Ever since I first heard about NYC’s newest studio AQUA, which features cycling classes in a pool, I’ve been intrigued. This past Sunday I teamed up with fellow blogger and fitness enthusiast Rachel of STRENGTH + Sole to check it out!
I was a bit anxious and not sure what to expect before class 1.) I’m a TERRIBLE swimmer. Anytime I attempt to swim it’s pretty pitiful. 2.) I’m a wimp when it comes to cold water. 3.) What was spinning underwater going to be like?
I’m happy to say that I did not drown, the water was the perfect temperature and underwater spinning was a cool sensation unlike any other class I’ve taken.
The studio is absolutely beautiful and has a very spa-like feel. One of the super friendly front desk employees explained that the plan is to eventually offer facials on the first floor, which totally makes sense given the calm and zen thing they got going on.
After grabbing my jellies (yes! Instead of spin shoes you wear jellies) and signing some forms I was ready to aqua cycle!
(the 90’s child in me was thrilled to be wearing jellies again.)
Instructor Krystal helped me set up my bike based on my height and explained that I would be controlling the resistance. Unlike in a typical spin class where the resistance is controlled by a knob, underwater YOU create the resistance so the faster you go, the more resistance there will be.
The actual sensation of riding the bike underwater is hard to explain– it’s both difficult yet easy at the same time because I was trying so hard to stay balanced and execute nice smooth pedal strokes, yet the water made my legs feel light as a feather.
The class was similar to a typical spin class in many ways– there’s still first position (sitting) second position (standing up almost straight) and third position (butt over the saddle) but thanks to the buoyancy of the water there’s also a 4th position where you float behind the bike holding onto the seat. I kind of loved this move because it something you could never do on land thanks to gravity.
My favorite aspect was the added arm exercises that were possible in the water. I’m a closeted aqua-robics lover (my good friend Annica and I loved hitting up the water classes at our gym in Westchester. The little old ladies loved us!) so I was a fan of using the water resistance for an arm workout. I also loved how “zen” it was compared to your typical spin class. Don’t get me wrong, I love a sweaty spin class that takes your breath away with an instructor who pushes you, but this was an awesome change of pace. Instead the ambiance was far more calm from the candles on the edge of the pool to the lower volume of the music. Yes I’m using the words calm and zen to describe a place in NYC!
Before class there was a lot of discussion about what we were going to wear– er working out in a bikini does not sound like a great idea. I decided on a sports bra, workout top and running shorts but I think just a sports bra and bikini bottoms would’ve been the better choice since my shorts kept swooshing around in the water
As far as workout goes not it’s not the most intense spin class you will take, but there’s still a lot of hard work going on. It’s meant to be a more therapeutic approach to cycling and I imagine it would be a great way for an injured athlete to keep fit. I thought of it as the yoga of indoor cycling.
Founder Esther Gauthier was kind enough to answer some of my questions regarding the benefits of aqua cycling and tips for newbies
What are the benefits of aqua cycling compared to a typical cycling class?
Cycling in the water provides additional benefits compared to cycling on land. Water gives you a natural massage that drains your lymphatic system. Thanks to the buoyancy of water, there is also no impact on your joints. The water is very therapeutic and relaxes you [while] smooth[ing] your muscles.
What kinds of changes and transformations have you seen in people who take aqua cycling classes regularly?
-One has lost about 8 lbs by coming 3 times a week. She is glowing.
-Another one comes specially at the evening class because she usually has trouble sleeping and now that she aqua cycles, she goes to bed after class and sleep like a rock.
-Another one couldn’t even come down the ladder when she came the first time. She now walks without any problem and has seen drastic changes in her health condition.
-A women wasn’t able to walk without a pain for more than a year. She explained that since she started the classes, she doesn’t hurt anymore.
Many stories like this… A work-out is important. But the good work-out is key. Aquacycling is a very good cardio, fun and challenging but mixed with a good lymphatic massage and a session with your physical therapist. All this in one 45min class.
How do you think the experience differs from the typical NYC cycling class?
The experience differs as it is more of an escape. Many customers says that they feel like they escape the city and when they get here, this is their time to unwind. When you see the automatic smile on their face when they come up the stairs, almost 90% of the time, you really feel like your are bringing joy and happiness to people. This is what we want to do. We try our best to provide a very high quality and unique service to make our customers feel special and help them find peace in their routine.
How is aqua cycling safer than cycling on land?
It is safer thanks to the water. The water protects your muscles, your joints. Placing a bike in the water was first invented by a physical therapist in Italy who was rehabilitating athletes. Water is GOOD for you. It just is. You do not feel pain after a class in the water. Your muscles are thither, they worked. But they are not hurt, sore.
What are your tips for someone new to aqua cycling?
For someone new, it is very important to focus on getting a smooth pedaling, engaging your core. One other advantage of being in the water is that you always have to engage your cores, much more than on land, which makes it a very full body workout.
Meet Rachel and read about her experience at AQUA
Would you ever take an underwater cycling class?
What’s the quirkiest or more unique fitness class you’ve ever taken?
Before this I would have to say acro yoga was up there and “pound” where you drum along to popular music for an intense workout.
What a fun looking class!! I would love to do that! I laughed out loud when you called it the yoga of indoor cycling – now that’s my kind of yoga!
it’s sounds crazy, but that’s what it felt like!