When my friend Celestine Cox, NYC invited me to attend an Aquacycling class last year, I was skeptical about it as I had never heard of such an exercise and could not fathom getting a good workout under water. I was familiar with spinning as we've attended a few Spin classes at the YMCA-Broadway on Staten Island for a total body cardio workout, but now you are talking about spinning under 4 feet of water that harmoniously pairs the challenge of high-intensity cardio and full-body toning with the natural healing properties of salt water!
Since I considered myself as an adventurous woman and in continuation of my birthday celebration this year, I accepted Celeste's offer and she invited a few more friends, Asia Green and Sharon Lipscomb to attend a session with spirited French instructor, JC led Lochte at Aqua Studio, 78 Franklin Street, New York, N.Y. 10013. We loved it! It was everything that we loved about spin - intense cycling, unorthodox arm and chest exercises performed on a bike, inspiring music, intructor who was friendly, knowlegeable and patient and more importantly, no muscle and joint pain!
Aquacycling, a workout brought to the U.S. in 2013 by a Parisian named Esther Gauthier, who founded AQUA in New York City wanted to incorporate everything you love about spin—and add salt water, swimsuits, and enough resistance to make you feel like you have weights strapped onto your body. It's grueling, effective, and totally therapeutic. Now subtract the one downside to traditional cycling: the potential for joint injury. Gauthier, who worked in photo production before taking an aquacycling class in Paris that inspired her to become an entrepreneur and introduce the workout to Americans, credits those benefits as the reason she is betting on aquacycling becoming the next big fitness-trend-turned-everyday-workout in the U.S.
"Aquatic exercises help to strengthen while protecting from joint pain and reducing injury," says Alice Holland, D.P.T., a physical therapist at Stride Strong Physical Therapy in Portland, OR. "It's good conditioning in between practices for athletes, and also as a means of recovery for injured patients." If you've ever complained about your knees after a traditional cycling class on land, you have even more reason to give it a try underwater. "If you take a cycling class on land, the standing up and bouncing might be tough on your knees. Aquacycling will not have the same effect since the buoyancy of the water helps relieve stress on our joints," says Kate Hamm, a former NCAA swimmer, certified AEA Aquatic Pe the pressure of the water against your body will actually help with any swelling of joints."
On top of being a great workout for the elderly, pregnant women, and injured athletes who don't want to aggravate or worsen any injuries, aquacycling is also just a damn good workout. Those who spin underwater can expect greater calorie burn at the same rate of perceived exertion (meaning you get a more efficient workout in the same amount of time you'd spend on land, plus the added comfort of working out in buoyant water), says Amanda Dale, an ACE-certified personal trainer and AFAA-certified exercise instructor.
There's also the constant resistance. "On land, if you do a biceps curl, gravity helps to support the hand to the start position," Hamm says. "In water, the same motion requires the triceps to work to return by your side. You can work two opposing muscles at the same time with one exercise instead of two."
Most classes are 45 minutes long and the only attire needed is a one-piece swimsuit or bikini, spandex shorts with a sports bra, and water shoes (check your venue to make sure you can rent them.
Before you dive in and commit to becoming an aqua fitness enthusiast, there are a few things you need to know. Injuries may not be common, but they can still happen. If you're pregnant or have blood pressure issues, check with your physician before starting. And since unexpected consequences can include cramping in the water, Holland says to stay hydrated, preferably with a beverage that contains electrolytes.
To learn more about Aquacycling, visit www.aquastudiony.com.
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