Hydrobike: what it is and what are the benefits of pedaling in water
Pedaling on an exercise bike placed in a shallow water pool, this is, in essence, the principle behind the hydrobike. In reality this sport is much more: fun, intense and super trendy, it allows you to keep fit without risking to put joints and muscles at risk. Let's see together what are its benefits and contraindications. Do you want to get fit? Don't miss the video dedicated to the exercises for the culottes!
What hydrobike is and how it is practiced
If you love water or can't bear to sweat while exercising, hydrobike could be the right sport for you. Developed by the sportsman and trainer Gian Paolo Bassini with the aim of creating a new fitness tool that would allow you to stay in shape while having fun, this kind of pool bike has already managed to conquer a crowd of enthusiastic followers. Thanks to the numerous benefits it offers. it brings the spinning water (the other name with which the hydrobike is known) and of the few contraindications. This new sport has become so famous that the CMAS (ie the International Underwater Activities Committee) has already recognized and certified it as a full-blown aquatic discipline.
So what is the hydrobike, or aquabike if you prefer? It is a type of high intensity training that is carried out in the pool on special bicycles placed in the water up to the handlebars and which is very reminiscent of spinning. An aquacycling session lasts an average of 40-50 minutes and takes place at a pace of music: getting bored (and not burning calories) is practically impossible!
A typical lesson usually starts with the warm-up phase, which aims to prepare the body for physical effort. Then, the actual training begins, which involves various levels of intensity and the use of numerous tools to train specific muscles of the body. Finally, the final relaxation part follows in which the aerobic intensity is lowered and the coach proposes some stretching exercises to relax the muscles.
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All the benefits of the hydrobike
The hydrobike has numerous benefits. The main ones are:
- It does consume a good amount of calories. This kind of spinning in the water is one of the most training endurance activities because it requires a good level of aerobic intensity. Thanks to the always fun and adrenaline-charged lessons, you hardly notice that you are actually burning a lot of fat.
- The exercise bike is placed in an indoor pool, which means that you can practice this activity in any weather condition.
- By subscribing to one of the numerous hydrobike courses in the fitness centers and swimming pools, you have the opportunity to meet new people and create a training group.
- It is "an aerobic activity that trains the muscles, breath and the cardiovascular system, just like running, swimming and cycling. Bike lessons increase leg and core strength without over-developing muscles. of the lower limbs.
Pedaling on a bicycle placed in the water helps to dispose of stagnant liquids, counteracts cellulite and reactivates the circulation of the legs. In fact, much of the beneficial effect on the vascularization of the lower limbs derives from the water massage. which after the lessons are tired, but also much lighter.
- It particularly strengthens the muscles of the lower body (quadriceps and hamstrings), but also the glutes and abdominals. However, it is also possible to train the upper part of the body using small weights: it will be enough to carry out exercises for the arms while you are pedaling. The weights are easily purchased in sporting goods stores or on Amazon.
- The hydrobike is perfect for fitness beginners because, being an activity that takes place in the water, it does not stress the joints and the spine. It also improves circulation and aerobic endurance.
- It increases the oxygenation of the tissues. This results in more toned legs and less cellulite. In short, the pedaling on the aquatic bike is a real panacea for the health of the whole organism.
Does the hydrobike have any contraindications?
Hydrobike is one of the safest and risk-free fitness activities because it takes place in shallow water. The contraindications are, therefore, very few, in fact it is a sport that can also be practiced by pregnant women (after asking the opinion of your doctor). The subjects who could have problems pedaling in the water are the very obese, those who have had injuries to the knee, back, or people who have respiratory diseases. In general, however, it is a safe activity that brings numerous benefits to the whole body.
