Want to firm your thighs and stomach without suffering from endless running sessions? When temperatures rise, many look for a sport that tones up, helps lose a few pounds and lightens the legs, while remaining pleasant. A water activity ticks precisely these boxes.
This is aquabike, a cycling session on a two-wheeler immersed in a heated swimming pool, practiced in a group class. This aquatic sport combines cardio, muscle strengthening and draining work: in 45 minutes of dynamic effort, certain sessions allow you to burn up to 600 calories and gradually refine your figure.
Aquabike: a complete sport to refine without traumatizing the joints
Classes take place in groups, with a coach who paces the session with music and dim lighting. Water limits shock, protects knees, hips and back, while creating natural resistance that makes each pedal stroke more demanding.
As a result, the thighs, glutes, calves and abdominals work continuously, without weighing down the muscle but making it firmer. The massage effect of the water stimulates blood circulation, reduces water retention, slightly smoothes cellulite and limits aches. By practicing 1 to 3 times a week, many notice visible changes after 8 to 10 sessions, or about a month.
What aquabike changes in your muscles…and in your brain
For neuroscientist J. Nicholas Betley, training also strengthens the brain: “You exercise, your muscles become stronger, your lungs become stronger, your heart becomes stronger and your brain becomes stronger and all that is the consequence of sport”, quoted by National Geographic. He describes the effort as “In the whole brain and particularly in the hypothalamus, there is enormous mobilization” and asks: “What is all this neuronal activity doing?”
In his study in mice, he observed that certain neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus “doubled the activity”. Physiologist Mark Hargreaves summarizes: “These results suggest that SF-1 ventromedial hypothalamus neurons in the (central nervous system) are also involved in adaptation to regular sporting activity.” According to him, “These results once again highlight the beauty of integrative physiology” and prove that “All relevant organ systems collaborate to ensure an adequate response” to exercise.
Pace, results and precautions before starting aquabike
The researchers point out that these results primarily concern the mouse. Dayu Lin asks: “Mice don’t exercise. Do they really intentionally think ‘I need to stay in shape, so I’m going to go running’?” Alan Watts believes that “The science is excellent and the results, obtained using cutting-edge techniques, are important,” but also adds that “Mice are a poor model of human energy control.” Touched by his own work, J. Nicholas Betley reviewed his lifestyle: “After these laboratory experiments, I tried to do 300 minutes (or 5 hours) of physical activity per week” and noted: “After 300 minutes per week, you are a completely different person.”
Aquabiking remains interesting if you have weak knees or extra pounds. Just check with your doctor if you have a heart problem, pregnancy, or recent injury.
Aquabike: when will the first results be seen?
Often after 8 to 10 regular sessions.
Does aquabiking really slim your thighs?
Yes, it firms the lower body without overloading it.
Aquabike and knee pain: is it compatible?
Yes in general, but seek medical advice if the pain persists.
