Take Your Swim Spa Workout to the Next Level with an Aqua Bike
Our all around aquatic gym, the Aqua Sport Swim Spa, offers a fantastic way to get exercise and relaxation in your own backyard. But if you're looking to add some variety and challenge to your swim spa routine, then an aqua bike might be the perfect accessory for you. Pedal through your refreshing pool on a stationary bike, where the water's temperature is perfectly adjusted to your comfort.
What is an Aqua Bike? What is Aqua Cycling?
An aqua bike is a stationary bicycle designed specifically for use in a swim spa. It typically features a lightweight, corrosion-resistant marine steel frame, adjustable handlebars and seat for a comfortable fit, and pedals designed for use barefoot. Unlike a traditional exercise bike, the aqua bike's resistance comes from the water itself. The faster you pedal during aquatic cycling, the greater the resistance. This form of water cycling is easy on the knees due to water’s inherent buoyancy. The water's natural resistance strengthens your legs, core, and cardiovascular system, all while keeping you cool as a cucumber.
Benefits of Aqua Cycling
Aqua cycling is a full-body workout that strengthens your legs and core, while being gentle on your joints thanks to the water's buoyancy. This makes it ideal for people with injuries, arthritis, or back pain. Unlike land-based exercise, the water's resistance provides a challenging workout without causing micro tears in your muscles, leading to less soreness. The benefits extend beyond physical fitness too. Aqua cycling can help you improve your sleep quality and reduce stress levels. The exercise itself can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply, while the energy expenditure will leave you feeling pleasantly tired at night.
Other Benefits of Using a Swim Spa Exercise Bike
A Swim Spa Bike Provides Low-Impact High-Intensity Workout
Like all other forms of exercise done in water, cycling in a swim spa would be low-impact. Taking the pressure off your joints with water can make biking enjoyable again for those that aren’t able to bike on land. Aqua cycling can open up biking to those that no longer have the ability to bike out of water, while still providing a high-intensity workout if the user chooses to set the swim spa to a higher level!
Use an Aqua Bike for Rehabilitation and Recovery
The buoyancy and support of the water make aqua cycling a perfect exercise for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic pain conditions. The low-impact nature of the workout allows you to rebuild strength and improve flexibility without putting undue stress on your body.
Variety and Fun with a Swim Spa Exercise Bike
Let's face it, swimming laps can get monotonous after a while, especially when you’re swimming in place in a swim spa! Aqua cycling injects some fun and variety into your swim spa routine. It mimics the familiar motion of cycling, but with the added challenge and enjoyment of working out in the water. If you’re training for a triathlon you could swim, run, and bike all without leaving the swim spa, just adjust that speed to push yourself the hardest you can go to make sure you’re great on dry land!
Combine Aqua Cycling with Higher Swim Current for Added Challenge
Utilise the swim spa’s swim current to adjust how fast you aqua cycle. For an extra challenge, try using your aqua bike while facing a high level current. This will create an even more intense workout that simulates the intensity of hill climbing when cycling outdoors.
If you’re using a Hydropool AquaTrainer swim spa, you can do an actual hill climb or interval program using the AquaProAX controller. Hill Climb increases speed across a “hill”. Intervals work like a HIIT program for your swim spa, going between low speed to high speed repeated for the duration of the swim.
Hydropool Executive Trainer swim spas have the VFX control. This unlocks even more program options. These programs include Endurance, Cardio, Lap, Power, and Transition programs. To learn more about these, read our blog post about them!
If you’re training for a triathlon you can swim, run, and bike all without leaving the swim spa, just adjust that speed to push yourself the hardest you can go to make sure you’re great on dry land!
Finding the Right Aqua Bike
Aqua bikes are available from a variety of swim spa manufacturers and pool supply stores. Look for a bike with adjustable features to ensure a comfortable fit and choose one made from high-quality materials that can withstand the chlorine and other chemicals in your swim spa water. If you plan on taking your bike in and out of your pool, make sure it’s light enough to lift comfortably!
An aqua bike is a versatile and affordable way to add a new dimension to your swim spa routine. Whether you're looking for a low-impact, high-intensity workout, a fun way to mix things up, or a tool for rehabilitation, an aqua bike can help you get the most out of your swim spa. Ditch the pool buoys and kick boards, and get ready to experience the invigorating benefits of aqua cycling!
Featured Image Source: Canva, Image of Man on Bike Source: Hot Spring Spas of Eugene
