contact Water Resist for the best aqua spin classes. They are underwater professionals who’ll enable you to stay fit and have fun at an affordable price.